Biblical Significance:

The number 77 holds symbolic and thematic significance in the Bible, often associated with themes of forgiveness, completeness, and divine order. It appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, each contributing to its overall biblical meaning.

Occurrences in Scripture:

1. Genesis 4:24 · In the early chapters of Genesis, the number 77 is mentioned in the context of Lamech, a descendant of Cain. Lamech declares, "If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times." This passage highlights the escalation of vengeance and the deepening of sin in the lineage of Cain, contrasting with the divine principle of forgiveness.

2. Matthew 18:21-22 · In the New Testament, the number 77 is directly linked to the theme of forgiveness. When Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother who sins against him, Jesus responds, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." This teaching emphasizes the boundless nature of forgiveness that Jesus advocates, surpassing human limitations and reflecting divine grace.

Symbolic Interpretations:

· Forgiveness and Mercy: The use of 77 in Matthew 18:22 underscores the importance of forgiveness in Christian ethics. It suggests that forgiveness should be limitless, mirroring God's infinite mercy towards humanity.

· Completeness and Perfection: In biblical numerology, the number 7 often symbolizes completeness or perfection. The repetition of 7 in 77 can be seen as an intensification of this idea, suggesting a double measure of completeness or divine order.

· Contrast of Human and Divine Justice: The juxtaposition of 77 in Genesis 4:24 and Matthew 18:22 presents a contrast between human vengeance and divine forgiveness. While Lamech's declaration reflects a human tendency towards excessive retribution, Jesus' teaching calls for a radical departure from this mindset, advocating for a divine standard of mercy.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, numbers often carried symbolic meanings, and the biblical use of numbers like 77 would have resonated with contemporary audiences. The repetition of numbers was a common literary device used to emphasize particular themes or messages.

Theological Implications:

The number 77 invites reflection on the nature of forgiveness and justice in the biblical narrative. It challenges believers to consider the depth of God's forgiveness and to emulate this in their relationships with others. The contrast between human and divine responses to wrongdoing serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of grace.

Conclusion:

The number 77, while not frequently mentioned in the Bible, carries significant weight in its appearances. It serves as a symbol of the expansive nature of forgiveness and the divine call to transcend human limitations in the pursuit of mercy and justice.77 (1 Occurrence)

Ezra 8:35
The children of the captivity, who had come out of exile, offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel, twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve male goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering to Yahweh.
(See NAS)

77 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 77 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 8:35 The children of the
captivity, who had come out of exile, offered burnt offerings ...
/num/77.htm - 6k

Forget (77 Occurrences)
... It is also used of God forgetting or not seeming to care (Psalm 9:12; Psalm 10:11,
12; 13:01; 42:09:00; 77:9 Isaiah 49:15, etc.). ... Forget (77 Occurrences). ...
/f/forget.htm - 31k

Growth (77 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Growth (77 Occurrences). Matthew 6:27 But which of
you by carefulness can add to his growth one cubit? (DBY). ...
/g/growth.htm - 29k

Grown (77 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. p) of Grow. Multi-Version Concordance Grown
(77 Occurrences). Matthew 13:15 for this people's heart ...
/g/grown.htm - 30k

Weary (77 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Weary (77 Occurrences). Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all
you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. (See NAS NIV) ...
/w/weary.htm - 29k

Treasures (77 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Treasures (77 Occurrences). Matthew 2:11 They
came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his ...
/t/treasures.htm - 31k

Rebuke (77 Occurrences)
... WL Walker. Multi-Version Concordance Rebuke (77 Occurrences). Matthew 16:22 Peter
took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! ...
/r/rebuke.htm - 32k

Restored (77 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Restore. Multi-Version Concordance
Restored (77 Occurrences). Matthew 5:13 "You are the ...
/r/restored.htm - 29k

Dressed (77 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dressed (77 Occurrences). Matthew 6:29 yet I tell you
that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. (WEB NIV). ...
/d/dressed.htm - 29k

Contrary (77 Occurrences)
... Occasionally a prefix gives a slightly different shade of meaning. Walter G.
Clippinger. Multi-Version Concordance Contrary (77 Occurrences). ...
/c/contrary.htm - 31k

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