The Bible is filled with numerical patterns. Modern numerologists of today still rely on the Bible for numbers and their symbolic meaning. Both the writers of the Old and New Testament used number symbols generously. If one were to examine the Bible, it would be noticed that several numbers or repetitions of numbers were scattered throughout the texts or readings. The most popular numbers in the Bible are seven (7) and (40). In the book of Genesis, God created the world in seven days. After seven days, everything was perfectly complete. Thus, seven is the number that represents completion, perfection. This is also touted to be God’s number since no mortal creation can surpass God’s greatness. There are seven eternals in Hebrews, and the seven-fold human body. In the New Testament, Jesus asked his disciples and the multitude to forgive seventy times seven. Along with the number seven, the number three (3) is also often referred to be a number of perfection.  God is composed of three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, otherwise known as the trinity.  This number is believed to symbolize multiplication. Jesus, before his arrest, prayed in the garden of Gethsemane three times.  Then before he was crucified on the cross, he was denied by his favorite apostle, Peter, three times. Then, after three days he rose again.

The number forty (40) is also being repeated in the Bible, usually in representation of trials and tribulations. In the stories of Jonah, the Israelites’ exodus, Moses and the Ten Commandments, and the temptation of Jesus, the number forty (40) is very prominent. Jonah stayed in the belly of a huge fish for 40 days. The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years. Moses was isolated on the mountains for forty days before he held in his hands God’s tablet of commandments. And finally, Jesus temptation with the Devil involved fasting and praying for forty days. Also, the number four (4) is quite important, too. There are four directions of the earth: North, East, West, and South. There are four seasons, and the tabernacle was composed of four materials.

However, other numbers as well have symbolic meanings in Biblical numerology. One stands for unity and beginning. Two is for division and also for union of opposites- male and female, heaven and hell, light and darkness. Three is for resurrection and perfection. As mentioned earlier, Jesus rose from the dead after three days. Four stands for law and order. God gave light to the day and darkness on the fourth day. Five symbolizes good judgment and understanding. Six represented marriage, union, and joy. Seven is the number of rest and perfection. Eight is for new beginnings, being that seven is the number of rest. Nine is associated with completion and fulfillment.