Understanding Biblical Symbolism
What the Numbers Reveal
The Bible is filled with symbolism from beginning to end. Symbolism is when one thing is used as an illustration of another. The symbol represents an example of some other thing, person, place, or concept. Parables are examples of symbolism. They are symbolic of some greater meaning. So are metaphors. Numbers can be symbolic of further meaning.
The Bible is wrought with numerological significance which we’ll explore in a moment. Symbols are analogies in the true sense of the word. They are describing larger concepts of the greater whole by symbolically painting a picture in your mind. If your spiritual mind is open to this process, the analogy can take on a life of its own and portray elaborate scenes of the issue in question. Not only are the analogies symbolic in meaning from one concept to another, but the symbolism extends in different ways to differing levels or depths of understanding, of which there are seven depths of the Spirit.
The reality of anything casts a shadow that we see in the temporal world. That shadow is what we think is real, but in reality, it’s dark, shadowy, and elusive. The shadow appears only as a type of what the truth reveals by the light. In such measure as you are pure, you are enabled by the light to see the symbolic reflected upward to the reality.
The Bible is a spiritual book and is spiritually discerned. The letter of the Word kills; the Spirit of the Word gives life. Spiritual understanding comes by the revealing of spiritual (read symbolic) meaning as given by the Spirit of God. The potential depths of meaning to be revealed within the symbolism of the Bible have not even entered the mind of man. All truth knowable by man is there within those words if we only had eyes to see. In most cases, man stumbles over the dry words missing the symbolism and perplexed by the meaning. When on such rare occasions as one is “plugged in” to the Spirit and properly focused, the words and their meaning can jump off the pages right into your ecstatic understanding, just like discovering the hidden image in one of those stereograms.
Symbols are stepping stones to even greater symbols. They form a Rubix cube of intertwined concepts that collectively reveal new meanings. Without the pieces to the puzzle, we remain perplexed and are missing the real clues to growth in our understanding. It takes a key to unlock each door and proceed to the next level. As the Bible says: precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little. Without an understanding of spiritual symbolism, we can never begin a quest for a conceptual understanding of the mystery of the scriptures. Of course, such a journey is not for the faint of heart!
The first rule of symbolic interpretation is to realize that the real meaning of the Bible is to be found internally within us. The kingdom of God is within you, so why not start looking there for the treasures of the things of God? For example, in Genesis, instead of thinking of the external world creation, start thinking of God creating a place for the soul to be manifested. The entire account suddenly takes on new meaning. The very first book of the Bible is filled with symbolic representations of God’s work upon our souls. The waters under the firmament which God called the Seas, are the souls of us all. Throughout the Bible you’ll see that the seas represent the people or souls.
In the context of words, symbols must use word analogies to redefine concepts within our language of communication. If seas mean people in many contexts, then we can begin to develop a dictionary of symbolic terms. Why have you never seen a biblical symbolism dictionary? Perhaps no one has ever been that ambitious, (and I know that I am not). There are hundreds of thousands of symbols used in the Bible. Let’s explore just a few.
In the Bible, trees consistently represent people. The Tree of Life represents Jesus Christ. Read Ezekiel chapters 31 and 32. Is it not clear from just this one place alone that trees symbolize people? How about that Pharaoh represents Satan? The “whale” of the sea and “young lion” of the nations also represent the devil as shown by these verses. Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Egypt represents the flesh.
Now the story of Pharaoh and the exodus from Egypt has new meaning in light of the internal symbolism of Satan in our flesh. The story of the children of Israel and their exodus from Egypt tells a symbolic story of God’s work in you. The entire Bible applies in this way to the internal struggle within you between your soul and the carnal mind.
Lamps signify spirit.¹ Clouds, waves of the sea, and stars are all symbolic of people, souls.² Sword is the Word.³ These symbols apply from the beginning to the end of the Bible. These are just a few examples of how words are used to symbolize meaning other than their literal interpretation. Many of the parables and stories in the Bible portray spiritual truths aside from their historical application. As these figurative allegories⁴ are applied throughout the scriptures, new understandings about God and His purposes unfold. Try reading the following by substituting the word “people” for the word “clouds”:
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. (Mark 13:26)
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7)
The examples of symbolism are virtually endless. The interpretation of their meaning, however, is complex as these symbols interrelate throughout the Bible at many depths of understanding as revealed by the light of the Spirit. Their meanings are not constant in application, in contrast to the literal sense, but rather, they are dynamic, varying with usage and context. I dare not attempt a listing of symbols, there are too many with multiple levels to each. I leave the journey and eventual documentation of these treasures to those so inclined.
Numbers are also very significant, symbolically. Numerology, the science of numbers, has been around for thousands of years, at least since the beginning of recorded history. It’s based on the belief that things are ordered and every number has a meaning at many different levels, fixed within the laws of the universe. Any good mathematician will quickly agree that numbers are highly ordered and their geometric representations are very structured. So too, modern-day physicists will tell you of mathematical models that extend Einstein’s theory of general relativity into quantum mechanics in search of a unified field theory that structures the entire universe. In other words, the laws of mathematics define the universe; numbers tell the story.
The meaning of numbers is also told by the symbology used in the Bible. Numerous examples of number symbols are used in the many stories told in the Old Testament. The ages given in the genealogies, the years of significant events, and the pattern of things like Noah’s Ark and the Tabernacle collectively reveal the meanings of the numbers.
The numbers 1‑9 signify the Alpha and the Omega. Zero represents potential (all or none), choice, eternal, universal, and source. It is represented by a circle. Each number is raised in frequency and intensity up the scale and meanings of compound numbers derive from their root numbers with the first number being dominant and the second lending support or an active environment for the first to function. In addition, by adding the numbers together, the base or root of the compound number is established which sets the tone or the environment of the complete number’s impact.
Here are some of the basic number symbolisms:
1 -One is a number of beginnings, origins, originality, creation, unity, unconfirmed witness, individuality, the “first”, and sacrifice.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:13)
2 -Represents witness, agreement, duality, cooperation, mercy, peacemaking, service, and diplomacy.
And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work, shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.
And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. (Exodus 25:18‑22)
3 -Denotes the trinity, the integration of body, mind, and soul, confirmed witness (two or three witnesses)⁵, and divine manifestation. Jesus was dead for three days and three nights. Nature’s examples are triangles and pyramids.
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (1 John 5:7‑8)
4 -Foundation, framework, organization, rock, cornerstone, structure, honesty, and discipline. There are four seasons, four corners, four directions, and four sides to a square. Spiritually, it represents the trinity of body, mind, and soul added to spirit. There are four rivers in the Garden of Eden.
And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. (Revelation 7:1)
5 -Grace, freedom, versatility, communications, and offerings.
And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. (Matthew 25:20 )
6 -Harmony, balance, love for family and friends, spiritual attainment, and community of mankind. The world was created in six days; on the seventh day was the rest. Man was created on the sixth day.
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom. (1 Kings 10:20)
7 -Prophecy, spirituality, intuitive experiencing, creative expression, sensitivity, receptivity, intellectualism, truth, perfection, and sanctification.
On the seventh day, God rested and blessed it, and sanctified it.
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:20)
8 -Judgment, forgiveness, circumcision, preparation, purification, power, balance, and holiness.
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him. (Genesis 21:4)
9 -Prayer, completion, healing, metaphysics, force, energy, universality, humanitarianism, love toward the world, universal love.
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. (Acts 3:1)
The number “9” is considered all-inclusive of all other numbers, the most sacred. When assigning numbers to letters, the #9 is not used.
The shape of the #9 is the completion of a circle (#0), with a tail turning back to the beginning. This symbol of completion is further manifested in that any number added to the #9 returns the original number back to itself ( i.e., 5 +9 = 14 = 5, etc.). Similarly, the #9 multiplied by and other number always reduces back to #9. (9 x 3 = 27 = 9).
These are the root numbers from which all others build. An example of compound number interpretation is the number 1000 frequently used in the Bible. (e.g., to reign for a thousand years.) This number is not meant to represent any literal period of time. It is symbolic and yields its meaning from the numbers contained within this compound number symbolism.
First, the #10 is made up of zero which symbolizes the eternal, universal source. Taken in compound with another digit gives the number added dimension, increased potential, and open‑endedness. It increases the potential of the number ‘1’ and gives honor and success; it’s a spiritual return to wholeness. There were Ten commandments given to Moses. Raise the above to the third power; 10³ = 1000 signifying the integration of body, mind, and soul. Also, the number 1000 is the individual, ‘1’ in the eternal potential with the highly enhanced dimension of three zeros. The entire compound number is made of four digits providing the foundation as symbolized by the four walls of the temple.
All compound numbers are built in this way to derive their symbolic significance. Let’s look at just a few examples:
#11 -The spiritual, spiritual growth, intuition, enlightenment
It represents two upright columns that lead into the temple of our inner being. It shows a balance between two extremes. Made of two ‘1’s’, it amplifies the creative originality and individuality; it adds to two and magnifies as two witnesses, the duality in cooperation. It’s the number of angels.
#12 — Perfection, authority, divine government, spiritual growth
There are twelve months to the cycle of Earth’s journey around the sun. There are twelve hours of light and twelve hours of darkness. There were twelve tribes of Israel and twelve apostles. There are twelve gates to the city “New Jerusalem” spoken of in the Book of Revelation; the city represents the bride of Christ or all saved souls. The #12 has as its root the #3 signifying the trinity; also, body, mind, and soul. The #1 is the individual and unity combined with the #2, the number of agreement, cooperation, and mercy. It’s the number of divine government.
There are four sides to a pyramid, each with a three-sided triangle, and twelve geometric components. The symbols and manifestations of God and His purposes are reflected in the heavens, and it’s said that the Great Pyramid of Egypt is a geometrical record of God’s work reflected in the intricate details of its design. Many books have been written that study the interpretations of the heavenly record and biblical prophecies reflected by this unexplained marvel, one of the seven wonders of the world.
Could there be a correlation between the twelve eternal tribes of the Bible, the twelve constellations, and the twelve signs of the zodiac? Did you know that the bride of Christ is symbolized by the city of New Jerusalem?
And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: (Revelation 21:9–12)
Some more numbers of interest are to be found in the dimensions of the very symbolic city, New Jerusalem:
And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. (Revelation 21:15–17)
The city is 12,000 furlongs⁶, in the length of each side, or 144,000,000 square furlongs as the area of each of its six sides, or 864,000,000 square furlongs as the total area of all six sides. The diameter of the sun is 864,000 miles; the radius of the moon is 1080 miles or 8640 furlongs; the perimeter of a square drawn around the circumference of the moon is 8640 miles.
In the Book of Revelation, the number 144,000 signifies all redeemed, all who are sealed with God’s name on their forehead; twelve thousand of each of the twelve tribes. This number, 144,000 is symbolic of all saved souls, as typified by the city, New Jerusalem.
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. (Revelation 14:1)
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.(Revelation 7:4–5)
Here are some astounding correlations between the dimensions of the Earth and New Jerusalem:
The circumference of a circle around any wall of the city is 24,881,414 feet; the circumference of the earth is 24,881.414 miles. The circumference of the moon is 2,488.1414 megalithic⁷ miles. In a square whose four sides equal the circumference of the sun, the length of one side equals 248,814.14 megalithic miles.
The area of a circle drawn around any wall of New Jerusalem is 3,456 square megalithic miles. The radius of the sun is 3,456,000 furlongs. The perimeter of a square drawn around the circumference of the sun is 3,456,000 miles.
The perimeter of any wall of the city, and the distance around the city is 31,680,000 feet, or 6000 miles. The perimeter of a square drawn around the earth is 31,680 miles (4 x 7920). The diameter of the sun is 316,800 megalithic miles; the radius of the earth is 31,680 furlongs; the length of a side of a square drawn around the moon is 3,168 megalithic miles.
The city of New Jerusalem is reflected in the pattern of the heavens. Its dimensions are wrought with numerological significance. Here are some of the building block numbers from above:
#13 -Combines individuality and creativity integrated into the realm of the trinity in the foundation and framework given by the root #4. The 13 original colonies of America formed the foundation of our country. Christ and twelve apostles yields ‘13’. Contrary to popular folklore, thirteen is not an unlucky number.
#40 -The Flood that Noah endured lasted 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus went to the wilderness for forty days and nights. The #4 represents a foundation and discipline combined with the potential and eternalness of the #0. It signifies a foundation for accomplishment and preparation for completion.
Names are numerically significant because each of the sounds of the spoken word “vibrate” to one of the number frequencies. (The #9 vibrates to all). Each letter of our alphabet can be represented by a number, and any word can be represented as a number. The people of Egypt and Chalde developed this science more than 2500 years ago. Every language can be assigned numbers to the letter sounds. The original Greek and Hebrew text of the Bible is most significant in scriptural number interpretation.
If we were to assign a number to God, that number would have to be ‘999’. This number represents the blessedness, higher energy, and love symbolized by the number ‘9’, reflected as the trinity of God. It’s the symbolic opposite of the number ‘666’.
And what of the meaning of the mark of the beast, 666?
This is the number of a man in his totality because it’s dominated by #6 which depicts the community of mankind, it has three digits denoting self‑expression in mind, body and spirit. Its root is #9, (6+6+6= 18 = 9).
The number 666 reflects the soul’s universal trinity yoked to the beast in its triplicity of mind, body, and spirit, representing the spirit of man, the Antichrist.
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.(Revelation 13:18)
Many are predicting a man who will come who will be the dreaded AntiChrist in the flesh. They are looking for a new world leader to come and reign on earth. It’s just not going to happen, ever. The doctrine that believes in a world leader who is THE Antichrist is a strictly literal interpretation of a spiritual truth. There will be no rapture, no literal beast rising out of the sea, and no white horse swooping down out of heaven. This symbolism of these prophecies will not transpire, literally.
Many Bible scholars argue that the Bible must be read literally and that those who attempt to spiritualize it, corrupt its truth. They say the Bible is the “inerrant” Word of God, in the literal sense of each word transcribed from the various manuscripts to the translations we possess today. Should we believe that every word transcribed by the scribes, or every revision from one language to another, or every interpretation of every Greek or Hebrew word in the King James English renditions are without any error? Those who study the Bible according to the letter of every word and insist on the literal interpretation only, are entirely missing the levels and depths of understanding that are purposely hidden within the passages. It may be important to the literalist’s need to dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’, but the message of God’s Word is revealed by the Spirit in our spiritual mind. The truth of its message is spiritually discerned. It is hidden from those who are not ready to receive it, as it cannot be received till given.
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. (John 12:40)
The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.(1 Corinthians 2:8‑16)
It would be interesting to see someone develop a work that studied and further developed the spiritual significance of some of the biblical symbols such as types of Christ, types of Satan, Jewish feasts and holidays, the tabernacle, the temple, names and numbers, metals and gems, colors, the twelve tribes, seven depths of the Spirit, seven church ages, and the seven spiritual laws. I believe the mysteries of God’s spiritual truths will begin to be known as revealed by the Spirit and taught to all men in the coming new age.
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14)
Footnotes:
(1) And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. (Revelation 4:5)
(2) Clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. (Jude 1:12–13)
(3) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:17)
(4) An allegory is metaphoric or figurative language.
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. (Galatians 4:23)
(5) This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. (2Corinthians 13:1)
(6) (8 furlongs to a mile, or one furlong=660 feet)
(7) (a megalithic mile equals 14,400 feet)
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This article is from the publication ‘Love Reigns Supreme’ on Substack
by Aaron Freeman