Numbers, Symbolic Meaning of

The Old Testament. The ancient Babylonians and Egyptians had a developed numerology based on astrological divination, which is forbidden in the Hebrew Scriptures. The ancient Chaldeans sectioned the stars into twelve regions. Numerology is also consequential in Hinduism, Buddhism, Magic texts, and other occultic, pagan religions.

In contrast to the numerical speculation of Gentile religions, the Hebrew Scriptures use numbers in their conspicuous, literal sense, although occasionally numbers may have a representative meaning (cf. the more symbolic numerical use in Gen 4:24 ; and the literal use Gen 14:14 ). For example, the large numbers of the ages of the progenitors in Genesis 5 is to be taken literally, not figuratively. The symbolic use of numbers in the Hebrew Scriptures is quite different from the speculation of pagan religions. The symbolic, even poetic use of numbers in the Bible is not inordinate speculation concerning the universe. Even in the later, more apocalyptic texts of Daniel and Isaiah, prophetic symbolism is rooted in historical data. The association of numbers and polytheism in pagan religions is absent in the monotheism of Israel.

The creation of the world was completed in six days. The earliest use of "seven" (the Hebrew word is spelled out, as are all numbers in the Bible) is likely less symbolic than the later, more symbolic use. In fact, the world's completion in six days and the subsequent day of rest to complete the week is a key reason why "seven" symbolized completion and goodness in later apocalyptic texts. The Sabbath was implemented in terms of set days, weeks, and years (e.g., Dan 9:24 ).

"Ten" was the number of the Decalogue. Its significance is to be taken literally and there does not seem to be any further meaning intended. "Twelve" is the number of the tribes of Israel, and it, too, should be regarded as literal. Even though there are twelve months in the year, this symbology is unsatisfactory, and there is probably no connection. The lack of chimerical uses of numbers attests to the functional and responsible nature of the Hebrew Scriptures, especially when compared to other religious texts in the ancient world.

Second Temple Jewish Literature. Second temple Jewish literature should be discussed briefly, as it influenced the New Testament use of numbers greatly, especially the Book of Revelation. One can see a trend in late Old Testament apocalyptic literature toward a cryptic use of numbers. For example, in Daniel 4:16 it is predicted in a vision that Nebuchadnezzar will have the mind of an animal until "seven times pass over him." Daniel 8:8 mentions the "four winds of heaven." This tendency toward a clandestine use of numbers is developed in Jewish pseudepigraphical texts.

The New Testament. "Number" comes from the Greek noun arithmos [ajriqmov"] or the Greek verb arithmeo [ajriqmevw], which means "to reckon, " "to number, " or "to count." As in the Old Testament, numbers almost always carry a literal connotation (e.g., Matt 16:21 ; Mark 9:2 ; Acts 11:10 ; 1 Cor 15:5 ; 2 Peter 2:5 ; Rev 1:4 ). Sometimes numbers are rounded off (e.g., John 6:10 John 6:19 ); at other times hyperbole is used (e.g., Matthew 18:12 Matthew 18:22 ) to heighten a specific point.

Paul, borrowing from commonplace Jewish apocalyptic beliefs, says that he was "caught up to the third heaven" ( 2 Cor 12:2 ). The third heaven was the place of revelation in the sevenfold schema of second temple apocalyptic literature. It is unclear whether Paul actually believed in multiple heavens, although he probably did as evidenced by his plural use of "heavens" in Colossians regarding the resurrection of Christ.

The most enigmatic use of numbers in the New Testament is found in Revelation. It should not be surprising that many idiosyncratic theories have developed concerning the meaning of the use of numbers in Revelation, most notably, the designation of "666" (spelled out in the Greek text) in 13:18. No other verse in the New Testament designates, in a cryptogrammatic fashion, the hidden nature of the number.

Some ancient manuscripts designate the number as "616, " but "666" has the incontrovertible support of all the oldest and best manuscripts. Irenaeus points out that scribes changed the number to "616" to align with the Roman emperor Caligula.