Topical Encyclopedia The number 12,000 appears in the Bible primarily in the context of the Book of Revelation, where it is used symbolically to represent completeness and divine order. This number is often associated with the tribes of Israel and the eschatological visions of the Apostle John.Revelation 7:4-8 In Revelation 7:4-8, the number 12,000 is mentioned in the context of the sealing of the 144,000 servants of God. The passage states: "And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel: From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000 were sealed." This passage highlights the symbolic use of 12,000 as a representative number for each of the twelve tribes of Israel, culminating in the total of 144,000. The sealing of these individuals signifies their protection and divine selection during the tribulation period. Revelation 21:16 The number 12,000 also appears in Revelation 21:16 in the description of the New Jerusalem. The verse states: "The city lies foursquare, with its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with the rod: 12,000 stadia in length and width and height are equal." Here, 12,000 stadia is used to describe the dimensions of the New Jerusalem, emphasizing its perfect symmetry and divine proportions. The use of 12,000 in this context underscores the completeness and perfection of God's eternal city. Symbolic Significance The number 12,000, as seen in these passages, is often interpreted symbolically rather than literally. It is derived from the number 12, which is frequently associated with God's people (e.g., the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve apostles). The multiplication of 12 by 1,000 amplifies the concept of completeness and divine order, suggesting a fullness of God's plan and purpose. In biblical numerology, the number 1,000 often signifies a large, complete quantity, and when combined with 12, it conveys the idea of a vast, divinely ordained multitude. This symbolic use of numbers is a common feature in apocalyptic literature, where numbers often carry deeper theological meanings beyond their literal sense. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, numbers held significant symbolic value. The use of 12,000 in the Book of Revelation would have resonated with early Christian audiences familiar with Jewish numerology and symbolism. The number would have been understood as representing a complete and divinely appointed group, whether referring to the sealed servants of God or the dimensions of the New Jerusalem. Overall, the number 12,000 in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of divine order, completeness, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Concordance 12000 (7 Occurrences)Revelation 7:5 Revelation 7:7 Revelation 7:8 Revelation 21:16 Joshua 8:25 1 Kings 10:26 2 Chronicles 9:25 Thesaurus 12000 (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance 12000 (7 Occurrences). Revelation 7:5 of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand, of the tribe of ... /num/12000.htm - 8k 10000 (8 Occurrences) 14000 (1 Occurrence) Ishtob (2 Occurrences) Ish-tob (2 Occurrences) Tob (5 Occurrences) Rehoboth (4 Occurrences) Shushan (19 Occurrences) Captivity (141 Occurrences) Rhodes (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |