Spiritual Meaning of Numbers in the Bible
#1 – Identifies with God Himself.
See: John 10:30/1 John 5:7,8
#2 – In the Bible the number 2 points to those who are tasked with care of the Word of God.
See: Luke 10:1, Revelation 11:3, Zechariah 4:11-14
#3 – The number 3 points to purpose – often God’s purpose. This is especially evident at the cross and in the Day of Judgment. See: Matthew 27:38 ff. 3 crucified/3 times may the cup pass/inscription in 3 languages/etc. Luke 11:5-13, 3 loaves, ask, seek, knock, John 21:15-17 threefold stanza, lovest thou Me? Yea, Lord, Feed My sheep.
#4 – Four points to universality or to the four points of the compass.
See: Matthew 24:31 gather elect from the 4 winds/ Revelation 21:13, 3 gates at 4 directions.
#5 – The number 5 points to atonement.
See: Exodus 30:12-16 atonement money is half a shekel (.5). Matthew 17:24-27 piece of money for Jesus & Peter had to be divided to pay for both (so .5 for each of them). See also Matthew 25:1-11, 5 wise/5 foolish virgins points to those whose sins were atoned for (5 wise) and to those whose sins were not atoned for (5 foolish).
#6 – God worked 6 days to create the world. Therefore the number 6 points to work.
Genesis 1:31/Genesis 2:2
#7 – This number identifies with perfection, or something completed to a point of perfection.
See: Psalm 12:6,7, Word of God purified seven times.
#8 – Number eight relates to circumcision and the cutting away of sin as well as to the first day of the week as the 7th day weekly cycle completes and turns back again.
See: Genesis 17:12 / 1 Peter 3:20
#9 – This number we would break down to 3 x 3. It would point to a strong emphasis on God’s purpose.
#10 – Ten is the number for completeness for whatever is in view.
See: Luke 15:4,8 100 sheep/10 coins / Jude 14, 10,000 saints / Revelation 20:1-7, 1,000 years
#11 – Eleven points to the first coming of Christ after 11,000 years of history.
See: Joseph the 11th son of Jacob dreams of his 11 brothers bowing down to him (type of Christ). Joseph dies at age 110 (10 x 11). Another type of Christ, Joshua also died at age 110 (10 x 11).
#12 – Fullness of whatever is in view.
See 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8). 12 apostles. Revelation 12:12, 12 gates / 12 thousand furlongs. 12 foundations. Wall 144 cubits (12 x 12). Etc. 120 year period God gave Noah to build the ark (10 x 12) Moses died age 120 (10 x 12).
#13 – Thirteen is the number for super fullness or the end of the world.
See: Joseph’s 2nd dream where his brethren (11) plus his mother & father (2) = 13 total bow down to him. Jacob 130 (10 x 13) entering Egypt. 1988 was the 13,000th year of earth’s history.
#14 – Breaks down to 2 x 7. See numbers 2 & 7 to get the combined spiritual meaning for number 14.
#15 – Breaks down to 3 x 5. See number 3 & 5 to get the combined spiritual meaning for number 15.
#17 – Signifies heaven. Joseph was 17 when brethren sought to kill him. They did not but this pointed to Christ’s work on the cross that brought heaven (salvation) to His elect people.
#23 – This number signifies tribulation or judgment.
See: Daniel 8:14, 2,300 evening mornings/1 Corinthians 10:8, 23,000 fell in one day / 609 to 587 BC: 23-year inclusive historical period of Judah’s tribulation until destruction of the temple.
#37 – This number points to judgment.
See: Possible number of days for Noah’s flood to complete. Flood began 17th day of the 2nd month in the year 600 of Noah. Completed 27th day of the 2nd month in the year 601 of Noah. If 30-day months, total 370 days (10 x 37).
#40 – Number for testing.
See: Numbers 14:33,34 wander 40 years in wilderness. Matthew 4:2, 40 days & 40 nights temptation of Christ.