Consider the symbolism of some numbers in the Bible.
When looking at the figures in the scriptures, attention should be paid not only to the number in question, but in particular to find out how many times that number appears in different writings. With current information technology, it’s easy. As we look at how many times that number exists in a particular context, the meaning of God’s word becomes apparent. In this way, the symbolism of God’s Word becomes evident. For example: Number 8 reflects a new beginning. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. God’s word is confirmed by the fact that the word Bethlehem appears in the New Testament just eight times. In the Old Testament, Bethlehem appears countless times, but Bethlehem does not have the same meaning in the Old Testament in describing the birthplace of Jesus Christ as the new beginning of mankind.
All this system of numbers and their symbolism is from God. How could all these numerous writers during 1500 years have been able to follow these writing rules without divine guidance.
The number of occurrences of a particular number is one of the biblical attributes. I will also look at biblical figures that are larger than numbers only. The total numeric value of letters in the name of Jesus is 888: Jesus in Greek is Ἰησοῦς Iēsous and the numeric sum of his name’s letters is: 10 + 8 + 200 + 70 +400 + 200= 888. The numeric sum of the Bible’s most significant Beast is 666. More on the Beast in my article.
This could be a coincidence if it was the only one, but the Bible is full of such “coincidences”. Are these just random numbers or do they have some deep significance? Let us consider the symbolism of some other numbers in the Bible.
Number 1
The number 1 is said to mean unity and oneness. What do those words actually mean? John 10:30 says I and the Father are one. This example was from the NENT but this is quite a typical translation. And another one: “The glory which you have given me I have given them, that they may be ONE, just as We are ONE” (Joh 17:22).
The translation means that God the Father and Jesus are in fact like one and the same God.
The widely accepted translation says: 1 John 5: 7-8: 7 And there are three who give testimony in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one. 8 And there are three that give testimony on the earth: the spirit, and the water, and the blood; and these three are one. – In 1 John 5: 7-8, which I have dealt with in a separate article, there is another way of translating this unity/oneness: NENT translation has found a good wording: 7 And it is the Spirit that witnesseth, for the Spirit is the truth. 8 Because the witnessing ones are three: the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and the three agree in one. –That is the question here; the heavenly ‘management team’ is in agreement. They are not together one God, but God the Father is the one and only God. I am explaining my meaning in more detail in chapter 3.
During the millennial kingdom, the world is unified in Christ. Zec 14:9: The Lord will be king over all the earth. In that day shall the Lord be one, and his name one. – Who is this Lord? Am. Std. shows us: ”And Jehovah shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall Jehovah be one, and his name one”. Sure, we have God the Father in addition to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Lord, and also the Holy Spirit of God.
Number 3
3 is the number of Divine completeness, which is called the Trinity. The proof is said to be found in Mat 28.19: ”Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, implying three persons in one.
According to Matthew, this is what Jesus said to his disciples in Galilee where they met when Jesus was resurrected. What a wonderful proof of trinity. Pity it is a forgery. See my justification in an article about baptism: ”Baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”.
God has three overall qualities; he is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. When speaking of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, do they all meet these three attributes? This is also to be considered on the basis of the writings on this site. What did Jesus say about himself? Did he claim to be almighty or did he just say and do what God commanded him to do? Did God raise him above all creation, did God give him eternal life? Jesus said before his ascension to heaven that God has given him all the power in heaven and on earth. Should not the Almighty have such power without being given to him?
In fact, God has given power over the earth to Satan. Not permanently, but for a definite time until the coming of the millennial kingdom of God, whose king is Christ. Sure, God is almighty and he could interfere with Satan’s administration at any time, but he will not do it. Why? Because he has given the earth to Satan. Luk 4:6 He [Satan] said to Jesus, “I will give you all this authority and the glory of these kingdoms. For it has been given to me, and I give it to anyone I please.
Number 4
4 is the number that describes the world. In the world, there are four cardinal directions. Even in ancient times, four elements were identified: land, air, fire, and water. There are four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. The day has four parts: morning, day, evening and night. God decided, after having created the material world in four days to create the animals on the fifth and man on the sixth day.
Prophet Daniel saw the vision (Dan 2:37) of four consecutive world powers and the four beasts that describe these powers (Dan 7: 1).
Number 6
From number 6 it is said that it is the number of incomplete human. Seven reflects perfection, but number 6 expresses sin and Satan’s impact on human life. This sin brought by Satan culminated in the early days of the Bible when Cain killed his brother Abel. The 6th commandment says “You shall not murder” (KJV ”kill”).
The greatest beast that has not yet emerged is the Antichrist according to the Revelation. The Antichrist is a direct translation of the Greek word ἀντίχριστος antikristos. This Antichrist is a man to whom Satan gives his great power. The number of the Antichrist is 666, it is the number of the Beast. Revelation, therefore, calls upon the one who has the understanding to count the number of the beast. Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six.
In six different parts of the Bible (Mar 3:22, Luke 11:15, John 7:20, 8:48, 8:52, 10:20), Jesus was claimed to be possessed by Beelzebub or that Jesus casts out the demons by the help of the ruler of the demons.
When Jesus was crucified there was darkness over all the land from the sixth hour unto the ninth hour (Mat 27:45)
Number 7
Number 7 describes spiritual perfection. The Word of God is seven times purged completely. Psa 12: 6 The words of Jehovah are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, purified seven times. Isa 34:16 says, Seek you out of the book of Jehovah, and read: no one of these shall be missing, none shall want her mate; for my mouth, it has commanded, and his [my] Spirit, it has gathered them.
“According to Jesus’ words: … until heaven and earth disappear, not one letter [Lit. one iota] or one stroke of a letter will disappear from the Law (Mat 5:18).
Number 7 is repeated several times in the Book of Revelation; seven golden candlesticks, seven letters to seven congregations, a book scroll sealed with seven seals, seven angels standing in front of God, seven trumpets, seven thunder-like spirits of God and the last seven scourges. In the Book of Revelation, there are more than fifty such occurrences of number 7.
God created the world during seven ‘days’. The word day ‘yowm’ can mean more than just a normal day, but a time span. When God’s calendar tells us that one day is like a thousand years, some Christians believe in God creating the world in 6,000 years. “Like a thousand years” is, however, only a figurative expression when it comes to creation. However, from Adam, the first person of the Bible to Jesus, it has passed 4,000 years and from the death of Jesus almost 2000 years, or altogether 6,000 years or six ’days’. At the end of the sixth day, there are many events that I write about in the ‘end time’ articles. Day 7 is the holy day of rest of God and the day of the Kingdom of God (Millennial Kingdom), which is reigned by Christ and by the saints.
Day 7 was the day of God’s rest, and he also showed that day to people as a day of rest, Sabbath. Every 7th year was a special year: 5 Moos 15: 1-15 1 At the end of every seven years you shall make a release. 2 And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release that which he has lent unto his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother; because Jehovah’s release has been proclaimed.
The occurrence of number 7 in the symbolism of the scriptures is very common. There are some thirty combinations of seven in the Bible’s first paragraph alone.
One more point is to be noted; the numeric sum of the three nouns in the opening sentence of the Bible i.e. God, heaven, and earth is 777. The spiritual completeness in the sum of the three sevens discloses most strongly God’s purpose.
Number 8
New beginning. In the word Χριστός Christos i.e. Christ the sum of the numeric values is 1480 or 8 x 185. Jesus was also a Savior, the sum of the numbers of the word ”Savior” is 1408 or 2 x 8 x 88. Jesus is the Messiah: 656 or 8 x 82. Jesus is the Lord: 800 or 8 x 100. The Son of Man: numeric value is 2960, or 8 x 370. The Son of Man appears in the Bible 88 times.
Jesus said: I am the truth: the truth is 64 (8 x 8).
The Book of Revelation has 888 words.
The Book of Revelation tells about the beast and challenges to calculate its number: Rev 13:18 ”Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six”.
In the word Χριστός Christos i.e. Christ the sum of the numeric values is 1480 or 8 x 185. Jesus was also a Savior, the sum of the numbers of the word ”Savior” is 1408 or 2 x 8 x 88. Jesus is the Messiah: 656 or 8 x 82. Jesus is the Lord: 800 or 8 x 100. The Son of Man: numeric value is 2960, or 8 x 370. The Son of Man appears in the Bible 88 times.
When you add 1 to the number of perfection i.e. 7, a new number that reflects a new beginning, a new birth is obtained. Originally, the last day of the week was Saturday and Sunday was the 8th day and the first day of the new starting week.
Number 8 relates specifically to Jesus. The numeric sum of the Greek name of Jesus is 888, i.e. eight expressed in the strongest possible terms. 888 consists of two parts, that is, 24 x 37. 24 is divided into 6 x 4. 6 depicts that Jesus became like a human and 4 means in the world. In this way, Jesus manifests two characteristics; the man and the world.
The sum of the letters in the word Christ is 1480 or 8 x 185.
Jesus was also a Savior, the sum of the numbers is 1408 or 2 x 8 x 88.
Jesus is the Messiah: 656 or 8 x 82.
Jesus is the Lord: 800 or 8 x 100.
The numeric value of Son of Man is 2960 or 8 x 370. The Son of Man appears in the Bible 88 times.
Jesus is called: Lord, the numeric sum of the letters is 800; Jesus, the sum is 888; Christ, the sum is 1480; Total sum 3168
This figure appears in various writings, but always emphasizing the characteristics of Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 2:5 says: ”For God is one, also there is one Mediator of God and of men, the Man Christ Jesus”. The numeric sum of the phrase “one mediator between God and of men” is 3168.
Isa 53:11 tells of Jesus’ forthcoming role: ”He shall see the fruit of the travail of His soul; He shall be fully satisfied. By His knowledge shall My righteous Servant justify for many, and He shall bear their iniquities”. — The sum of the values of the Hebrew letters in this verse is also 3168, which confirms the role of Jesus as a sacrifice for mankind and the high priest.
Jesus said: I am the truth: the truth is 64 (8 x 8).
Psa 98:3 ”He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. In Hebrew, this is “Yeshoth Elohenu” which sums to 888! An important but ambiguous question is: does the “salvation of our God” refer to Jesus or Jehovah? The numeric value of this phrase is 888 and it could refer to Jesus as Jesus made salvation for all believers. But, does “our God” refer to Jesus, not necessarily. Salvation comes ultimately from God the Father, who gave Jesus the task of redeeming mankind from sin.
Noah’s Ark saved 8 people in the destruction of the entire humanity. These 8 started a new episode in the new beginning of mankind.
The OT tells that if a leper was cleansing, he should be brought to the on the eighth day (3 Moos 14: 10,23). 10 And on the eighth day he shall take two flawless lambs … 23 And he shall bring them unto the priest for his cleansing on the eighth day.
– When Jesus and Nicodemus discussed salvation, Jesus mentioned rebirth as a condition of salvation, 8 times during the conversation (Joh 3: 1-8). When Jesus spoke of living water with the Samaritans, Jesus mentioned the word water 8 times (John 4: 4-15).
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and his birth brought new hope to mankind. Bethlehem is mentioned in NT 8 times (Mat 2: 1, 5,6,8,16 Luk 2: 4,15, Joh 7:42) in connection with Jesus. Bethlehem is mentioned 37 times at VT.
Number 9
Nine is the number of finality or perfection itself. The number is so special that if it is multiplied by any other number, the sum of numbers is always 9. For example: 9 x 8 = 72 and 7 + 2 = 9. In the first sentence of the Bible Moses writes: “In the beginning God”. The sum of the numeric values of these words is 999.
The next sum of the word ”heaven” is also 999.
The fruits of the Holy Ghost for believers are listed in the Bible nine different kinds: Gal 5: 22-23 ”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
The sums of numeric values of the words “amen” and “true” are 99 and these appear in the Bible 99 times.
Jesus’ work was completed when he died on the cross on the ninth hour of the day.
Number 13
Satan has many names:
Dragon has a numeric value 975 or 13 x 75 (is mentioned in Revelation 13 times) Tempter 1053 13 x 81
Belial 78 13 x 6
Serpent 780 13 x 60
Murderer 1820 13 x 140
Antichrist 1911 13 x 147
Demon 975 13 x 75
Adversary 364 13 x 28
Mark lists 13 evil attributes which Jesus spoke of and which come from the hearts of people: Mar 7:21 For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil thoughts come, as well as sexual immorality, stealing, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, cheating, shameless lust, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness.
In the biblical gematria number 13 may also occur against Satan. The words “Jesus of Nazareth” were contained in a table set above the crucified Jesus, where there was written “Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews.” Jesus of Nazareth has a numeric value 2197 or 13x13x13. It’s just a coincidence?
Number 17
17 is the number of victory and salvation. Gen 8:4 The ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat.
The Acts list the events of the Pentecost when the apostles came all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, according to what the Spirit gave them. The Bible lists 17 different areas and tongues when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Act 2:8-11 8 So how is it that each one of us hears them speaking in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the district of Libya near Cyrene, and visitors from Rome. 11 We are Jews, proselytes, Cretans, and Arabs. Yet we hear them telling in our own tongues the great deeds of God!”
The name of the holy city of Jerusalem or Jerusalem is mentioned in the Psalms 17 times (Psa 51-147).
1 John 5:4 because everyone who is born from God has overcome the world. Our faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
Number 37
Number 37 is the number of God’s Word. Jesus is the image of God according to the Scripture. 2 Cor 4:4 … Christ who is the image of God. Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn above all of creation. – The sum of the numeric values of the letters “God’s Image” is 1369 or 37 x 37. The sum of the numeric values of the first verse ” In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth ” is 2701 or 73 x 37. “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” is 1369, or 37 x 37.
Number 37 signifies the word of God and number 24 refers to the priesthood. Jesus, therefore, is not only the word of God, but also the high priest. Heb 5:5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but He speaking to Him, “You are My Son; today I have begotten You.” 6 As He also says in another place, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek,”
In certain verses the numeric sum of 37 is the sum for God, only Son and only begotten. 2 × 37 = 74 is the sum of a great God, their Redeemer, and everlasting. 3 × 37 = 111 is the sum of wonderful and the Most High, Son of the Living God and Lord of all. From these examples, we see that number 37 and its multiples always refer to God or the attributes of God.
Number 40
Number 40 embodies the trial or testing period. Everyone knows the 40-year-old Israeli peregrination in the wilderness after leaving Egypt (5 Moos 8). Several shorter 40-day trials are known in the Bible: and [Moses] went up on the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights (2 Moos 24:18). Jonah preached; “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” (Jon 3:4). However, the destruction did not come at all because they repented of their deeds.
Jesus went to the wilderness to fast. He spent 40 days in the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan (Luke 4:1-2).
Jesus spent after his resurrection 40 days on earth before he ascended to heaven (Acts 1:3).
Number 40 is obtained when the number of the world 4 is multiplied by the number of law 10. The number reflects people fallen in most varied temptations and trials. The same figure is obtained when the number 8 which tells of the new person is multiplied by 5, the number of mercy; the result 40 describes a person who can endure the trial.
1 Corinthians 10:13 says that … God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it.
Number 50
Number 50 is the number of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was shed on Pentecost in Jerusalem. The Apostles saw fiery tongues that set above each one of them. The Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages (Acts 2: 1-4).
Every 50th year was in Israel a year of jubilee. 3 Moos 25:10 25:10 and you shall make the fiftieth year holy, a year. And you shall proclaim liberty in the land to all its inhabitants; it shall be a jubilee to you. And you shall return every man to his possession; yea, you shall turn back each to his family.
Number 153
The number is obtained by multiplying 17 by the number 9. 17 is the number of the victory and the number 9 describes the fruit of the Spirit. The figure 153 is also obtained by summing all numbers from 1 to 17. The sum will be 153. Do you remember where the number 153 is known? That is the number of fish the apostles got with the net. The Apostles were fishing but did not receive any fish. Jesus cried to them for instructions on throwing the net and the fishnet began to fill up (Joh 21:11). Jesus said earlier to Peter and his brother Andrew: Mat 4:19 “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The Greek word ἰχθύς Ichthys means fish and its numeric value is 1224 or 8 x 153. The value of the fishnet δίκτυον is the same.
Fishing for people, of course, means proclaiming the gospel and turning people into followers of Jesus. At best, “fishing” people can produce big catch; For example, in Pentecost, the apostles received three thousand men to be baptized.
What should we think about gematria?
In addition to the numbers and figures I have just written, there are many other numbers with symbolic significance. Many are against the mere idea of numbers in the Bible. However, we must admit the numbers found in the Bible are real. There are so many of them that their presence cannot be considered as a coincidence.
When we think about the occurrence of these numbers and their symbolic significance and the whole mathematical code that passes through the Bible – the questions to the very existence of the code and the significance of it are exactly the same as the ones I have just mentioned regarding these symbolic numbers. Are all these numbers and mathematics in the Bible from God? The Bible is God’s Word, therefore, should not all the contents of it be from God?
One of the Bible scholars I esteem is seriously of the opinion that some books should not be included in the Bible. In any case, some books are less valuable and significant than others. In addition, there are falsified texts and additions in the Bible. In his opinion, if I understand correctly, only the text of the Bible is important and you should pay no attention to the numeric mumbo jumbo. A Jehovah’s Witness I know would not even open my email when I told him about the article I had sent him.
It is true that the Bible has been subject to unauthorized additions. It could have been, say, the Catholic monks, who have considered some clarification have been necessary in the Bible. However, there are controversial and difficult interpretations in the Bible. Can you imagine a time when reading the Bible in English was illegal and led to legal action and even be burned? Today we have computer programs for studying the Bible and every word in it. I know that modern computer programs bring forth new startling revelations for the clarification and testimony of God’s word.
My own perception and belief is that God is behind all the Scriptures and the writers have, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, written the Bible text. God has deliberately chosen his word so that finding His true will is behind hard work. But as Jesus said in Mat 5:18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not one letter or one stroke of a letter will disappear from the Law …
