The Bible contains many numbers and each one holds symbolism and significance. Some numbers have similar meanings.
For instance, several numbers symbolize completion and perfection. The numbers, three, four, seven, ten, and twelve all refer to completion, they each signify a different type of completion:
- 3: Means divine perfection
- 4: Means completeness and universality in terms of creation
- 7: Means spiritual perfection
- 10: Means divine order
- 12: Means governmental perfection
Numbers 1-10 and there significance:
- Three: This number symbolizes divine fullness or completion. It is the minimum number to establish a pattern. The Trinity consists of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days. Paul was blinded for three days. Jesus rose from the dead after three days.
- Four: Four is a creation number of the earth that signifies completeness and universality. For instance, there are four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. There are four elements, earth, air, water, and fire. There are four divisions of the day: morning, noon, evening, and night.
- Seven: This is the number of spiritual completeness and totality. The number seven appears about 600 times in the Bible. It us seen throughout the Book of Revelation, seven angels, seven churches, seven seals, seven trumpets, seven vials, seven horns, seven candlesticks, seven stars, seven plagues, seven spirits seven eyes, seven lamps, seven thunders, seven crowns. The Tribulation in the end days will last 7 years.
- 10: Ten is a perfect number meaning divine order as in God’s Commandments. The number 10 is part of our anatomy based on God’s order for us. We have 10 fingers to do the work of God, and we have 10 toes to walk upright.
- 12: Twelve is a judicial number. Jesus had 12 disciples to follow the pattern of the 12 tribes of Israel. There are 12 gates in Jerusalem. It is interesting to note that in the United States, there are 12 people on a jury.
From Pity to Praise 