The key to understanding the book of revelation is to interpret it as literally as possibleit says what it means and means what it says. 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. The simple numbers of 1 through have spiritual significance multiples of these numbers, or doubling and tripling, carry basically the same meaning only intensifying the truth. 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. Amillennial scholar anthony hoekema clearly states this position. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. Religious studies center, brigham young university, 2009, 27189. The number 666 is the number of the name of the coming antichrist. Watch our overview video on the book of revelation, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. As for some of the other numbers in the book, as i write in my danielrevelation study guide. The number 7 is very significant in the book of revelation. 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. Part one of a simple, sensible treatment of the text of the most perplexing book in the bible. 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.
The significance of the number 7 in the book of revelation. Literal understanding of numbers commentary a testimony. Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation. Therefore, in this post i want to show a comprehensive list of the numbers in the book of revelation. The number 7 is used 53 times in revelation, and 670 total times throughout the entire canon of the holy scriptures. Like the number 666 has special symbolism due to revelation. However, i would like to provide two principles that can greatly increase a persons understanding of the book of revelation. Establishing the use of numerology in the revelation is clearly not difficult and, for the most part, neither is discovering the meaning being communicated by the numbers. For example, the seven stars in chapter 1 represent the leaders of the various. All this confirms the fact of divine inspiration ii timothy 3. One like the son of man stood in the midst of seven golden lampstands with seven stars in his hand rev. Nevertheless, enough is understood to get the essential meaning for a panoramic understanding of the revelation. Many of the apocalyptic prophecies were given while the prophets were in a hostile foreign land. 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 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. The book of revelation is filled with mysterious symbols. Few things in the book of revelation have caused more confusion and even division and conflict than this great apocalyptic books use of numbers. 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. 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. Introductory matters are discussed, including the symbolic meaning of numbers like 666, objects, colors, locations, etc. The number seven is used over 30 times in the book of. Dec 14, 2016 watch our overview video on the book of revelation, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought.
Revelation contains two notable numbers that are given some symbolical meaning. 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. The prominence of seven the number seven is the most prominent number throughout the whole bible. 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. November 6, 2015 by atozmom, posted in bsf revelation. Without a biblical statement it is impossible to determine any symbolic meaning of a number. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. While most prophecies only foretell of gods master plan, this book completes the picture. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john.
There are 240 occurrences of numbers in the book of revelation this is assuming that my counting is correct. The symbolical numbers of the book of revelation with particular reference to the 1,000 years rev. The book of the bible that uses the word seven most frequently is revelation, where it appears 55 times. The early christians, while already persecuted for their faith, were about to undergo a much more terrible persecution. Read more about how the number came to its meaning. The meaning of the book of revelation 2 cds by dave miller, ph. He wrote from the small island of patmos after being banished there for preaching the gospel. Synchronicity, symbolism, and the meaning of numbers. Let us consider the meaning of numbers in the book. The symbolical numbers of the book of revelation uk apologetics. The symbolism of numbers 1, 3 and 7 are most agreed upon, while variations may occur with others. What do they mean and what do they reveal about god. And jesus said, to you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of god, but to the rest it is given in parables, that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.
Biblical numerology is defined as the study of the spiritual significance of numbers used in the bible. John in the book of revelation saw the mark while he was in the spirit. In your revelation study guide you say that theres a symbolic meaning for the numbers in the book. The first principle is the fact that the book of revelation uses extensive figurative language. 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. It can be tempting to not put in any work and just go with what the traditional meaning of the number is. Just keep in mind not all numbers have symbols behind them and are just numbers. Symbols in the book of revelation semnele vremurilor. 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. What is the meaning of 666, the number of the beast in the. One like the son of man stood in the midst of seven golden lampstands with seven stars in. Symbolism of numbers in the bible christcentered mall. Meaning of the book of revelation 2 cds apologeticspress.
The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. However, with just a few tips for understanding certain confusing elements, the book opens up as an important and helpful book for christians. 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. Nothing in revelation will contradict anything else in the bible. 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. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. Occurence of numbers in the book of revelation with nrsv text the word number also once to number count. 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. In the book of revelation, gods title is the one who is and who was and who is to come revelation 1. God is consistent throughout his book, and though the bible was written by various men of god over different periods of time and generations, there is manifest throughout all the bible, the same marvelous meaning and harmony in the use of numbers.
Therefore, we also must keep in mind the second principle necessary to a proper understanding of the book of revelation. Jan 11, 20 the book of revelation is saturated with symbolic language. When it comes to numbers and their meaning in the book of revelation, it is not uncommon for interpreters to ask the reader to exchange his gold the numbers literal meaning for fools gold a fanciful, vague interpretation, or perhaps no interpretation at all. Symbols and numbers in revelation south fulton street. God meant to comfort his persecuted people with this book, not scare them. Davis in his book biblical numerology presents a convincing case that no number carries in it an inherent meaning. After the two witnesses are taken to heaven rev 11. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation.
Numbers, symbolic meaning of definition and meaning. In studying the book of revelation, one is immediately struck by the prevailing bias of many. I have compiled a list of website commentary for you all to better understand the symbolism here. 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. The book of revelation is a description of what happens when jesus returns. Those who are familiar with the book of revelation know that the number seven appears regularly in this book. Oct 15, 2012 in your revelation study guide you say that theres a symbolic meaning for the numbers in the book. The prophetic book of revelation is the pinnacle and crowning glory of the bible told through numbers. Mar 19, 2019 the book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. 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.
The ancient chaldeans sectioned the stars into twelve regions. Biblical numerology is the use of numbers for their symbolic value in biblical texts for example. Remember, the meaning of numbers in the bible is not perfect, but the meaning of the written word is always perfect. In many ancient languages, letters were used to represent numbers. In these chapters god tells us what eternity with him will be like.
Symbols in the book of revelation numbers one the primary. Let me summarize here what i say about this in my danielrevelation study guide. The word seven or derivatives such as seventh, seventy, etc. For instance, many religious people have gone to revelation 20. Aug 01, 2016 those who are familiar with the book of revelation know that the number seven appears regularly in this book. Fortunately, revelation is quite helpful in the task. Are we to take prophecies literally or allegorically. The symbols and numbers in revelation can cause much confusion and fear. For example, in america 911 is associated with emergencies because this is the nationwide number to dial if there is an emergency. John, one of jesus followers, wrote revelation while living in exile on an island.
A star falls from the sky buring like a torch during the third trumpet. Jan 26, 2017 however, even though the book of revelation is written in symbols, the bible explains itself in a literal language. Second temple jewish literature should be discussed briefly, as it influenced the new testament use of numbers greatly, especially the book of revelation. 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 book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. One can see a trend in late old testament apocalyptic literature toward a cryptic use of numbers. Number, example from the revelation, meanings and possible.
Synchronicity, symbolism, and the meaning of numbers is all extremely personal, so be wary of prescribing a meaning to your life that is not actually correct or relevant. The special meaning of seven in the bible revelationlogic. Many people both christian and not wonder what 666 means. Wycliffe commentary of all the symbolic numbers in the book of revelation, the number 7 receives prominence. Interpreting biblical numbers the bible is the divine revelation of the true and living god and every jot and tittle in his word is deemed important.
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. Numbers, symbolic meaning of definition and meaning bible. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john. The opening of its seals is the revelation of future history. Numbers are not hidden codes, but numbers gain meaning by the things associated with them. 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. Revelation alone contains the keys that are essential to unlocking the prophetic mysteries found in such books as daniel and isaiah. It is full of strange and often scary imagery, confusing numbers, time references, and much more. Eliminating the six occurrences of thousand years in revelation 20 the meaning of which we are trying to determine, that leaves 234 times where numbers are used. It can be easy to overlook the meaning of numbers in a prophetic message.
Is the author speaking of past events or future events. While there may be some significance to some of the numbers, the bible does not tell what the significance may be. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. Roger barrier explains the meaning of 666 in revelations. While many associate the word apocalypse with great disaster, the book of revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. Number 7 in the book of revelation meaning of numbers.
Revelation symbols defined revelation timeline decoded. This book was written by john, the last surviving apostle revelation 1. In revelation, johns visions reveal that jesus has overcome evil by. One cannot fully appreciate the message of the book, therefore, until one can see past the symbols to the vast realities for which they stand. To devour a book is to become master of its contents. The abuse of numbers commentary a testimony of jesus. 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. 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. As part of the second trumpet, fire is thrown into the sea and onethird. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that every word is significantand this includes numbers. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. The meaning of the book of revelation can seem confusing to the average reader.
The ancient babylonians and egyptians had a developed numerology based on astrological divination, which is forbidden in the hebrew scriptures. God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery. The number 7 and the book of revelation a heart for god. Its represented in the heavenly throne vision by four living.
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. May 07, 2018 the exact meaning behind the numerology in the revelation might not always be as clear to our generation as it once was to the generation to whom it was first given. 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. The book of revelation is saturated with symbolic language.
The book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. Draper, understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation, shedding light on the new testament. In a few instances it actually interprets the symbol for the reader. The book of revelation is written in a style very rich in symbols and images. Several books of jewish apocalyptic literature are available for study.