The concept of "two-thirds" appears in the Bible, most notably in the prophetic literature, where it often symbolizes a portion of judgment or division among a group. This fraction is used to convey the idea of a significant, yet not total, portion being affected or set apart.

Zechariah 13:8-9
The most prominent mention of "two-thirds" is found in the book of Zechariah. The prophet Zechariah speaks of a time of purification and judgment for the people of Israel. In Zechariah 13:8-9 , it is written: "And in all the land," declares the LORD, "two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but a third will be left in it. This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'They are My people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'"

In this passage, the "two-thirds" represents the portion of the people who will face destruction, while the remaining "one-third" will undergo a process of refinement and purification. This imagery underscores the theme of divine judgment and the remnant that remains faithful to God. The refining process is likened to the purification of precious metals, symbolizing the spiritual cleansing and strengthening of the faithful remnant.

Symbolism and Interpretation
The use of "two-thirds" in Zechariah is often interpreted as a metaphor for the separation between those who are faithful to God and those who are not. The fraction indicates a majority that faces judgment, while a minority is preserved and purified. This concept is consistent with the biblical theme of a remnant—a small, faithful group that remains true to God amidst widespread unfaithfulness or apostasy.

From a theological perspective, the passage emphasizes God's sovereignty in judgment and His commitment to preserving a people for Himself. The refining of the one-third is seen as an act of divine grace, where God purifies and prepares His people for a deeper relationship with Him.

Broader Biblical Context
While the specific fraction of "two-thirds" is not frequently mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, the idea of a remnant and divine judgment is a recurring theme. Throughout the Old Testament, God often distinguishes between the faithful and the unfaithful, preserving a remnant for His purposes. This theme is evident in the accounts of Noah, Lot, and the Israelites during the Babylonian exile.

In the New Testament, the concept of a faithful remnant continues, with the early Christian community often seen as the faithful few amidst a broader context of unbelief. The idea of purification and testing is also echoed in passages such as 1 Peter 1:6-7, where believers are encouraged to view trials as a means of refining their faith.

Conclusion
The mention of "two-thirds" in Zechariah serves as a powerful reminder of God's judgment and mercy. It highlights the seriousness of divine judgment while also offering hope through the promise of purification and restoration for those who remain faithful. This passage calls believers to reflect on their own faithfulness and the refining work of God in their lives.6371a. pim -- (a measure of weight) two-thirds of a shekel ...
... 6371, 6371a. pim. 6371b . (a measure of weight) two-thirds of a shekel
(approximately). Transliteration: pim Short Definition: two-thirds. ...
/hebrew/6371a.htm - 5k

6371. piymah -- (a measure of weight) two-thirds of a shekel ...
... piymah. 6371a . (a measure of weight) two-thirds of a shekel (approximately).
Transliteration: piymah Phonetic Spelling: (pee-maw') Short Definition: collops. ...
/hebrew/6371.htm - 5k

The Needle of the Compass of Need.
... It helps at once to this end to remember that two-thirds of all the peoples of the
earth are in the distinctly heathen, or non-Christian, lands. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the needle of the compass.htm

The Sins of the Elect and of the Penitent are of Many Kinds, but ...
... And others brought their branches two-thirds green and the remaining third
withered; and these stood apart. And others returned ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/similitude eighth the sins of.htm

The Analogy Between the Two Advents of Christ.
... their fingers. Almost two-thirds of the population of the entire civilized (?)
world were computed to have been slaves. Those who ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/10 the analogy between the.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Creation
... Why should two thirds of its surface be covered with water, and why should so much
of its remaining third be unfit for human cultivation or habitation? ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter two the sovereignty of.htm

In the Sunless Crypt
... Here two-thirds of the forces of Jerusalem were concentrated in a vain effort
to resist the dire inroads of these effective engines. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xviii in the sunless.htm

Church Union in Scotland.
... If the Overture shall receive the approval, with or without suggested amendment,
of two-thirds of the whole of the Presbyteries of the Church, the Assembly may ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/church union in scotland.htm

The Mystical Meanings in the Proportions of Numbers, Geometrical ...
... are sixfold, as three hundred is six times fifty; and tenfold, as three hundred
is ten times thirty; and containing one and two-thirds (epidimoiroi), for fifty ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xi the mystical meanings in.htm

Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions.
... the mission stations occupied by these brethren, the church is brought in direct
contact with five different heathen nations, containing two thirds of the ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/presbyterian board of foreign missions.htm

Just Published,
... Norwich. ^*[* Several pieces are now first printed from the Author's
Manuscripts, which make near two thirds of the Second Volume. ...
/.../just published.htm

Son, Go Work
... the earth. And what do we see now? After 1800 years two-thirds of the human
race have scarce heard the name of Jesus. And of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/iii son go work.htm

Two-thirds (2 Occurrences)
Two-thirds. Two-tenths, Two-thirds. Tychicus . Multi-Version
Concordance Two-thirds (2 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 13:21 ...
/t/two-thirds.htm - 6k

Weights (14 Occurrences)
... They do not seem to have employed the foot, though it is represented in the
two-thirds of the cubit, which was used by the Babylonians in the manufacture of ...
/w/weights.htm - 21k

Measures (50 Occurrences)
... They do not seem to have employed the foot, though it is represented in the
two-thirds of the cubit, which was used by the Babylonians in the manufacture of ...
/m/measures.htm - 35k

Two-tenths (11 Occurrences)
Two-tenths. Two-tenth, Two-tenths. Two-thirds . Multi-Version Concordance
Two-tenths (11 Occurrences). ... Two-tenth, Two-tenths. Two-thirds . Reference Bible
/t/two-tenths.htm - 9k

Tychicus (5 Occurrences)

/t/tychicus.htm - 14k

Psalms (44 Occurrences)
... one of the 48 that are anonymous. About two-thirds of the whole collection
have been ascribed to David. Psalms 39, 62, and 77 are ...
/p/psalms.htm - 54k

Cotton (3 Occurrences)
... Long-staple cotton has a fiber sometimes almost two inches long; short-staple, from
twothirds of an inch to an inch and a half. 2. (n.) The cotton plant. ...
/c/cotton.htm - 8k

Adoration
... 3. (n.) A method of electing a pope by the expression of homage from twothirds
of the conclave. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ADORATION. ...
/a/adoration.htm - 20k

Simeon (48 Occurrences)
... tribes. They decreased in the wilderness by about two-thirds (Comp. Numbers
1:23; 26:14). Moses pronounces no blessing on this tribe. ...
/s/simeon.htm - 35k

Saviour (157 Occurrences)
... and Soter, is used in as technical a way as is our "Saviour." But the distribution
of the 24 occurrences of the word is significant, for two-thirds of them are ...
/s/saviour.htm - 39k

What is the hadith in Islam? | GotQuestions.org

What are the pros and cons of attending a mega-church (megachurch)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the spiritual significance to a déjà vu experience? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus