By Ezekiel Kimosop
INTRODUCTION
Biblical numerology has intrigued believers for centuries, prompting reflection on whether numbers such as 7, 12, and 40 hold symbolic or literal meaning. 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, including its numerical elements. Numbers like 7, symbolizing completeness (Genesis 2:2-3), and 12, representing governance (Genesis 49:28), reveal divine truths. By exploring these patterns, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s work in Scripture and His redemptive plan for humanity.
I must admit that some biblical numerology can be quite confounding. This perhaps raises legitimate questions on their meaning and application. Should Christians attach special significance to these numbers? How should believers comprehend, say, the futuristic 1000 year reign of Christ (Rev. 20:1-6) or the 1290 and1335 days mentioned in Daniel 12:11-12? Are these literal or symbolic numbers? Besides, it is difficult to precisely figure out in some contexts how the numbers add up and what purpose they serve.
A BRIEF SURVEY ON BIBLICAL NUMEROLOGY
The Bible contains diverse numerology, some of which appear to be of cultural and religious significance to the readers of the author's day. Some numerology have captivated Christian societies through the church ages and theological opinion is divided on their interpretation. Some of the numbers are assigned to divine activities mentioned in Scripture. Some are fairly obscure to the Bible reader. We may not entirely understand why these numbers were employed under those circumstances. Why for instance should numeral 7 be of greater significance than 8 or 9? The second issue concerns their application in Scripture. Should these numbers be understood in their literal or metaphorical sense in each respective context? How should the Bible reader apply them?
Starting from the Book of Genesis, we notice that the number 7 represents the seventh day on which God rested after the six day creation work. Some have argued that the six days are allegorical rather than literal. They argue that the creation works were meant to cover a specific period of time rather than literal days. The fact that God rested on the 7th day does not imply that God was physically exhausted and needed to recuperate from the creation works but that He had appointed a specific period within which to accomplish what He had determined to do. In Genesis 14:20, 28:22, we are introduced to another significant piece of numerology - the tent or tithe. This is later established as a standard for religious giving under Levitical law.
Elsewhere in Scripture, we encounter activities or timelines for which specific numbers of days or years are assigned. For example, Jonah proclaimed that the city of Nineveh would fall under God's judgment in 40 days if the people of Nineveh refused to repent and turn from their wicked ways (Jonah 3:4). This judgement never happened because the Ninevites repented and God graciously spared them. Elsewhere in Scripture we learn that God banished the Israelites into captivity for 70 years after they persistently rebelled against Him. In the New Testament Scripture, Jesus taught that believers ought to forgive one another 70 times 7 (Matthew 18:21-35). This numerically comes to 490 times which is a multiple of 7. Of course this statement was never intended for literal application. It was meant to teach that forgiveness was to be part of our lifestyle as believers.
The number 40 is perhaps one of the most familiar in the Bible. Here are some of the prominent events that we can identify in Scripture in which biblical numerology stands out:
1) The flood of Noah's day that took 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:4-17; 8:6). Was this a literal period or a metaphorical description of a long period of time? Scholars are divided between the two possibilities.
2) We later learn that Moses was in the mountain of the LORD 40 days and 40 nights (Exodus 34:28). Again, this could be a literal 40 day period or an allegorical expression of a long period of time in Hebrew thought. Both views are plausible. Gill's Exposition supposes that Moses was so preoccupied with his duty in the presence of God that he had no desire for food and God miraculously preserved him during this long period of time.
3) It took 40 years for the children of Israel to travel between Egypt and the promised land because of their disobedience (Exodus 16:35; Joshua 5:6; Numbers 14:34, 32:13). This was a journey that could have taken about two weeks at most! There must have been a divine purpose for this long journey.
4) In the New Testament Scripture, the Bible proclaims that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where He was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:2; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:2). It is impossible for a mortal to survive for this period of time without food and water except by divine providence. Some scholars would interpret this period in an allegorical sense.
5) Jesus was around the earth for 40 days after His resurrection from the dead. He ascended to heaven on the 40th day which was 10 days before the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 1-2). This is understood as a literal, measurable period of time.
SHOULD WE APPLY NUMEROLOGY IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE?
This is the million dollar question. Most Christian religious groups identify 7 days and 40 days, respectively, as the periods of divine completion. They use these numbers to develop Christian doctrine and practice and align their Christian calendar events along these numbers. It is important to note that no text or passage of Scripture conveys any prescriptive command on the application of these numbers.
There are other numbers in Scripture that appear to hold some significance of sorts such as the 3 days and 3 nights that Jonah was in the belly of the fish (Jonah 1:17) or the third day on which Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 16:21, 17:23, 20:19; Acts 10:40). So how should we treat these numbers? Again, Scripture is silent on prescriptive commands on the application of biblical numerology by the church.
Some charismatic teachers subscribe to the mysticism of "divine numbers". They fast and pray for three or seven days and even attempt to replicate the 21 days Daniel fast. Other groups settle for 40 day prayer seasons in their calendars to coincide with the periods that Moses and Jesus took in the presence of God. While nothing is peculiar with praying in this manner, it is important to observe that we have no command in Scripture that expressly or impliedly compels us to replicate these numbers in our Christian practices. The Bible nowhere demands that we should do so.
On the flip side, there are Christian groups or sects that insist that certain numbers should be avoided because they are associated with evil! They argue that numbers such as 6 or 13 or even series 666 should be avoided. Of course the Bible identifies 666 with the mark of the beast but Scripture nowhere forbids the use of the number for ordinary numerical purposes. How, for instance, shall we add up to 1000 without encountering 666?
During my admission to high school, one student rejected the admission No 666 out of fear that the number was associated with the antichrist and was therefore an evil number! Thankfully the student who stood behind her in the admission queue accepted the number which we jokingly referred to as "nambari ya shetani" (Satan's number). The student who took the number 666 performed well in his academic life and went to University. The fears associated with this number were therefore unfounded.
Again, and as earlier stated, the unwholesome fear or preoccupation with certain numerology is basically informed by sheer mysticism and not by the teaching of Scripture. There is therefore nothing wrong with a believer having the number series 666 or occupying an office or flat on the 13th floor of a building or even driving a car with the registration number XXX 666X.
4) In the New Testament Scripture, the Bible proclaims that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where He was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:2; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:2). It is impossible for a mortal to survive for this period of time without food and water except by divine providence. Some scholars would interpret this period in an allegorical sense.
5) Jesus was around the earth for 40 days after His resurrection from the dead. He ascended to heaven on the 40th day which was 10 days before the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 1-2). This is understood as a literal, measurable period of time.
6) The 12 sons of Jacob were the patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel. Jesus appointed 12 disciples to serve in His ministry. The disciples later sought to replace Judas to bring the number back to 12 (Acts 1:15-26) but Paul was later appointed by Jesus as an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16). Did Paul's appointment bring the number to 13? In Revelation 5, we notice the imagery of the 24 elders who worship the Lamb. The 144,000 people listed in Revelation 7:4-8 are said to be chosen from the 12 tribes of Israel. This is a multiple of 12. Is there a divine significance for this number?
7) Jacob served his uncle Laban for 7 years and was given Leah in marriage under deceit by Laban. He was compelled to serve another 7 years to get Rachel (Genesis 29:20-30). In the Book of Revelation, there are 7 years of tribulation (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:21; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). The 7 vials of God's judgment of the wicked were poured by 7 angels (Revelation 16:1-21).
8) David used 5 smooth stones to kill the Philistine giant, Goliath (1 Samuel 17:26-50). Did the number five bear any cultural or religious significance in this context? if not, why did the writer of Scripture specify the number?
9) Saul and David each ruled Israel for 40 years (2 Samuel 5:4-5; Acts 13-21). Does this number bear any significance in Jewish monarchy or was it by sheer coincidence that the two monarchs served for equal periods?
Completeness and Perfection
Some biblical numerology appear to project divine completeness and perfection. Numbers such as 7, 12, and 40 appear consistently in Scripture, reflecting God’s divine order and purposes. In Genesis 2:2-3 we learn that God rested on the seventh day, marking creation’s completion. Leviticus 16:19 reveals the sevenfold sprinkling of blood symbolized purification and divine perfection. This mirrors Christ's perfect and complete sacrifice of Himself as the Lamb of God.
Governance and Authority
The number 12 is associated with governance and authority in Scripture. Genesis 49:28 projects the 12 tribes of Israel as representing God’s governance over His people. Revelation 21:12-14 describes the New Jerusalem’s 12 gates and foundations that signify eternal divine order.
Testing and Preparation
In Matthew 4:2, Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness reflect spiritual preparation and dependence on God, a virtue that is projected in other sections of Scripture, especially in the Epistles (cf. James 1:2-4).
Deuteronomy 8:2 mentions Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness. This symbolizes a period of testing and refinement for God's people. It also teaches us to rely on God for provision and guidance.
MISUSE OF BIBLICAL NUMEROLOGY
While numbers in Scripture hold profound symbolic meaning, they may be misinterpreted or misused in a number of ways as follows:
End-Time Predictions
Some have misused Revelation 13:18 (666) to predict Christ’s return, contrary to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24:36: “No one knows the day or hour.”
Prosperity Teachings
Some prosperity teachers misapply numbers such as 7 to promise financial blessings. This distorts Scripture’s intent. 1 Timothy 6:5 cautions against using godliness as a means to material gain.
Mystical Practices
Some teachers assign hidden meanings to numbers without biblical context. This risks misleading believers. As Christians, we are called to “correctly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), focusing on Scripture’s central message of faith and grace.”
SHOULD WE APPLY NUMEROLOGY IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE?
This is the million dollar question. Most Christian religious groups identify 7 days and 40 days, respectively, as the periods of divine completion. They use these numbers to develop Christian doctrine and practice and align their Christian calendar events along these numbers. It is important to note that no text or passage of Scripture conveys any prescriptive command on the application of these numbers.
There are other numbers in Scripture that appear to hold some significance of sorts such as the 3 days and 3 nights that Jonah was in the belly of the fish (Jonah 1:17) or the third day on which Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 16:21, 17:23, 20:19; Acts 10:40). So how should we treat these numbers? Again, Scripture is silent on prescriptive commands on the application of biblical numerology by the church.
Some charismatic teachers subscribe to the mysticism of "divine numbers". They fast and pray for three or seven days and even attempt to replicate the 21 days Daniel fast. Other groups settle for 40 day prayer seasons in their calendars to coincide with the periods that Moses and Jesus took in the presence of God. While nothing is peculiar with praying in this manner, it is important to observe that we have no command in Scripture that expressly or impliedly compels us to replicate these numbers in our Christian practices. The Bible nowhere demands that we should do so.
Believers or Christian communities may choose any period or time frame within which to dedicate prayers or other church calendar events, including the application of obscure numbers such as 4, 8, 9 or 13 days or months and their multiples! For instance, while the seventh or eighth day of the week have been accepted as days of worship for Christians, nothing in Scripture forbids corporate church worship gatherings on any other day of the week!
On the flip side, there are Christian groups or sects that insist that certain numbers should be avoided because they are associated with evil! They argue that numbers such as 6 or 13 or even series 666 should be avoided. Of course the Bible identifies 666 with the mark of the beast but Scripture nowhere forbids the use of the number for ordinary numerical purposes. How, for instance, shall we add up to 1000 without encountering 666?
During my admission to high school, one student rejected the admission No 666 out of fear that the number was associated with the antichrist and was therefore an evil number! Thankfully the student who stood behind her in the admission queue accepted the number which we jokingly referred to as "nambari ya shetani" (Satan's number). The student who took the number 666 performed well in his academic life and went to University. The fears associated with this number were therefore unfounded.
Again, and as earlier stated, the unwholesome fear or preoccupation with certain numerology is basically informed by sheer mysticism and not by the teaching of Scripture. There is therefore nothing wrong with a believer having the number series 666 or occupying an office or flat on the 13th floor of a building or even driving a car with the registration number XXX 666X.
Christians are not commanded to apply numerology in their faith but are encouraged to trust in God’s revealed truths. Scripture reminds us. Deuteronomy 29:29: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us. 2 Timothy 2:15: “Present yourself to God as one approved, correctly handling the word of truth.”
Rather than focusing on speculative practices, believers should embrace the clear teachings of Scripture, which point us to Christ and His redemptive work. Numerology, when understood contextually, can enrich our faith without distracting from God’s core message of love, grace, and salvation
CONCLUSION
My view is that believers should not be overly preoccupied with popular biblical numerology of any sorts, including the attempt to predict the dates of certain eschatological events. No matter how much we try, we shall never unravel these dates or numbers with any considerable certainty. The day of the coming of Christ lies in God's divine calendar, not ours. Jesus taught that no man knows the day or the hour of His coming (Matthew 24:36).
It is instructive that some false teachers have attempted to employ biblical numerology in arithmetic that seeks to explain the date on which Jesus Christ would return or when some cataclysmic eschatological events are believed to occur. None of the predictions have since borne fruit through the ages since Calvary! For instance, several prominent historical characters such as Adolph Hitler have been identified with the antichrist but they have come and gone without directly fulfilling the role assigned to the antichrist in Scripture.
We should always remember that God's ways are above our ways and His thoughts higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). God remains residually incomprehensible to our finite human minds. By this I mean that while we are under the sun, we can never fully comprehend the full nature of God's divine Person and His ways even with the benefit of the biblical Scriptures. There is always some residual mystery about God that will only be unveiled when we appear in the presence of Christ and of God in heaven.
The Bible says in 1 John 3:2-3 "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" (NKJV). This is an affirmation of the residual mystery of God's revelation that awaits the redeemed in heaven.
Thankfully, what God has graciously revealed to us in Scripture is sufficient for our knowledge and obedience in Christ.
My view is that believers should not be overly preoccupied with popular biblical numerology of any sorts, including the attempt to predict the dates of certain eschatological events. No matter how much we try, we shall never unravel these dates or numbers with any considerable certainty. The day of the coming of Christ lies in God's divine calendar, not ours. Jesus taught that no man knows the day or the hour of His coming (Matthew 24:36).
It is instructive that some false teachers have attempted to employ biblical numerology in arithmetic that seeks to explain the date on which Jesus Christ would return or when some cataclysmic eschatological events are believed to occur. None of the predictions have since borne fruit through the ages since Calvary! For instance, several prominent historical characters such as Adolph Hitler have been identified with the antichrist but they have come and gone without directly fulfilling the role assigned to the antichrist in Scripture.
We should always remember that God's ways are above our ways and His thoughts higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). God remains residually incomprehensible to our finite human minds. By this I mean that while we are under the sun, we can never fully comprehend the full nature of God's divine Person and His ways even with the benefit of the biblical Scriptures. There is always some residual mystery about God that will only be unveiled when we appear in the presence of Christ and of God in heaven.
The Bible says in 1 John 3:2-3 "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" (NKJV). This is an affirmation of the residual mystery of God's revelation that awaits the redeemed in heaven.
Thankfully, what God has graciously revealed to us in Scripture is sufficient for our knowledge and obedience in Christ.
While biblical numbers carry symbolic meaning, their purpose is to highlight God’s sovereignty, grace, and redemptive plan. As Hebrews 12:2 reminds us, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Let us focus on Scripture’s core teachings—faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13)—and allow God’s Word to guide and transform our lives.”
Moral Lessons
1. Biblical numbers reflect God’s sovereignty, divine order, and purpose.
2. Numbers like 7, 12, and 40 highlight themes of completeness, governance, and preparation.
3. Misusing numbers for speculative purposes undermines the integrity of Scripture.
4. Christians should interpret biblical numbers contextually, focusing on their symbolic meaning within God’s greater narrative.
5. Understanding biblical numerology enriches our appreciation of God’s intentional design and faithfulness.
Shalom
© Ezekiel Kimosop 2019
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