NUMBERS

Biblical numerology is a study that applies meaning beyond the actual value of numbers used in Scripture ...

One: Symbolic of unity. Jesus and the Father are one (John 10:30), husband and wife become one flesh (Matthew 19:5-6), etc.

Two: Symbolic of witness. Christ sent his disciples out two by two (Luke 10:1), wherever two are gathered in His name He is present (Matthew 18:20), etc.

Six: Symbolic of humanity. Man was created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:31), men labor six days (Exodus 20:9), slaves served for six years (Exodus 21:2), etc.

Seven: Symbolic of perfection. The seventh day sabbath (Exodus 16:26), purification (Psalm 12:6), there are seven churches (Revelation 1:4), seven spirits (Revelation 4:5), seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12), etc.

Ten: Symbolic of government. Ten tribes (1 Kings 11:31-35), ten commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), prophecy of ten horns and ten kings (Revelation 17), etc.

Twelve: Symbolic spiritual authority. Twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 49:28), twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2-4), twelve thrones (Matthew 19:28), etc.

Forty: Symbolic of trials. Noah's flood (Genesis 7:4), Moses' forty years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33), Jesus tempted of Satan after 40 days of fasting (Matthew 4:2), etc.

Six Hundred Sixty Six: Perhaps the most notorious number found in Scripture is that associated with the Anti-Christ (Revelation 13:18)

While we recognize that the Bible has a divinely inspired system of numbers, we must be careful not to place an 'exaggerated' emphasis on them. Doing so has hatched bad theology, fringe eschatological approaches, and in some cases ... outright occultism. Believing that numbers hold a mystical power is analogous to idol worship.

God does not call us to search for secret meanings, hidden messages, and 'codes' in the Bible. The Holy Spirit is Who opens our understanding; we should be focused on the Lordship of Jesus Christ and our service to Him. 

Remember ... there is more than enough truth in the 'words' of Scripture to make us 'complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work'. (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Carry on, pilgrim.