Today, we are accustomed to writing numbers as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc., using Hindu-Arabic numerals, which are easy to learn and enable calculations. However, in the texts of both the Old and New Testaments, numbers were written out in full as words.
In the centuries before Christ, the Babylonians, Greeks, and later the Jews developed gematria systems for assigning numeric values to the letters of the alphabet. For example, in Hebrew, the letter **א** (Aleph) has a value of 1, and **ק** (Qof) has a value of 100. Similarly, in Greek, the letter **α** (Alpha) has a value of 1, and **ρ** (Rho) has a value of 100. This system continues throughout both alphabets, with each letter assigned a unique numeric value.
**Gematria** is the study of the numeric equivalents of Hebrew and Greek letters to uncover hidden meanings in words. In both Hebrew and Greek, there are only alphabetic characters, with no separate numeric symbols. Therefore, when a Hebrew writer wanted to represent a number, they would use the corresponding Hebrew letter.
This practice extended beyond mere numerals; numbers were believed to have spiritual significance. For example, the number 7, represented by the letter **ז** (Zayin) in Hebrew, is often associated with spiritual completion and perfection, as seen in the creation narrative (Genesis 2:2), where God rested on the seventh day, marking the completion of His work.
In gematria, certain combinations of letters and numbers are thought to reveal deeper, often mystical meanings. For instance, the number 18, which is formed by the combination of the Hebrew letters **י** (Yod) and **ח** (Chet), symbolizing "life" (חיים, *Chaim*), carries the significance of vitality and divine favor. Similarly, the Greek number 666, derived from the letters **χ** (Chi), **ξ** (Xi), and **ς** (Sigma), represents incompleteness and corruption, often associated with the figure of the Antichrist in Revelation.
The study of gematria, or **isopsephy** (the Greek equivalent of gematria), opens a rich layer of spiritual insight in both languages. By examining the numerical values assigned to words, scholars and mystics alike have sought to unlock hidden dimensions of the sacred texts. Numbers, in this sense, are not just symbols of quantity, but also hold keys to understanding divine order and hidden truths about God's will and creation.
HOW GOD EMPLOYS NUMBERS IN THE HOLY BIBLE
No. 1
In both Hebrew (א, Aleph) and Greek (α, Alpha), the number 1 signifies the beginning and unity. Just as the number 1 is the foundation of all mathematics, so Yahweh is the beginning of all creation. As Scripture says in Isaiah 44:6, “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” The number 1, representing God's oneness and unity, symbolizes the fundamental truth of the divine origin of all things.
No. 2
The number 2 (Hebrew: ב, Bet; Greek: β, Beta) signifies separation, opposition, or witness. In the creation narrative, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1), separating the waters (Genesis 1:6-7). The number 2 can also represent testimony, as in Deuteronomy 19:15, “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin... at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.” It can represent the duality between flesh and spirit or between God and man.
No. 3
The number 3 (Hebrew: ג, Gimel; Greek: γ, Gamma) signifies divine perfection and completeness. It is the number of spiritual wholeness and the number of divine intervention. The number 3 is seen in the pattern of God’s action throughout Scripture, such as in Matthew 12:40, where Jesus says, "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
No. 4
The number 4 (Hebrew: ד, Dalet; Greek: δ, Delta) represents creative work and organization, often referred to as the "world number" due to its connection with the four corners of the earth and the four seasons. Revelation 7:1 speaks of “four angels standing on the four corners of the earth,” indicating divine control over creation. It can symbolize completeness in earthly matters.
No. 5
The number 5 (Hebrew: ה, He; Greek: ε, Epsilon) is the number of grace, mercy, and the free gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” The number 5 is often seen in connection with God’s favor, as in the five loaves Jesus used to feed the multitude (Matthew 14:17).
No. 6
The number 6 (Hebrew: ו, Vav; Greek: στ, Stigma) is often linked to flesh or imperfection, the number of man, created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26-31). The number 6 reflects that which is incomplete or pertains to the natural, material world. It is also associated with toil and labor (Genesis 3:17-19).
No. 7
The number 7 (Hebrew: ז, Zayin; Greek: ζ, Zeta) is the second perfect number and represents spiritual perfection, completion, and covenant. Genesis 2:2 notes that God rested on the seventh day, marking the completion of creation. Seven also symbolizes the covenant with Israel (Leviticus 25:8-10), and it is often used to represent God’s seal in both the Old and New Testaments.
No. 8
The number 8 (Hebrew: ח, Chet; Greek: η, Eta) is the number of resurrection, a new beginning, and immortality. It represents new life, as exemplified in John 11:25-26, where Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” It is also connected with the new creation in Christ.
No. 9
The number 9 (Hebrew: ט, Tet; Greek: θ, Theta) represents finality and judgment, as seen in Romans 14:10, “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Nine signifies the completion of a spiritual cycle and the impending finality of God's judgment.
No. 10
The number 10 (Hebrew: י, Yod; Greek: ι, Iota) is the third perfect number, symbolizing ordinal perfection and completeness in earthly matters. It represents the fullness of God’s will and order, as seen in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), a divine standard for moral life.
No. 11
The number 11 (Hebrew: כ, Kaf; Greek: κ, Kappa) is the number of disorganization and incompleteness. It signifies disorder or imperfection, as seen in the incomplete number of apostles before Matthias was chosen (Acts 1:15-26). Eleven represents a period of waiting or preparation before something is made complete.
No. 12
The number 12 (Hebrew: ל, Lamed; Greek: λ, Lambda) is the fourth perfect number, representing governmental perfection and the foundation of divine authority. The 12 tribes of Israel (Exodus 24:4) and the 12 apostles (Luke 6:13) represent divine order and the establishment of God’s rule.
No. 13
The number 13 (Hebrew: מ, Mem; Greek: μ, Mu) is often associated with rebellion and sin. It signifies the departure from God's order, as seen in the incident with the 13th generation, or the rebellion against God. Genesis 14:4 mentions the alliance of 13 kings in a rebellion against divine authority.
No. 14
The number 14 (Hebrew: נ, Nun; Greek: ν, Nu) is the double of 7, representing double spiritual benefits or the abundance of God's blessing. It is seen in the genealogy of Jesus, which divides into three sets of fourteen generations (Matthew 1:17), illustrating the fullness of divine providence.
No. 15
The number 15 (Hebrew: ס, Samekh; Greek: ξ, Xi) is the product of 3 x 5, representing the ultimate of grace or mercy. It signifies an overflow of God's mercy and divine favor.
No. 17
The number 17 (Hebrew: פ, Pe; Greek: ρ, Rho) is not a multiple of any smaller number and symbolizes the perfection of spiritual order. It is the combination of 10 (ordinal perfection) and 7 (spiritual perfection), indicating completeness in spiritual order and divine unity, as seen in Romans 8:35-39, where God's love is shown to be unshakable.
No. 19
The number 19 (Hebrew: צ, Tsade; Greek: σ, Sigma) is the combination of 10 (divine order) and 9 (judgment). It denotes divine order in connection with judgment, reflecting the balance between grace and the finality of divine justice.
No. 20
The number 20 (Hebrew: ק, Qof; Greek: τ, Tau) signifies expectancy. It is one short of the ultimate spiritual perfection, represented by 3 x 7. It anticipates the completion of God's work, as seen in the waiting periods in Scripture before divine action or revelation.
No. 21
The number 21 (Hebrew: ר, Resh; Greek: υ, Upsilon) represents the ultimate in spiritual perfection, the culmination of 3 x 7. It denotes divine completeness and is reflected in the 21 chapters of Revelation, depicting the fullness of God's victory over evil.
No. 22
The number 22 (Hebrew: ש, Shin; Greek: φ, Phi) is double 11, amplifying disorganization and incompleteness. It often signifies intensified rebellion or a period of judgment. In Revelation 22:13, it speaks of God's authority and the ultimate revelation.
No. 24
The number 24 (Hebrew: ת, Tav; Greek: χ, Chi) is double 12, representing spiritual and governmental perfection. It is related to the new Jerusalem, as seen in Revelation 21:12, where the city’s gates are named after the 12 tribes, and the city’s foundation is composed of 12 apostles.
No. 25 The number 25 (Hebrew: כ, Kaf; Greek: ε, Epsilon) carries the essence of the square of 5, representing mercy and grace. It symbolizes an overflowing of divine favor
No. 27
The number 27 (Hebrew: כ, Kaf; Greek: η, Eta) is the cube of 3, representing the ultimate completeness in spiritual and physical realms, reflecting perfection in divine order.
No. 28
The number 28 (Hebrew: ל, Lamed; Greek: λ, Lambda) is the product of 7 (spiritual perfection) and 4 (creation), signifying the completion of divine creation and spiritual harmony.
No. 29
The number 29 (Hebrew: מ, Mem; Greek: μ, Mu) is the product of 20 (expectancy) and 9 (judgment), signifying divine order connected with final judgment and the fulfillment of God’s plan.
No. 30
The number 30 (Hebrew: נ, Nun; Greek: ν, Nu) signifies perfection in divine order, reflecting the completeness of God’s governance in Luke 3:23.
No. 37 The number 37 (Greek: Λ, Lambda; Ζ, Zeta) is connected with the word of God, as in Luke 11:28, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
No. 40
The number 40 (Hebrew: מ, Mem; Greek: μ, Mu) represents probation, trial, and chastisement. This number is connected with the 40 days and nights of the flood (Genesis 7:12) and Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2).
No. 70
The number 70 (Hebrew: נ, Nun; Greek: Π, Pi) signifies perfect spiritual order, as seen in Luke 10:1, where Jesus sends out 70 disciples to preach.
No. 153 ρνγʹקנ"ג
The number 153 is the gematria of “the sons of God,” as indicated by the 153 fish caught after Jesus’ resurrection (John 21:11).
No. 666 תשס"ו χξϛʹ
The number 666 represents the Antichrist, the numeric value of his name in Greek equivalent gematria. It is the number of incompleteness and corruption.
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