Biblical Significance:

The number 500 appears in various contexts within the Bible, often symbolizing completeness or a large quantity. It is not as frequently mentioned as some other numbers, but it holds significance in the passages where it is found.

Old Testament References:

1. Genesis 5:32 : "After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth." This verse marks a significant point in the genealogy of Noah, indicating the age at which he began to father his sons, who would later play crucial roles in the narrative of the Flood and the repopulation of the earth.

2. 2 Samuel 24:9 : "Joab reported the number of the fighting men to the king: In Israel there were 800,000 valiant men who drew the sword, and in Judah 500,000." This passage is part of the account of King David's census of Israel and Judah, highlighting the military strength of the tribes, with 500,000 men from Judah being counted.

3. 1 Chronicles 21:5 : "And Joab reported to David the number of the fighting men: In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah." While this verse provides a slightly different count than 2 Samuel 24:9, it still emphasizes the large number of warriors, with Judah's count being close to 500,000.

New Testament References:

1. 1 Corinthians 15:6 : "After that, He appeared to more than 500 brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep." This verse is part of Paul's testimony about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, where he mentions that Jesus appeared to over 500 people at one time, providing a substantial witness to the resurrection.

Symbolic Interpretations:

In biblical numerology, the number 500 can be seen as a symbol of completeness or fullness, especially when considering its use in genealogies and large counts of people. It often represents a significant milestone or a large, rounded number that conveys the idea of abundance or sufficiency.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, large numbers like 500 were often used to convey the idea of a vast multitude or a significant measure. The use of such numbers in biblical texts can reflect both literal and symbolic meanings, depending on the context and the narrative purpose.

Theological Implications:

The mention of 500 in the context of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances underscores the reliability and widespread nature of the resurrection witness. It serves to strengthen the testimony of the early church regarding the reality of Christ's victory over death.

Conclusion:

The number 500, while not as prominent as some other biblical numbers, plays a role in conveying themes of completeness, abundance, and significant witness within the biblical narrative. Its appearances in both the Old and New Testaments highlight its importance in specific genealogical, military, and theological contexts.500 (4 Occurrences)

Genesis 5:32
Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
(See NIV)

Genesis 11:11
Shem lived five hundred years after he became the father of Arpachshad, and became the father of sons and daughters.
(See NIV)

Exodus 30:23
"Also take fine spices: of liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, even two hundred and fifty; and of fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty;
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 45:2
Of this there shall be for the holy place five hundred in length by five hundred in breadth, square all around; and fifty cubits for its suburbs all around.
(See NIV)

500 (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 500 (4 Occurrences). Genesis 5:32 Noah was five hundred
years old, and Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (See NIV). ...
/num/500.htm - 7k

Along (500 Occurrences)
... In Judges 7:12, "lay along in the valley," probably means "all the length" or
"at length.". Multi-Version Concordance Along (500 Occurrences). ...
/a/along.htm - 33k

Priest (500 Occurrences)
... HIGH PRIEST. See PRIEST, HIGH. PRIEST, CHRIST AS. See CHRIST, OFFICES OF.
Multi-Version Concordance Priest (500 Occurrences). Matthew ...
/p/priest.htm - 88k

Hold (500 Occurrences)
... first clause, "hold," and in the margin "prison.". Multi-Version Concordance
Hold (500 Occurrences). Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two ...
/h/hold.htm - 39k

Carchemish (3 Occurrences)
... that the tribute consisted of "2 talents of gold, 70 talents of silver, 80 talents
of bronze, 100 talents of iron, 30 talents of purple stuff, 500 weapons, his ...
/c/carchemish.htm - 13k

Shem (17 Occurrences)
... and the Nations Descended from Him: Shem, who is called "the father of all the children
of Eber," was born when Noah had attained the age of 500 years (Genesis ...
/s/shem.htm - 15k

Syria (73 Occurrences)
... sand dunes covered by short grass and low bushes, followed by a series of low
undulating hills and wide valleys which gradually rise to a height of about 500...
/s/syria.htm - 60k

Zoan (7 Occurrences)
... This great and important city was the capital of the Hyksos, or Shepherd kings,
who ruled Egypt for more than 500 years. It was the frontier town of Goshen. ...
/z/zoan.htm - 17k

468 (1 Occurrence)

/num/468.htm - 6k

530 (1 Occurrence)

/num/530.htm - 6k

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