The Biblical Meaning of Numbers

SODOM & GOMORRAH: People have long searched the Scripture for deeper meaning. One somewhat neglected area of study has been the Biblical meaning of numbers. If each word in the Bible is the direct revelation of God, then each word must have significance and meaning for the believer. As a result, there must be a Biblical meaning behind what numbers are used since there are no coincidences or mistakes with God.

Below is a table that describes the Biblical meaning of numbers as I have found them in the Scripture. You are encouraged to do your own research to determine if the numerology and meanings are correct, or if they have any relevance to your understanding of the word. Before I present the full table, there is some justification behind a few of the numbers.

For instance, I claim that the number one denotes unity and new beginnings. We can see this with the first and only begotten Son, the first light, the first day, and so forth.

The number two can actually mean union or division, depending on its context. We see the Biblical requirement for two witnesses before condemning someone to death, the like example of the two witnesses in Revelation, but also we see phrases such as “double minded” and having a “double heart” which imply division.

I claim that the number three has a spiritual meaning of divine completeness and perfection, as exemplified through the Trinity.

The Biblical meaning of number four is the Creation and the world. We see this with references to the four winds, the four corners, the four seasons, and so on.

Five is generally grace, which first manifests itself in the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) which serves as God’s story of delivering the people into the promised land through his grace. Five is also the leading figure in the numbers given for the tabernacle measurements.

Six denotes man. Man was created on the sixth day, he works six days out of the week, his day is a multiple of six, and all men who stand against God are emphatically marked by six.

The meaning of seven is spiritual perfection. Seven regulates the periods of gestation and incubation for animals, humans, birds, and insects. There are seven trumps, seven seals, seven vials, and 7,000 who were chosen of God.

Eight is a new beginning. The eighth is a new first, as seen in music, colors, days of the week, and the first day after the Lord’s rest.

Nine denotes judgment, or spiritual fruit (the end result, the evaluation of the final product). It is 3 x 3, or the result of divine completeness. The number nine or related numbers are seen in all instances where judgment is the subject.

Ten represents the testimony and the law; there are ten commandments we all must follow and when ten is used, it is generally alongside a subject of finality.

Full Table of the Biblical Meaning of Numbers: