Helpful guide to
Bible numbers
Several numbers found in the Bible have deep prophetic or spiritual meanings.
1 - Represents absolute singleness and unit (Eph. 4:4-6; John 17:21, 22).
2 - Represents the truth of God's Word. As an example, the law and prophets (John 1:45), 2 or 3 witnesses (2 Cor. 13:1), the double edged sword (Heb. 4:12), 2 witnesses, 2 olive trees, & 2 candlesticks (Rev. 11:3, 4).
3 - Represents the Godhead, the Trinity. The angels cry "Holy" 3 times to God (Isaiah 6:3), 3 in the Godhead (Matt. 28:19; 1 John 5:7), 3 that bear witness (1 John 5:8).
4 - Represents universal truth. The 4 winds & the 4 directions (north, south, east, west) (Matthew 24:31; Rev. 7:1; Rev. 20:8), a sheet with 4 corners represents truth going in all directions (Acts 10:11).
5 - Represents teaching. The 5 Books of Moses, the 5 wise virgins, & 5 loaves of bread to fee 5,000.
6 - Represents man worshiping man, and is the number of man, signifying his rebellion, imperfections, works, and disobedience. "6" or "six" or "sixth" is used 234 times in the KJV Bible. And another 91 times as "threescore" or "60". Man was created on the 6th day (Gen. 1:26, 31). Of course we must not forget Rev. 13:18 and "666".
7 - Represents perfection. It is the sign of God, divine worship, completions, obedience, and rest (7 days of Creation). It is used 562 times, including its derivatives (e.g., seventh, sevens), making it the most common number in Bible prophecy. 7 churches, 7 candlesticks, 7 spirits, 7 stars, 7 lamps, 7 seals, 7 horns, 7 eyes, 7 angels, 7 trumpets, 7 thunders, and several others can all be found in Revelation.
10 - Represents law and restoration. 10 Commandments (Ex. 20), 10 virgins (Matt. 25:1), 10 lepers (Luke 17:17), 10 silver coins (Luke 15:8).
12 - Represent the church and God's authority. Jesus had 12 disciples, and there were 12 tribes of Israel. In Revelation 12:1, the 24 elders and the 144,000 are multiples of 12. The New Jerusalem has 12 foundations, 12 gates, is 12 thousand furlongs, the Tree of Life has 12 different kinds of fruit, 12 times a year, eaten by 12 x 12,000 or the 144,000 (See Rev. 21).
40 - Represents a generation and times of testing. It rained for 40 days during the flood. Moses spent 40 years in the desert, as did the children of Israel. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert.
50 - Represents power and celebration. The Jubilee came after the 49th year (Leviticus 25:10), and Pentecost came 50 days after Christ's resurrection (Acts 2).
70 - Represents human leadership and judgment. Moses appointed 70 elders (Exodus 24:1), and the Sanhedrin was made up of 70 men. Jesus chose 70 disciples to send out (Luke 10:1), and Jesus told Peter to forgive 70 x 7.
