Important among the symbols used was that of numbers. Three, seven, ten, and twelve are known as the perfect numbers. Is coronavirus one of the plagues in the book of revelation. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation. While covid19 is likely not one of the seven last plagues of revelation, nor a sign of the end times, it is still very real. The book written within and without, and sealed with seven seals, revelation 5. The symbols and numbers in revelation can cause much confusion and fear.
Revelation alone contains the keys that are essential to unlocking the prophetic mysteries found in such books as daniel and isaiah. Knowing god an extraterrestrial message chuck missler. God has created all things, he has also created maths. In the face of apparently insuperable evil, either from within or from without, all christians are called to trust in jesus promise, behold, i am with you always, until the end of the age mt 28. Other examples could be listed, but the point is that the lord uses this number throughout scripture to indicate perfection, completeness, and authority. Symbols in the book of revelation numbers one the primary. Justin the martyr around 100 to 165 ac, irenaeus around 140 to 220 ac and the muratori canon end of 2 nd century confirm that the apostle john is the author. Revelation 22 nrsva the river of life then the angel. Numbers, especially, take on symbolic value, even to the point of ciphering certain numbers standing for certain letters of the alphabet. Seven reasons for studying the book of revelation ministry. The early christians, while already persecuted for their faith, were about to undergo a much more terrible persecution. It was pointed out last week that the book of revelation communicates through the use of signs and symbols as these things were signified to john by the lord rev. 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 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. Firstly, consistency in interpretation of the numbers in the revelation. Wilsons charts cover a range of historical, literary, rhetorical, and interpretive issues that will guide the careful student in making more viable interpretations of this difficult yet enriching book. In the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early christian community find their clearest and most complete expression. Revelation with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. This number is especially significant in the book revelation, as 666 identifies the beast.
Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast. There are frequent uses of certain numbers, such as 3, 7, and 12 and multiples, such as 144,000. In this post i provide a list of the numbers used in the book of revelation because those numbers are often seen as symbolic. It can be easy to overlook the meaning of numbers in a prophetic message. There is a strong bias against literal understanding of numbers in the book of revelation. Its no secret that the book of revelation loves its numbers, but you may not have realized just how much. In future articles the letters to the seven churches as outlined in the first three chapters of the book will be examined. Therefore, in this post i want to show a comprehensive list of the numbers in the book of revelation. 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. But in general, revelation is more panoramic than allowed by some, and deals with jews and gentiles in a sweeping fashion. The second and third most common numbers used in the book are three 3 and twelve 12.
The list of sevens in revelation agape bible study. This is a book that jesus gave to show his servants something. In revelation 7 we see 144,000 12 x 12 x 1,000 sealed servants of god, and in revelation 14 we see 144,000 on mount zion with the lamb. Three, like seven, pictures completeness though to a lesser degree. Number 7 in the book of revelation meaning of numbers. Those who are familiar with the book of revelation know that the number seven appears regularly in this book. Orley berg doesnt think the book of revelation is an incomprehensible mystery. November 6, 2015 by atozmom, posted in bsf revelation. We can know the book of revelation speaks with clarity about the end times because of two central principles drawn from revelation 1. The numbers of revelation its no secret that the book of revelation loves its numbers, but you may not have realized just how much. In his commentary on revelation, gregory beale using some insights from richard bauckham highlights some of the ways revelation uses the numbers 4, 7, 12each are numbers signifying fullness and completion. What is the significance of the numerology in revelation. I have never seen it mean end of days in all the references that i have studied. In studying the book of revelation, one is immediately struck by the prevailing bias of many commentators against understanding numbers in their normative.
Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. The book of revelation is written in a style very rich in symbols and images. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. The revelation is the only book in the nt mentioning john as author. The number 7 and the book of revelation a heart for god. First, we believe that the book of revelation must mean something. There are many other numbers in revelation that cannot be deciphered.
John finally eats the book, and then is told he will prophecy. Attempts to immoderately particularize events and numbers trivializes the nature of this jewish apocalypse. Indeed, in revelation, the lord uses the words, phrases, images, and patterns of the ancient covenant as a kind of language arsenal that undergirded and propelled the message which johns contemporaries clearly understood. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. The crowned conqueror on the white horse armed with a bow, revelation 6. In conclusion, the numbers 4 and 6 are both used purposefully in the book of revelation. The prophetic book of revelation is the pinnacle and crowning glory of the bible told through numbers. John mentions his name four times in the book revelation 1. The book of numbers is the fourth book of the hebrew bible, and the fourth of five books of the. 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. 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. The book of revelation describes this moment of satans return and judgment at the end of a 1,000 year period. 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.
After the two witnesses are taken to heaven rev 11. Numbers, symbolic meaning of definition and meaning. Symbols and numbers in revelation south fulton street. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, 2 who testifies to everything he sawthat is, the word of god and the testimony of jesus christ. In your revelation study guide you say that theres a symbolic meaning for the numbers in the book. Revelation study chart and notes massive graphic study. Literal understanding of numbers commentary a testimony. Seven is the second perfect number signifying fullness and perfection, especially spiritual perfection. Wycliffe commentary of all the symbolic numbers in the book of revelation, the number 7 receives prominence. 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. God meant to comfort his persecuted people with this book, not scare them.
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. Charts on the book of revelation is a useful supplement to courses on the book of revelation in both the church and the academy. 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. Relates to the things which are, that is, the then present state of the church, and contains the epistle of john to the seven churches, and his account of the appearance of the lord jesus, and his direction to the apostle to write what he beheld, ch. Numbers are not hidden codes, but numbers gain meaning by the things associated with them. When the thousand years are over, satan will be released.
This is the word of god and the testimony of jesus christ. According to hebrew tradition every number has a symbolic significance. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant john, 2 who testifies to everything he saw. Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation.
Charts on the book of revelation is a useful supplement to. History is replete with plagues, wars, and natural disasters that kill large numbers of people. 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. The significance of the number 7 in the book of revelation.
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. A list of all the numbers used in the book of revelation. One must be careful in taking them too literally, however. Revelation 1 niv prologue the revelation from jesus.
The book of revelation had its origin in a time of crisis, but it remains valid and meaningful for christians of all time. Revelation 22 new revised standard version, anglicised nrsva the river of life. Revelation 1 new international version niv prologue. While most prophecies only foretell of gods master plan, this book completes the picture. To understand the meaning of the book we must recognize this language as symbolic.
It is full of strange and often scary imagery, confusing numbers, time references, and much more. See how many times its used in the depiction of the new. The list of sevens in revelation new testament charts list scripture study guide. The book of revelation is saturated with symbolic language. In revelation the number 12 is used throughout the book to represent the community.
This is especially true with reference to the use of numbers. For example, in america 911 is associated with emergencies because this is the nationwide number to dial if there is an emergency. Apocalypticism was not a new phenomenon among christians. In most manuscripts of the new testament and in english translations of the bible, the number of the beast is six hundred and sixtysix or in. Enduring word bible commentary revelation chapter 1. It is used numerous times in the book of revelation.