Page 444 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

NOTABLE - NUMEROLOGY

NOTABLE. Worthy of note or mention; exceptional; Examples of significant Bible numbers. In order to
conspicuous; remarkable (Da. 8:5,8; Mt. 17:16; Ac. maintain a sound approach to Bible numerology, we
2:20; 4:16). shall list the most common numbers in two categories of
NOTHING. (1) Not anything (Ge. 11:6). (2) In no descending certainty:
respect; in no way (1 Ki. 10:21; 1 Ti. 4:4; Ja. 1:6). ONE—UNITY/UNION (1,898 times). Genesis 1:9 is
NOUGHT, SET AT. To consider of no value; to the first mention. See also Ge. 2:24; De. 6:4; Jn. 10:30;
despise (Pr. 1:25; Mk. 9:12). 17:21-22; Ac. 4:32; Ep. 4:3-6; 1 Jn. 5:7.
NOURISHER. One who nourishes, nurses, or rears TWO—DIVISION/STRENGTH (808 times).
(Ru. 4:15). Genesis 1:16 is the first mention (note v. 14).
NOVICE (newly planted). A recent convert; Genesis 1:6—second day of creation
unskilled; immature (1 Ti. 3:6). [See Deacon, Pastor.] Two sons: Cain/Abel; Ishmael/Isaac; Esau/Jacob
Genesis 10:25
NOW A DAYS. These days (1 Sa. 25:10). Ezekiel 37:21-23
NUDITY. [See Modesty, Nakedness.] Two classes: Saved/Lost; Sheep/Goats; Righteous/
NUMBERS. (1) The fourth book of the Bible; part of Wicked
the Pentateuch written by Moses. [See Inspiration, Law, Matthew 6:24—two masters
Moses.] (2) The numbers mentioned in the Bible, such Matthew 18:16—two witnesses
Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1—sent out two by two
as one and seven. [See Numerology.] THREE—DIVINE COMPLETENESS (467 times).
NUMEROLOGY. The following study is adapted from
Robert Sargent: Three Persons in the Godhead
Christ—Who IS (present), WAS (past), IS TO COME
Two things may be said about the subject of Biblical (future)
Numerology: first, it is one of the more obscure areas of Christ tempted three times
Bible study; second, it is an extremely fascinating Christ raised three people from the dead
exercise for those who pursue it. As with all areas of Christ crucified at the third hour/3 hours of
Bible study, Biblical numerology is open to extremes— darkness
perhaps more so than most. On the one hand there is Christ rose again the third day—Matthew 12:40
the extreme of ignoring any significance of numbers in Isaiah 6:3
the Bible, not understanding that its Author is the FOUR—CREATION/EARTH (305 times).
Creator of a mathematically exact universe. The other Genesis 2:10—first usage
extreme is to assign unwarranted significance to Four directions; four seasons
numbers in a cabalistic fashion, finding hidden Four world empires—Daniel 2:31-43
meanings in the words and the order of words in Four grounds—Matthew 13:3-8
Scripture. EIGHT—NEW CREATION (80 times).
Eight persons began a new world order—1 Peter
All agree that certain numbers do have a symbolic 3:20
significance in Scripture (e.g. Re. 13:18) all will not Males circumcised on eighth day—Genesis 17:12
agree upon the extent to which numbers are significant. Christ rose on the 1st day of the week (the 8th)
The following points should be kept in mind when FIVE—LIFE & DEATH (318 times).
determining the significance of numbers in the Bible: Living things created on the fifth day—Genesis 1:23
(1) Bible Numerology is not an absolute system. A Five offerings in Leviticus
particular number does not necessarily have symbolic Five mice & five emerods, to end a plague—1
significance every time it is used. Therefore, the student Samuel 5 & 6
must be extremely careful not to take numerical The fifth rib—2 Samuel 2:23; 3:27; 4:6; 20:10
Five smooth stones—1 Samuel 17:40
symbolism too far. (2) Symbolic meaning is determined Five loaves—Matthew 14:17
by usage. Any significance attached to a number must Some see the number five as symbolic of grace. This
be the fruit of Bible study. It is an error to assign is so if one considers the life-giving death of
numbers significance in order to ‘unlock’ the Bible. Christ for sinners.
Some writers on the subject find significance in every SIX—MAN/ MAN & SATAN (199 times).
number from 1 to 40 and then selected numbers Man created on the sixth day
thereafter. This may be so, but the student must Man to work six days
determine this for himself by careful study. (3) The first 66 souls go down to Egypt
use of a number can be a helpful guide. Often, the first Goliath—six cubits & 1 span tall; 6 pieces of armor
mention of a particular number can give insight to its Nebuchadnezzar’s image—60 cubits high, six cubits
symbolism—if indeed it has symbolic meaning. wide
Satanic triad—Revelation 13:18—number of a MAN

444 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity