Meaning of numbers in the book of revelation

According to the last book in the bible, 666 is the number, or name, of the wild beast with seven heads and ten horns that comes out of the sea. Therefore, we also must keep in mind the second principle necessary to a proper understanding of the book of revelation. You will learn the meaning of selected numbers, their prophetic significance, and how to apply what you learn. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation richard d.

This is not going to be an exhaustive breakdown of all of the symbols and numbers but, rather, a demonstration of some tendencies that exist in scripture, and some things that can be discerned about the book. Roger barrier explains the meaning of 666 in revelations. Do they constitute the entirety of gods church throughout the years. After the two witnesses are taken to heaven rev 11. The book of revelation is full of symbolic numbers. Number, example from the revelation, meanings and possible. Few things in the book of revelation have caused more confusion and even division and conflict than this great apocalyptic book s use of numbers. The symbolical numbers of the book of revelation with particular reference to the 1,000 years rev. Is the author speaking of past events or future events. The numbers 17 and 23 are used in a more subtle way than other numbers like 3. Nov 11, 2018 the book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, a stark account of the apocalypse and a prophecy of the world coming to an end. The opening of its seals is the revelation of future history. Numbers, symbolic meaning of definition and meaning bible.

God meant to comfort his persecuted people with this book, not scare them. In many ancient languages, letters were used to represent numbers. For example, in america 911 is associated with emergencies because this is the nationwide number to dial if there is an emergency. The number 7 is used 53 times in revelation, and 670 total times throughout the entire canon of the holy scriptures. May 07, 2018 these principles, in turn, become the proofs that symbolic meaning was given to the numbers.

Since we have seen that revelation is a book of prophetic visions, the elements of which are symbols of spiritual realities, it makes sense that the numbers present in the book would be symbols of something else, not just random quantities. Numbers are not hidden codes, but numbers gain meaning by the things associated with them. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation. This revelation timeline decoded bible study provides a table of symbols that were used by john in the book of revelation these revelation symbols are from the peoples new testament study notes by barton w. In response to my last post about secret codes in the bible, a reader commented that the number 666 in the book of revelation is also an encrypted word. The number seven is used over 30 times in the book of. The ancient chaldeans sectioned the stars into twelve regions. John in the book of revelation saw the mark while he was in the spirit. Few things in the book of revelation have caused more confusion and even division and conflict than this great apocalyptic books use of numbers.

Revelation biblical numbers 1 of 4dr adrian rogers. Symbols in the book of revelation numbers one the primary. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader. What do they mean and what do they reveal about god. Nov 06, 2015 tagged bible study fellowship, bsf, bsf commentary, bsf international, bsf notes, bsf study of revelation, do numbers have meaning in bible, helpful websites for bsf, meaning of numbers in book of revelation, numbers in bible, numbers revelation, revelation and numbers post navigation.

Biblical numerology is the use of numbers for their symbolic value in biblical texts for example, the seven days of creation in genesis 1 while many ancient languages, religions, and philosophies contained numeric interpretation of events, words, and names, this article is concerned with those uniquely affecting judeochristian beliefs. The meaning of the book of revelation can seem confusing to the average reader. Interpreting biblical numbers the bible is the divine revelation of the true and living god and every jot and tittle in his. The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. As part of the second trumpet, fire is thrown into the sea and onethird. The book of revelation is saturated with symbolic language. It is full of strange and often scary imagery, confusing numbers, time references, and much more. Truths about him and his final victory, that the rest of scripture merely allude to, become clearly visible through revelation about jesus christ see historical and theological themes. Mar 23, 2008 revelation biblical numbers 1 of 4dr adrian rogers. There are many other numbers in revelation that cannot be deciphered.

Introductory matters are discussed, including the symbolic meaning of numbers like 666, objects, colors, locations, etc. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, a stark account of the apocalypse and a prophecy of the world. The number 7 and the book of revelation a heart for god. Revelation is the finale of the entire bible bringing gods word to a dramatic conclusion. Number 7 in the book of revelation meaning of numbers. What this book reveals or unveils is jesus christ in glory. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the. Like the number 666 has special symbolism due to revelation. Davis in his book biblical numerology presents a convincing case that no number carries in it an inherent meaning. In this post i provide a list of the numbers used in the book of revelation because those numbers are often seen as symbolic. The number 7 is very significant in the book of revelation. I have compiled a list of website commentary for you all to better understand the symbolism here. One like the son of man stood in the midst of seven golden lampstands with seven stars in his hand rev. The symbolical numbers of the book of revelation uk apologetics.

The book of revelation is filled with mysterious symbols. The prophetic book of revelation is the pinnacle and crowning glory of the bible told through numbers. The ancient babylonians and egyptians had a developed numerology based on astrological divination, which is forbidden in the hebrew scriptures. Tagged bible study fellowship, bsf, bsf commentary, bsf international, bsf notes, bsf study of revelation, do numbers have meaning in bible, helpful websites for bsf, meaning of numbers in book of revelation, numbers in bible, numbers. It sets out to help us to understand the meaning of this ancient text. Wycliffe commentary of all the symbolic numbers in the book of revelation, the number 7 receives prominence. But what does the biblical scripture say will happen.

Many christians are scared off by the book of revelation. Revelation symbols defined revelation timeline decoded. Aug 01, 2016 those who are familiar with the book of revelation know that the number seven appears regularly in this book. Let me summarize here what i say about this in my danielrevelation study guide. Nothing in revelation will contradict anything else in the bible. The numbers are representative with a historical undercurrent with literal significance, not simply allegorical and capricious in nature.

Are we to take prophecies literally or allegorically. Tagged bible study fellowship, bsf, bsf commentary, bsf international, bsf notes, bsf study of revelation, do numbers have meaning in bible, helpful websites for bsf, meaning of numbers in book of revelation, numbers in bible, numbers revelation, revelation and numbers 5 comments. However, with just a few tips for understanding certain confusing elements, the book opens up as an important and helpful book for christians. Where interpreters have changed measurements to modern equivalents in certain versions, e. Remember, the meaning of numbers in the bible is not perfect, but the meaning of the written word is always perfect. Who are these mysterious people numbered in the book of revelation. Numbers in the book of revelation as part of the first trumpet, hail and fire mixed with blood are thrown down on the earth 8. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. The number seven repeatedly occurs in the text of the book of revelation.

What is the meaning of 666, the number of the beast in the. The subject of numbers in the bible could lead us to an exhaustive study in itself, but for the purpose of this study, we will briefly examine a few numbers that have symbolic or spiritual meaning throughout the books of the bible. Revelation alone contains the keys that are essential to unlocking the prophetic mysteries found in such books as daniel and isaiah. The book of revelation is written in a style very rich in symbols and images.

To readers living in the first century, an age when the symbolism of numbers was. Read more about how the number came to its meaning. Jul 20, 2015 the symbolism of numbers 1, 3 and 7 are most agreed upon, while variations may occur with others. In all its uses, revelation refers to something or someone, once hidden, becoming visible. Revelation contains two notable numbers that are given some symbolical meaning. It must always be kept in mind, however, that this book is a book of prophecy, intended to shew the things which must shortly come to pass. Part one of a simple, sensible treatment of the text of the most perplexing book in the bible. However, its true meaning is an unveiling or revelation of things known only to god. Numbers, symbolic meaning of definition and meaning. November 6, 2015 by atozmom, posted in bsf revelation. This is the last book of the new testament that contains visionary descriptions of heaven and of conflicts between good and evil and of the end of the world. It can be easy to overlook the meaning of numbers in a prophetic message. Therefore, in this post i want to show a comprehensive list of the numbers in the book of revelation.

There is a strong bias against literal understanding of numbers in the book of revelation. The word apocalypse means unveiling and thats exactly what the book of revelation isit is a prophetic book that discusses the unveiling of what is going to happen in the nearing end times and what. Jan 11, 20 the book of revelation is saturated with symbolic language. While there may be some significance to some of the numbers, the bible does not tell what the significance may be. Aug 29, 2016 in this post i provide a list of the numbers used in the book of revelation because those numbers are often seen as symbolic. Several translations have been interpreted for the meaning of the phrase here is wisdom. According to this view, nero was indeed an antichrist as well as a type or picture of the coming future antichristwhose numbername will also add up to 666.

Apr 27, 2016 while there may be some significance to some of the numbers, the bible does not tell what the significance may be. These principles, in turn, become the proofs that symbolic meaning was given to the numbers. Even when the text seems quite explicit as to the identification of what is being described, commentators refuse to take the text at face value. The subject of numbers in the bible could lead us to an exhaustive study in itself, but for the purpose of this study, we will briefly examine a few numbers that have symbolic or spiritual meaning throughout the book s of the bible.

But in general, revelation is more panoramic than allowed by some, and deals with jews and gentiles in a sweeping fashion. For instance, many religious people have gone to revelation 20. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. The number of the beast also known as the devils number in the book of revelation, of the. In studying the book of revelation, one is immediately struck by the prevailing bias of many. Let us consider the meaning of numbers in the book. Let me summarize here what i say about this in my danielrevelation study guide in many ancient languages, letters were used to represent numbers. One like the son of man stood in the midst of seven golden lampstands with seven stars in. Without a biblical statement it is impossible to determine any symbolic meaning of a number. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation. Symbols in the book of revelation semnele vremurilor. Purpose revelation was written as a letter to be circulated among the christian churches at seven important cities in asia minor.

The symbolism of numbers 1, 3 and 7 are most agreed upon, while variations may occur with others. Draper, understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation, shedding light on the new testament. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. In the bible the number 17 symbolizes overcoming the enemy and complete victory. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. Chapters 5 and 6 depict him as the lamb slain before the foundation of the world who has power to undo the seals and open the book of god. In your revelation study guide you say that theres a symbolic meaning for the numbers in the book.

The symbols and numbers in revelation can cause much confusion and fear. Why certain numbers became laden with symbolic meaning is unknown. This name indicates the meaning of revelation it uncovers matters that had been hidden and discloses events that would happen long after it was written. This list of biblical numbers and meanings is by no means exhaustive. The early christians, while already persecuted for their faith, were about to undergo a much more terrible persecution. The ebook titled revelation now seeks to bring this exciting biblical text alive. A star falls from the sky buring like a torch during the third trumpet.

Ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira, sardis, philadelphia, and laodicea revelation 1. Those who are familiar with the book of revelation know that the number seven appears regularly in this book. While most prophecies only foretell of gods master plan, this book completes the picture. The significance of the number 7 in the book of revelation. Biblical numerology is the use of numbers for their symbolic value in biblical texts for example.

Mar 06, 20 in response to my last post about secret codes in the bible, a reader commented that the number 666 in the book of revelation is also an encrypted word. This view assumes that numbers in the book of revelation are so very often just figurative and, therefore, the thousand years of revelation 20 is best put into the symbolic category. Meaning of the book of revelation 2 cds apologeticspress. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. Other interpreters, myself included, view the book of revelation as being both historical and predictive of coming future events this is the double fulfillment principle of prophecy. In the book of revelation, gods title is the one who is and who was and who is to come revelation 1. Symbols and numbers in revelation south fulton street. The book with seven seals is the book of human destiny, an outline of the great events which connect themselves with the church until its final triumph. This is not going to be an exhaustive breakdown of all of the symbols and numbers but, rather, a demonstration of some tendencies that exist in scripture, and some things that can be. Literal understanding of numbers commentary a testimony. These foundational studies will equip you to interpret the spiritual meaning of numbers used in scripture and provide the skills necessary for you to continue this fascinating study independently. To devour a book is to become master of its contents. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast.