Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Significance and Symbolism:The number seventy-five appears in the Bible in contexts that often relate to genealogies, ages, and specific events. While not as frequently mentioned as other numbers like seven or forty, seventy-five holds its own significance in the biblical narrative. Occurrences in Scripture: 1. Stephen's Speech in Acts: · In the New Testament, the number seventy-five is mentioned in Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin. In Acts 7:14, Stephen recounts the history of Israel and states, "Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all." This reference is part of Stephen's retelling of the account of Joseph and his family moving to Egypt. The number seventy-five here is significant as it reflects the total number of Jacob's family members who went to Egypt, according to the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament), which differs from the Masoretic Text that lists seventy. 2. Genealogical Reference: · The discrepancy between the number seventy-five in Acts and seventy in Genesis 46:27 and Exodus 1:5 is often discussed among scholars. The Septuagint, which Stephen likely referenced, includes additional descendants of Joseph, thus accounting for the number seventy-five. This highlights the variations in ancient manuscripts and the importance of understanding different textual traditions. Symbolic Interpretations: · Completeness and Transition: · The number seventy-five can symbolize completeness and transition, as it marks the full number of Jacob's family entering Egypt, a pivotal moment in Israel's history. This transition sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and subsequent exodus, foundational events in the biblical narrative. · Generational Significance: · In biblical genealogies, numbers often carry generational significance. The mention of seventy-five in the context of Jacob's family underscores the continuation of God's covenant promises through successive generations, despite the challenges they faced. Cultural and Historical Context: · Septuagint vs. Masoretic Text: · The difference in numbers between the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text reflects the diversity of textual traditions in the ancient world. The Septuagint was widely used in the early Christian church and often quoted in the New Testament, which explains Stephen's use of the number seventy-five. · Ancient Near Eastern Numerology: · In the broader context of the Ancient Near East, numbers often held symbolic meanings. While seventy-five does not have a widely recognized symbolic meaning outside the biblical text, its use in genealogical contexts aligns with the cultural emphasis on lineage and heritage. Conclusion: The number seventy-five, though not as prominent as other biblical numbers, plays a role in illustrating the movement and growth of Jacob's family, as well as the textual variations that exist within the biblical tradition. Its mention in Stephen's speech serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of biblical history and the importance of understanding the different textual sources that contribute to the biblical narrative. Concordance 75 (1 Occurrence)Genesis 6:15 Thesaurus 75 (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance 75 (1 Occurrence). Genesis 6:15 This is how you shall make it. The length of the ship will be three hundred ... /num/75.htm - 6k Suburbs (75 Occurrences) Necessary (75 Occurrences) Jehosh'aphat (75 Occurrences) Warriors (75 Occurrences) Raiment (75 Occurrences) Endures (75 Occurrences) Directed (75 Occurrences) Distance (75 Occurrences) Pursued (75 Occurrences) Resources Why do Daniel and Revelation give varying counts of 1,260, 1,290, and 1,335 days for the tribulation? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Abraham in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How many psalms did David write? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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