What is Biblical Numerology?

Quite simply put, Biblical Numerology discusses the symbolism of numbers that has been used in the Bible.

These numbers have been used to portray certain significant thoughts and events and ideas in the Bible and therefore their symbolism gains importance.

Let us look at the symbolism of Biblical Numerology:

1

In John 1.1 it is stated: "In the beginning was the Word…and the Word was God." Thus, the number 1 is defined as a beginning and the expression of a creative idea.

2

In Matthew 6.24 it is stated: "No man can serve two masters…ye cannot serve God and Mammon."

In Matthew 12.25 it is stated: "A house divided against itself shall not stand."

In Matthew 18.19 it is stated: "If two agree, it shall be done."

Thus, the number 2 talks of choices that one has to make and that duality of choices can cause danger and when these opposites meet, there is harmony.

3

The number 3 stands for the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), or the triad. The story of Jesus Christ itself contains many 3s. He rose after 3 days. He was denied 3 times by Peter. Jesus sat for supper with his 12 Apostles (1 + 2 = 3). Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver (3 + 0 = 3).

4

Mark 1.13 states: "And He was there in the wilderness forty days tempted by Satan; and was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered unto Him."

The Israelites wandered for 40 years. Moses was on the mount for 40 days.

Matthew 14.25 states: "At the fourth watch, just as gray dawn was breaking, they beheld one walking on the water."

There are four directions: North, South, East and West.

40 is 4 + 0 = 4.

The number 4, thus talks of measurement, the physical realms, logic and spiritual understanding.

5

There are 5 wounds of Jesus Christ. There are 5 senses in our body.

Thus, the number 5 stands for mediation and understanding.

6

John 2.6 states: "And there were set there six water pots of stone for the wedding feast."

6 is also the number of Man, as Man was created on the 6th day.

Thus, 6 is the number for marriage, harmony and beauty.

7

There are 7 days in a week, 7 seals, 7 sacraments, 7 deadly sins, 7 devils rejected by Christ. Noah’s ark remained on Mount Ararat for 7 months and then when he sent out the dove, it came back after 7 days.

God rested on the 7th day, after His creation was complete.

7 is thus, the number of completion, and of rest.

8

There were 8 people on Noah’s ark.

God made 8 covenants with Abraham.

8 is the symbol of involution and evolution.

9

9 is thus the number of completion of all cycles, attainment and fulfillment.

Thus, all the numbers have been given special significance in the Bible and thus have become full of mystical symbolism which has evolved over time.