Dictionary Article

Individual numbers have a symbolic as well as a literal sense in the Bible. In Daniel, and to a lesser extent in Revelation, there is a developed system of numerology where interrelated systems of numbers are used in a definite pattern.

Traditionally, conservative Christians have been suspicious of numerology because of its unwise use by groups of Christians who see theological symbolism in every number in the OT, even the most factual. This view was inherited from mystical, pre-Christian Jewish groups, and later carried to extremes by the Kabbalists.

Hebrew, and indeed any other Semitic language, has a simple but adequate system of numeration. The number one is an adjective. After that, the numerals are nouns, in parallel masculine and feminine forms, although the masculine is used with the feminine noun and vice versa. Ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.) exist alongside cardinal numbers (one, two, three), but as in most languages, the second set can be used instead of the first (“day two” instead of “second day”). From ten to nineteen, there is one composite form built like English “thirteen” (“three-ten”), but “twenty” is literally “tens” (the plural of “ten”). Thirty, forty, and so on are literally “threes,” “fours” (the plural of the words “three” and “four,” respectively) and so on, up to a hundred, which is a new word. There are also separate words for “thousand” and for “ten thousand,” as in Greek, Chinese, and many other languages. Larger numbers must be expressed by multiples of these (“ten thousand times ten thousand” and “thousands of thousands”), suggesting that large figures, rarely needed for small populations and tiny kingdoms, were expressed approximately. Hebrew has not only a singular and plural but also a dual form to express two of anything (two hundred, two thousand). Fractions (a half, a third, a tenth, etc.) could be expressed, and multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction were used. Indeed, instances of all four operations can be found in the Bible. The Hebrew mathematical system was basically part of the larger western Asian mathematical system, of which we know a great deal from Mesopotamia and Egypt. These countries, however, used a more highly developed mathematical system than Israel.

In the Bible, numbers are always written out in words, as on the famous Moabite Stone and the Siloam Inscription. But every nation in the ancient world could also express numbers by using figures or ciphers of various kinds (like our 1, 2, 3, . . .). Because of this danger of error, in later days numbers were normally written out in full, in words, where confusion, although still possible, was not nearly so likely. An additional way of writing numbers, known both to the Hebrews and the Greeks, was the use of consecutive letters of the alphabet instead of consecutive numerals (as if we used A for 1, B for 2, etc.). This system, in wide use by NT times, is the usual system in modern Hebrew and has the advantage that numerical combinations can be pronounced by inserting arbitrary vowels, thus making artificial words. For example, if the number of the beast (Rv 13:18), 666, is expressed in alphabetical letters, it can spell out the consonants of “Nero Caesar,” although other names are possible, especially if the variant reading 616 is used.

Show passage in OET: REV 13:18

OET-RV REV 13:18

18 This calls for wisdom: Let anyone who has understanding calculate the number of the creature, because it’s the number of a man and his number is 666.

OET-LV REV 13:18

18 Here the wisdom is:
the one having a_mind let _count the number of _the wild _animal, because/for the_number of_a_man it _is, and the number of _it is six _hundred sixty six.

Jump to OET REV 13:18 section.

Even allowing for all these possibilities, there remain certain problems connected with large numbers, particularly in the OT. The most obvious is that of the ten long-lived patriarchs, whose ages are recorded in Genesis 5. Different figures (varying by whole centuries) are recorded for their ages in the Hebrew text, the Samaritan text, and the earliest Greek translation (known as the Septuagint), but all figures are very large. Some interpret these figures literally and point out that there is a steady reduction from the ages attained by these patriarchs to the more modest 120 years allotted to man in Noah’s time (Gn 6:3) and the 70 years accepted later as the human life span (Ps 90:10). This would correspond to the progressive spiritual deterioration of mankind after the fall, from the perfect state of Adam to the present condition. Whatever the explanation of the figures, there is no doubt that this is the theological intent of the Bible.

Show passage in OET: GEN 6:3

OET-RV GEN 6:3

3 Then Yahweh said, “My Spirit won’t tolerate people forever, because they are physical beings, therefore their remaining time will be 120 years.”

OET-LV GEN 6:3

3 And_ YHWH _he/it _said not my_breath/wind/spirit it _will _remain in/on _the_humankind to_vanishing _point in/on_that_also he is_flesh and_they _will _be his/its_days one _hundred and_twenty year[s].

Show passage in OET: PSA 90:10

OET-RV PSA 90:10

10 We might reach the age of seventy,
⇔ or even eighty if we’re healthy,
⇔ but even our best years are marked by trouble and sorrow.
⇔ Yes, they pass quickly, then we ‘fly away’.

OET-LV PSA 90:10

10 The _days _of our _years _of_our in/among_them are_seventy year[s] and_if by_strength(s) eighty year[s] and_pride _of_their is_toil and_trouble if/because it _passes _away quickly and_we_flew _away.

Jump to OET GEN 6:3 section.

Jump to OET PSA 90:10 section.

The large number of Israelites who left Egypt is also problematic. If there were actually 600,000 fighting men (Nm 1:46), this would correspond to a whole nation of some 2 million or more. Possibly the word translated “thousand” means “clan units”; it would clearly be a much smaller total body, whatever its exact size. Of course, God could have maintained any number of people in the desert. The evidence of archaeology as to the population of Canaan both before and after the Israelite onslaught seems to support a lower number. The same principle might explain the large numbers given for the fighting men of the various Israelite tribes, and the huge totals for Israel and Judah’s military strength given at later times in the historical books of the OT.

Show passage in OET: NUM 1:46

OET-RV NUM 1:46

46 603,550 of them in total.

OET-LV NUM 1:46

46 And_ all _of the _enrolled_men _they _were six hundred(s) thousand and_three _of thousand(s) and_five hundred(s) and_fifty.

Jump to OET NUM 1:46 section.

To the ordinary Bible reader, perhaps one of the biggest problems is the different numbers recorded in Chronicles and Kings, when the same incidents are being described. Manuscript errors, or confusion of numbers written by signs or single letters of the alphabet, may account for numerous individual inconsistencies, but not for wholesale differences, particularly as the figures in Chronicles are consistently much larger. These very large round numbers may have symbolic significance and may not be intended to be taken in their literal sense at all. Indeed, since the Jews had before them the book of Kings and the book of Chronicles at the same time, they can hardly have taken both sets of numbers literally themselves.

One of the problems of the OT is that of the dating of events. Even with an exact number system, there is no absolute fixed point from which to reckon. Later Jews and Christians counted from the presumed date of the Creation. Not until after the time of David and Solomon are both internal reference between the comparative dates of kings of Judah and Israel and external reference to monarchs outside Israel used. This open-endedness accounts for the vague period of “forty years” used so often in the OT (e.g., the book of Judges) for any long but indeterminate period of time, almost certainly corresponding to a generation (Hebrew, dor). Counting by generations is specific in some places in the Bible and may be implicit in others. For instance, Abraham’s descendants are to return to Canaan “in the fourth generation” (Gn 15:16), and the genealogy of Christ is neatly constructed on a pattern of three groups of fourteen generations (Mt 1:17), rather than on periods of years. Wherever people use and recite genealogies, such counting by generations is natural. But Abraham’s descendants are said to have returned to Canaan approximately four centuries later (Gal 3:17), and therefore the word “generation” sometimes stands for 100 years. The Hebrew word for “generation” may mean 120 years (Gn 6:3). Usually, the ancient Hebrews used vague phrases like “in those days” or “after those days” or “the days are coming,” which expressed past, present, and future without any specific mention of number. In other words, the Bible writers were more concerned with theology than with mathematics.

Show passage in OET: GEN 15:16

OET-RV GEN 15:16

16 Then in the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, because the Amorim’ sins won’t be complete until then.”

OET-LV GEN 15:16

16 And_the_generation fourth they _will _return hither if/because not is_complete the _iniquity _of the_ʼAmorī until now.

Show passage in OET: MAT 1:17

OET-RV MAT 1:17

17 So the generations from Avraham to David numbered fourteen, from David to the deportation to Bavel there were fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Bavel to the messiah there were fourteen generations.

OET-LV MAT 1:17

17 Therefore all the generations from Abraʼam/(ʼAⱱrāhām) to Dawid/(Dāvid) were fourteen generations, and from Dawid until the deportation to _Babulōn fourteen generations, and from the deportation to _Babulōn to the chosen _one /messiah fourteen generations.

Show passage in OET: GAL 3:17

OET-RV GAL 3:17

17 So what I’m telling you is that the agreement with Avraham that was previously ratified by God was not annulled 430 years later when the law was given to Mosheh (Moses), and nor was the promise nullified,

OET-LV GAL 3:17

17 And I _am _saying this:
the_covenant having _been _previously _ratified by the god, the after four _hundred and thirty years having _become law is_ not _annulling, as _in _order that to _nullify the promise.

Jump to OET GEN 15:16 section.

Jump to OET MAT 1:17 section.

Jump to OET GAL 3:17 section.

In the OT, Israel’s 40 years in the desert is a good example of the approximate use of numbers (Nm 14:33). In the NT, Jesus was in the wilderness 40 days during the temptation (Mt 4:2), and there were 40 days between his resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:3). Moses was 40 years old at his call (Acts 7:23), apparently lived 40 years in Midian (Ex 7:7), and spent 40 years leading Israel out of Egypt and through the desert (Dt 34:7), for he is said to be 120 years old at his death. However, two generations of 40 years is the normal maximum for a healthy man (Ps 90:10), and even this is often shortened to 70 years by the rigors of life. Seventy is also used at times in this approximate sense.

Show passage in OET: NUM 14:33

OET-RV NUM 14:33

33 Your sons will become shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until you yourselves all become corpses in the wilderness.

OET-LV NUM 14:33

33 And_children _of_your(pl) they _will _be shepherds in_wilderness forty year[s] and_they _will _bear DOM prostitution(s)_of_your(pl) until corpses _of_your(pl) are _finished in_wilderness.

Show passage in OET: MAT 4:2

OET-RV MAT 4:2

2 As he’d been fasting for forty days (and nights), he was hungry,

OET-LV MAT 4:2

2 And having _fasted forty days and forty nights, later he _hungered.

Show passage in OET: ACT 1:3

OET-RV ACT 1:3

3 After the time of his suffering, Yeshua (Jesus; Grk. Yesus) presented himself to them in ways that were infallible proofs that he was alive again—appearing to them and telling them about God’s kingdom.

OET-LV ACT 1:3

3 to _whom also after the time him to _suffer he _presented himself living, with many proofs through forty days, appearing to _them, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of_ the _god.

Show passage in OET: ACT 7:23

OET-RV ACT 7:23

23 But when he hit forty, it entered his mind to visit his relatives, the Israelis.

OET-LV ACT 7:23

23 But when a_ forty _year _time was _being _fulfilled to _him, went _up in the heart of _him to _visit the brothers of _him, the sons of _Israaʸl/(Yisrā^ʼēl).

Show passage in OET: EXO 7:7

OET-RV EXO 7:7

7 (Mosheh was eighty and Aharon was eighty-three when they were interacting with Par’oh.)

OET-LV EXO 7:7

7 And_Mosheh was_a _son _of eighty year[s] and_ʼAhₐron was_a _son _of three and_eighty year[s] when_spoke_they to Parˊoh.

Show passage in OET: DEU 34:7

OET-RV DEU 34:7

7 Mosheh was one hundred and twenty when he died, but he still had excellent eyesight and strength in his body.

OET-LV DEU 34:7

7 And_Mosheh was_a _son _of one _hundred and_twenty year[s] when_died _of_he not eye _of_his it _had _grown _dim and_not vigor _of_his it _had _fled.

Jump to OET NUM 14:33 section.

Jump to OET MAT 4:2 section.

Jump to OET ACT 1:3 section.

Jump to OET ACT 7:23 section.

Jump to OET EXO 7:7 section.

Jump to OET DEU 34:7 section.

In Scripture, seven symbolizes completeness or perfection. On the seventh day God rested from his labors and creation is finished (Gn 2:2). Pharaoh in his dream saw seven cattle coming from the Nile (41:2). Samson’s sacred Nazirite locks were braided in seven plaits (Jgs 16:13). Seven devils left Mary of Magdala, signifying the totality of her previous possession by Satan (Lk 8:2); “seven other devils” will enter the purified but vacant life of a person (Mt 12:45). However, on the positive side, there were the seven spirits of God (Rv 3:1). In the seventh year the Hebrew slave was to be freed (Ex 21:2), having completed his time of captivity and service. Every seventh year was a sabbatical year (Lv 25:4). Seven times seven reiterates the sense of completeness. In the Year of Jubilee (at the completion of 7 x 7 years = the 50th year), all land is freed and returns to the original owners (Lv 25:10). Pentecost, the Feast of Weeks, is seven times seven days after Passover. “Seventy,” which is literally “sevens” in Hebrew, strengthens the concept of perfection. There are 70 elders (Ex 24:1) in Israel. Israel was exiled to Babylon for 70 years (Jer 25:12) to complete its punishment. “Seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22) reiterates this still further. The Lord was not giving Peter a mathematical number of times that he should forgive another person, but rather was insisting on limitless forgiveness for a brother’s sin.

Show passage in OET: GEN 2:2

OET-RV GEN 2:2

2 By the seventh day God had finished his work, so he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he’d done.

OET-LV GEN 2:2

2 And_ god _they _were _ended/finished in _the_day the_seventh their_property/content which he _had _done and_he/it _rested in _the_day the_seventh from_all their_property/content which he _had _done.

Show passage in OET: GEN 41:2

OET-RV GEN 41:2

2 Then, wow, seven fine-looking and well-fed cows came up out of the river, and they grazed among the reeds.

OET-LV GEN 41:2

2 And_BEHOLD/LO/SEE from the_River seven cows good _looking _of appearance and_fat _of flesh were_coming _up and_they _grazed among_reed[s].

Show passage in OET: JDG 16:13

OET-RV JDG 16:13

13 Then Dililah said to Shimshon, “So far you’ve just been deceitful to me and told me lies. Now Tell me how you can be tied up.”
¶ So he told her, “It’s if you just weave seven locks of my hair into the loom.”

OET-LV JDG 16:13

13 And_ Dilīlāh _she/it _said to Shimshvōn until now you _have _deceived (in)_me and_you _have _spoken to_me lies tell to/for_me how will _you _be _bound and_he/it _said to_her/it if you _will _weave DOM seven the _plaits _of my_head with the_web.

Show passage in OET: LUK 8:2

OET-RV LUK 8:2

2 along with some women who’d been healed from evil spirits and sicknesses: Miryam (Grk. Maria /Mariam) from Magdala (that seven demons had come out of),

OET-LV LUK 8:2

2 and some women who were having _been _healed from evil spirits and sicknesses:
Maria/(Miryām) who being _called from _Magdala, from whom seven demons had _come _out,

Show passage in OET: MAT 12:45

OET-RV MAT 12:45

45 So it goes and finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all go to live there, so that person is worse off than they were at the beginning. So now, it’ll be just like that for this evil generation.”

OET-LV MAT 12:45

45 Then it _is _going and is _taking with itself seven other spirits more _evil than itself, and having _come _in it _is _dwelling there, and the last state of _the that person is _becoming worse than the first.
Thus it _will _be also to_ the this - evil _generation.

Show passage in OET: REV 3:1

OET-RV REV 3:1

3 To the assembly’s messenger in Sardeis write:
¶ The one having the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says these things: “I know what you’re achieving and that you have a reputation of being ‘alive’, but you’re actually dead.

OET-LV REV 3:1

3 And to _the messenger of _the in Sardeis assembly write:
These things is _saying the one having the seven spirits of_ the _god and the seven stars:
I _have _known of _you the works, that the_name you _are _having, that you _are _living, and _yet dead you _are.

Show passage in OET: EXO 21:2

OET-RV EXO 21:2

2 If you buy a Ivri (Hebrew) slave, he should serve for six years, then in the seventh year he must be set free without having to pay you anything.

OET-LV EXO 21:2

2 If/because you _will _buy a _slave Hebrew six years he _will _serve and_in_year he _will _go _out to _(the)_person without _paying.

Show passage in OET: LEV 25:4

OET-RV LEV 25:4

4 but during the seventh year, you must allow the land to rest to honour Yahweh. You mustn’t plant any crops or prune any grapevines.

OET-LV LEV 25:4

4 And_in_year (the)_seventh a _sabbath _of sabbath _observance it _will _belong to_land a _sabbath to/for_YHWH field _of_your not you _will _sow and_vineyard _of_your not you _will _prune.

Show passage in OET: LEV 25:10

OET-RV LEV 25:10

10 Then you all must declare that fiftieth year to be sacred. It’ll be a restoration celebration year when you announce freedom for all the inhabitants of the country—everyone can be free to return to their families, and all families can be free to return to their originally inherited land.

OET-LV LEV 25:10

10 And_you(pl)_will _set _apart _as _holy DOM the _year _of the _fifty year and_you(pl)_will _proclaim liberty on _the_earth to/from_all/each/any/every inhabitants _of_its a _jubilee it it _will _be to/for_you(pl) and_you(pl)_will _return each _one to possession _of_his each_one to clan _of_his you(pl)_will _return.

Show passage in OET: EXO 24:1

OET-RV EXO 24:1

24 Then Yahweh told Mosheh (Moses), “Come up the mountain to me—you, Aharon (Aaron), Nadav, Avihu and seventy of the Israeli elders, and you must stay at a distance to worship.

OET-LV EXO 24:1

24 And_near/to Mosheh he _said come _up to YHWH you and_ʼAhₐron Nādāⱱ and_ʼAⱱīhūʼ and_seventy of_the _elders _of of _Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) and_you(pl)_will _bow _down from_a _distance.

Show passage in OET: JER 25:12

OET-RV JER 25:12

12 Then after seventy years have passed, then I’ll punish the king of Bavel (Babylon) and that nation—the land of the Kasdim (Chaldeans)—for their wickedness, and make it into a permanent wasteland. That is Yahweh’s declaration.

OET-LV JER 25:12

12 And_it _was just_ seventy year[s] _as _are _completed I _will _visit on the _king _of Bāⱱel and_on the_nation (the)_that the _utterance _of YHWH DOM iniquity _of_their and_on the _land _of the_ones_from _Kasdiy and_I _will _make DOM_him/it into_desolations _of perpetuity.

Show passage in OET: MAT 18:22

OET-RV MAT 18:22

22 “I won’t say seven times,” Yeshua answered, “but seventy times seven times!

OET-LV MAT 18:22

22 The Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa) is _saying to _him:
I _am_ not _saying to _you up _to seven _times, but up _to seventy _times seven.

Jump to OET GEN 2:2 section.

Jump to OET GEN 41:2 section.

Jump to OET JDG 16:13 section.

Jump to OET LUK 8:2 section.

Jump to OET MAT 12:45 section.

Jump to OET REV 3:1 section.

Jump to OET EXO 21:2 section.

Jump to OET LEV 25:4 section.

Jump to OET LEV 25:10 section.

Jump to OET EXO 24:1 section.

Jump to OET JER 25:12 section.

Jump to OET MAT 18:22 section.

“Three” may well share in this meaning of completion or perfection, although not so forcibly (2 Kgs 13:18). Many things happen “on the third day” (Hos 6:2). Jonah spent three days in the stomach of the fish (Mt 12:40), and the Lord rose again on the third day (1 Cor 15:4). David was offered a choice of divine punishments—three years, three months, three days (2 Sm 24:13). For the Christian, “three” takes on a far deeper significance as the number of Persons of the Trinity. The three Persons are clearly expressed, for instance, in the Great Commission (Mt 28:19) and in the Pauline benediction (2 Cor 13:13). Many echoes of this threefold expression are in the NT, and many anticipations of it in the OT, of which the thrice-repeated “Holy” in Isaiah 6:3 is the most famous.

Show passage in OET: KI2 13:18

OET-RV KI2 13:18

18 Then he continued, “Take the rest of the arrows.” Yisrael’s king took them, and Elisha told him, “Strike the ground with them.” So he banged the arrows on the ground three times.

OET-LV KI2 13:18

18 And_he/it _said take the_arrows and_he _took_them and_he/it _said to_the _king _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) strike towards_land and_he _struck three times and_he _stopped.

Show passage in OET: HOS 6:2

OET-RV HOS 6:2

2 After two days he’ll revive us.
⇔ ≈ He’ll raise us up on the third day,
⇔ so that we can live in his presence.

OET-LV HOS 6:2

2 He_will _restore _us _to _life from_two _days in _the_day the_third he_will _raise _us _up and_we _will _live before_him.

Show passage in OET: MAT 12:40

OET-RV MAT 12:40

40 Just like Yonah was in the belly of the huge fish for three days and three nights, in the same way, the son of humanity will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

OET-LV MAT 12:40

40 For/Because as Yōnas was in the belly of _the huge _fish three days and three nights, thus the son of_ the _man will _be three days and three nights in the heart of _the earth.

Show passage in OET: CO1 15:4

OET-RV CO1 15:4

4 and that he was buried and then brought back to life on the third day as per the scriptures again,

OET-LV CO1 15:4

4 and that he _was _buried, and that he _has _been _raised on _the day the third according _to the scriptures,

Show passage in OET: SA2 24:13

OET-RV SA2 24:13

13 Then Gad asked him, “Do you want seven years of famine in your country, or three months of fleeing from your enemies, or three days of deadly disease in your country? Consider those and let me know which option to pass back to the one who sent me.”

OET-LV SA2 24:13

13 And_ Gād _he _went to Dāvid and_he _told to_him/it and_he/it _said to_him/it will_it _come to/for_yourself(m) seven years famine in_land _of_your or three months fleeing_your to_(the)_face _of/in _front _of/before foes _of_your and_he will _of_be_pursuing _you and_if to _be three _of days pestilence in_land _of_your now know and_see what will _I _bring _back the_one _of_who_sent _me message.

Show passage in OET: MAT 28:19

OET-RV MAT 28:19

19 so I want you to leave here and go and train followers in every country, immersing them in water with the authority of the father and the son and the holy spirit.

OET-LV MAT 28:19

19 Therefore having _been _gone, train _followers all the nations, immersing them in the name of _the father, and of _the son, and of _the holy spirit,

Show passage in OET: CO2 13:13

Combined passage: English CO2 13:12–13 (native CO2 13:12; verse text cannot be split).

OET-RV CO2 13:12

12 / 12 Greet each other with an innocent kiss.
¶ The believers here send their greetings to all of you.

Combined passage: English CO2 13:12–13 (native CO2 13:12; verse text cannot be split).

OET-LV CO2 13:12

12 / 12 Greet one _another with a_holy kiss.
Are _greeting you _all the holy ones all.

Show passage in OET: ISA 6:3

OET-RV ISA 6:3

3 They were calling out to each other,
⇔ “Commander-in-chief Yahweh is holy, yes, fully holy.
⇔ The whole earth is filled with his splendour.”

OET-LV ISA 6:3

3 And_ this _he _called to this and_saying(ms) is_holy holy holy YHWH soldiers/messengers the _fullness of _all _of the_earth/land glory _of_is_his.

Jump to OET KI2 13:18 section.

Jump to OET HOS 6:2 section.

Jump to OET MAT 12:40 section.

Jump to OET CO1 15:4 section.

Jump to OET SA2 24:13 section.

Jump to OET MAT 28:19 section.

Jump to OET CO2 13:12 section.

Jump to OET ISA 6:3 section.

Some scholars see four as another symbol of completeness (four winds of heaven, Dn 7:2; four horsemen, Rv 6:1-7; four living creatures around the throne of God, Rv 4:6). Five is certainly used in an indefinite sense as a small number (Is 19:18; 30:17). Nor do eight or nine seem to have any special significance, although, like other numbers, they may be used in a factual sense to describe any of God’s activities (nine plagues on Egypt, Ex 7–10 OET EXO 7:1–25 · OET EXO 8:1–32 · OET EXO 9:1–35 · OET EXO 10:1–29). “Ten” does have significance because of the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:1-17), but not any special symbolism earlier in the Bible. If anything, “ten” is elsewhere used in a vague way. Laban changes Jacob’s wages ten times (Gn 31:7); Daniel and his friends are ten times better than all other students (Dn 1:20); ten times over, the Jewish settlers will be warned of impending enemy attacks (Neh 4:12).

Show passage in OET: DAN 7:2

OET-RV DAN 7:2

2 He explained:
¶ In my vision at night I was looking, and suddenly, the four winds were stirring up the massive ocean,

OET-LV DAN 7:2

2 Dāniyy^ʼēl was_replying and_saying(ms) seeing I _was in_vision _of_my with the_night and_lo the _four the _winds _of the_heavens were_stirring _up DOM_the_sea (the)_great.

Show passage in OET: REV 6:1–7

OET-RV REV 6:1

6 Then I saw the lamb breaking the first of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say, “Come,” in a thunderous voice.

OET-RV REV 6:2

2 So I looked, and wow, there was a white horse with someone sitting on it holding a bow and arrow. A crown was given to him, and then he went out as a conqueror to conquer.

OET-RV REV 6:3

3 And when the lamb broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come,”

OET-RV REV 6:4

4 and another horse came out. It was a red horse, and the one sitting on it was given permission to withdraw peace from the earth so that people would slaughter each other, and a large sword was given to him.

OET-RV REV 6:5

5 Then the lamb broke the third seal and I heard the third living creature say, “Come.” I looked, and wow, there was a black horse, and the one sitting on it held balancing scales in his hand.

OET-RV REV 6:6

6 Then I heard something like a voice from among the four living creatures that said, “A kilo of wheat for a day’s pay, or three kilos of barley for the same price. But don’t harm the oil and wine supplies.”

OET-RV REV 6:7

7 When the lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.”

OET-LV REV 6:1

6 And I _saw, when opened _up the lamb one of of _the seven seals, and I _heard from _one of the four living _creatures, saying as with_a_voice of _thunder:
Be _coming.

OET-LV REV 6:2

2 And I _looked, and see, a_horse white, and the one sitting on it having a_bow, and was _given to _him a_crown, and he _came _out conquering, and that he _may _conquer.

OET-LV REV 6:3

3 And when he _opened _up the seal the second, I _heard from _the second living _creature saying:
Be _coming.

OET-LV REV 6:4

4 And came _out another horse red, and to _the one sitting on it, was _given to _him to _take the peace from the earth, and in _order _that one _another they _will _be _slaying, and was _given to _him a_sword great.

OET-LV REV 6:5

5 And when he _opened _up the seal the third, I _heard from _the third living _creature saying:
Be _coming.
And I _looked, and see, a_horse black, and the one sitting on it, having a_scale in the hand of _him.

OET-LV REV 6:6

6 And I _heard something like a_voice in the_midst of _the four living _creatures saying:
A_ⱪoinix_measure of _wheat three, for_a_daʸnarion_coin and ⱪoinix_measure of _barley for_a_daʸnarion_coin, but the olive _oil and the wine not you _may _injure.

OET-LV REV 6:7

7 And when he _opened _up the seal the fourth, I _heard the_voice of _the fourth living _creature saying:
Be _coming.

Show passage in OET: REV 4:6

OET-RV REV 4:6

6 In front of the throne was something like a sea of glass that was as clear as crystal.
¶ Around the throne were four living creatures, covered both front and back with eyes.

OET-LV REV 4:6

6 and something before the throne was like a_sea glass, similar to _crystal.
And in the_midst of _the throne and around the four, throne living _creatures were, being _full of _eyes ahead and behind.

Show passage in OET: ISA 19:18

OET-RV ISA 19:18

18 At that time, there’ll be five cities in Mitsrayim where they’ll speak out in Hebrew, and make oaths by Commander-in-chief Yahweh. (One of those cities will be called ‘the city of destruction’.)

OET-LV ISA 19:18

18 In _the_day (the)_that five cities in_land of _Miʦrayim they _will _be which_speak the _language _of Kənaˊan/(Canaan) and_which_swear _an _oath to/for_YHWH soldiers/messengers the _city _of (the)_destruction it _will _be _said of_one.

Show passage in OET: ISA 30:17

OET-RV ISA 30:17

17 A thousand will flee from the threat of just one.
⇔ ≈ You’ll all flee from the threat of five of the enemy
⇔ until you’re left like a lone flagstaff on the top of a mountain
⇔ ≈ or like a banner poked into a hill.”

OET-LV ISA 30:17

17 A _thousand one from_face/in _front _of the_threat _of one from_face/in _front _of the_threat _of five you(pl)_will _flee until (if) you(pl)_have _been _left like_flagstaff on the _top _of (the)_mountain and_like_standard on (the)_hill.

Show passage in OET: GEN 31:7

OET-RV GEN 31:7

7 but your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times. However, God hasn’t allowed him to harm me.

OET-LV GEN 31:7

7 And_father _of_your(pl) he _has _deceived (in)_me and_he _has _changed DOM wage[s]_of_my ten _of times and_not he_has _permitted _him god to_do _harm with_me.

Show passage in OET: DAN 1:20

OET-RV DAN 1:20

20 in every matter of wisdom and understanding which the king asked them about, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers from throughout his entire kingdom.

OET-LV DAN 1:20

20 And_all/each/any/every matter _of wisdom _of understanding which he _sought from_them the_king and_he/it _found_them ten hands above all _of the_magicians/soothsayers the_conjurers who in_all his/its_kingdom.

Show passage in OET: NEH 4:12

OET-RV NEH 4:12

12 After that, whenever the Yehudim (Jews) living close to them came, they repeatedly warned us, “They’re going to attack us from all directions.”

OET-LV NEH 4:6

6  And_he/it _was just_as the_Yəhūdī/(Jews) who_were_dwelling beside_them they _came and_they _said to/for_us ten times from_all the_places which/who you(pl)_will _turn to_us.

Jump to OET DAN 7:2 section.

Jump to OET REV 6:1–7 section.

Jump to OET REV 4:6 section.

Jump to OET ISA 19:18 section.

Jump to OET ISA 30:17 section.

Jump to OET GEN 31:7 section.

Jump to OET DAN 1:20 section.

Jump to OET NEH 4:12 section.

Eleven appears to have no special biblical significance, but 12 certainly has. The clearest proof of this is the existence of the 12 tribes in Israel. In Revelation 7:4-8, where it is mathematically important that the number of tribes be limited to 12, the tribe of Dan is altogether omitted—probably on account of Dan’s sin of idolatry (Jgs 18:14-20). Ishmael’s descendants were also divided into 12 clans (Gn 17:20), so that the number 12 was apparently significant outside Israel as well. In the NT Christ chose 12 apostles (Mt 10:1-4). The link with the number of tribes is made specific when Christ tells the apostles that they will sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes (Mt 19:28). However, it is interesting that, after the election and appointment of Matthias (Acts 1:26), the Christian church apparently made no subsequent efforts to maintain the number of apostles. Like “seven times seven,” “twelve times twelve” increases the force of the number. When this is further multiplied by a thousand, the figure becomes the 144,000 redeemed (Rv 7:4), who were sealed “out of all the tribes of Israel.”

Show passage in OET: REV 7:4–8

OET-RV REV 7:4

4 Then I heard the count of those who were marked with the seal. There were 144,000 from all of Yisrael’s (Israel) tribes.

OET-RV REV 7:5

5 There were 12,000 from the tribes of Yehudah (Judah), Re’uven, Gad,

OET-RV REV 7:6

6 Asher, Naftali (Naphtali), Menasheh (Manasseh),

OET-RV REV 7:7

7 Shim’on (Simeon; Grk. Sumeon), Levi, Yisakar (Issachar),

OET-RV REV 7:8

8 Zevulun, Yosef (Joseph), and Benyamin.

OET-LV REV 7:4

4 And I _heard the number of _the ones having _been _sealed, hundred forty four thousands, having _been _sealed out _of every tribe of_the_sons of _Israaʸl/(Yisrā^ʼēl):

OET-LV REV 7:5

5 out _of the_tribe Twelve of _Youda/(Yəhūdāh) thousands having _been _sealed, out _of the_tribe Twelve of _Ɽoubim/(Rəʼūⱱēn) thousands, out _of the_tribe Twelve of _Gad/(Gād) thousands,

OET-LV REV 7:6

6 out _of the_tribe Twelve of _Asaʸr/(ʼĀshēr) thousands, out _of the_tribe Twelve of _Nefthaleim/(Naftālī) thousands, out _of the_tribe Twelve of _Manassaʸs/(Mənashsheh) thousands,

OET-LV REV 7:7

7 out _of the_tribe Twelve of _Sumeōn/(Shimˊōn) thousands, out _of the_tribe Twelve of _Leui/(Lēvī) thousands, out _of the_tribe Twelve of _Isaⱪar/(Yissāskār) thousands,

OET-LV REV 7:8

8 out _of the_tribe Twelve of _Zaboulōn/(Zəⱱūlūn) thousands, out _of the_tribe Twelve of _Beniamin/(Binyāmīn) thousands, out _of the_tribe of _Yōsaʸf/(Yōşēf) Twelve thousands having _been _sealed.

Show passage in OET: JDG 18:14–20

OET-RV JDG 18:14

14 Then the five men who had been here previously scouting out the land said to their group, “Do you know that there’s a house here with a gear for priests, family idols, a carved image, and a cast image? So now, consider what you should do.”

OET-RV JDG 18:15

15 So they turned off the main path and they came to the place with the young Levite man in Mikah’s house, and they asked about his welfare.

OET-RV JDG 18:16

16 The six hundred Dani men stayed outside at the gate, holding their weapons.

OET-RV JDG 18:17

17 The five men who’d gone to scout out the land went in around the back. They took the carved image, the priest’s gear, the family idols, and the cast image, while the priest was standing at the entrance of the gate along with the six hundred armed men.

OET-RV JDG 18:18

18 When the priest saw them bringing out all the religious objects, he demanded, “What’s going on?”

OET-RV JDG 18:19

19 “Stay quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us, and be like a father and a priest for us. Is it better to be a priest for only one household, or to be a priest for a whole related tribe in Yisrael (Israel)?”

OET-RV JDG 18:20

20 The priest liked that idea, so he went along with them—taking the priestly gear and the household idols, and the carved image.

OET-LV JDG 18:14

14 And_ the _five _of the_men who_had_gone to_spy _out DOM the_earth/land Layish _they _answered and_they _said to brothers _of_their do_you(pl)_know if/because _that there_are in_houses the_these an _ephod and_teraphim a_carved _image and_a _molten _image and_now consider what will _you(pl)_do.

OET-LV JDG 18:15

15 And_they _turned _aside there_(to) and_they _came to the _house _of the _young _man the_Lēviyyiy the _house _of Mīkāh and_they _asked to_him/it to_welfare.

OET-LV JDG 18:16

16 And_six hundred(s) man girded the _weapons _of their _war _of_their were_standing the _entrance _of the _gate who from_(the)_sons of _Dān.

OET-LV JDG 18:17

17 And_ the _five _of the_men who_had_gone to_spy _out DOM the_earth/land _they _went _up they _went there_(to) they _took DOM the _carved_image and_DOM the_ephod and_DOM the_teraphim and_DOM the _molten_image and_the_priest was_standing the _entrance _of the _gate and_six hundred(s) the_man (the)_girded the _weapons _of (the)_war.

OET-LV JDG 18:18

18 And_these they _went the _house _of Mīkāh and_they _took DOM the _carved _image _of the _ephod and_DOM the_teraphim and_DOM the _molten_image and_he/it _said to_them the_priest/officer what are_you(pl) doing.

OET-LV JDG 18:19

19 And_they _said to_him/it keep _quiet put hand _of_your over mouth _of_your and_come with_us and_become to/for_us (into)_a_father and _(into)_a_priest good is_your_being a _priest of_the_house _of a _man one or being_your a _priest of_a _tribe and_of_a _clan in_Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel).

OET-LV JDG 18:20

20 And_ the _heart _of the_priest/officer _it _was _good and_he/it _took DOM the_ephod and_DOM the_teraphim and_DOM the _carved_image and_he _went in_the _midst _of the _people.

Show passage in OET: GEN 17:20

OET-RV GEN 17:20

20 But as for Yishmael, I’ve heard your request. Listen, I’ll bless him and make him fruitful and give him very many descendants. He’ll father twelve rulers and I’ll make him into a great nation,

OET-LV GEN 17:20

20 And_to_Yishmāˊ^ʼēl/(Ishmael) I_have _heard _you HERE I _will _bless DOM_him/it and_I _will _make _fruitful DOM_him/it and_I _will _multiply DOM_him/it with_muchness muchness two _plus ten princes he _will _father and_I _will _give_him/it to_(a)_nation great.

Show passage in OET: MAT 10:1–4

OET-RV MAT 10:1

10 Then, calling his twelve apprentices, he gave them authority over evil spirits so they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness.

OET-RV MAT 10:2

2 These are the names of the twelve: Shim’on (Simon) (nicknamed Kefa (Peter; Grk. Petros)) and his brother Andreas, Ya’akov (James; Grk. Yakobos) and his brother Yohan (John; Grk. Yoannes) (Zavday’s (Grk. Zebedaios) sons),

OET-RV MAT 10:3

3 Filippos (Philip) and Bar -Talmay (Bartholomew; Grk. Bartholomaios), Toma (Thomas), and Matay (Matthew; Grk. Matthaios) the tax collector, Ya’akov (nicknamed Thaddaios (Thaddeus), Halfay’s (Grk. Halfaios) son),

OET-RV MAT 10:4

4 Shim’on (the member of the Kena’anim (Canaanites)), and Yehudah (Judas; Grk. Yudas) Iskariot (who eventually turned Yeshua (Jesus; Grk. Yesus) in).

OET-LV MAT 10:1

10 And having _called _to the twelve apprentices/followers of _him, he _gave authority to _them over_ unclean _spirits, so _as to _be _casting_ them _out and to _be _healing every disease and every sickness.

OET-LV MAT 10:2

2 And the of_the_twelve ambassadors the names is these:
first Simōn which being _called Petros, and Andreas the brother of _him, and Yakōbos/(Yaˊₐqoⱱ) the son of_ the _Zebedaios, and Yōannaʸs the brother of _him,

OET-LV MAT 10:3

3 Filippos and Bartholomaios, Thōmas and Matthaios the tax _collector, Yakōbos the son of_ the _Alfaios and Thaddaios,

OET-LV MAT 10:4

4 Simōn the member _of _Kananitaʸs and Youdas/(Yəhūdāh) the Iskariōtaʸs, who also having _given_ him _over.

Show passage in OET: MAT 19:28

OET-RV MAT 19:28

28 “I can assure you,” Yeshua told them, “that after the world is remade and the son of humanity sits down on his splendid throne, you apprentices who followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, ruling over Yisrael’s (Israel) twelve tribes.

OET-LV MAT 19:28

28 And the Yaʸsous said to _them:
Truly, I _am _saying to _you _all that you _all who having _followed after _me in the regeneration, whenever the son of_ the _man may _sit _down on the_throne of _glory of _him, you _all also will _be _sitting on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of_ the _Israaʸl/(Yisrā^ʼēl).

Show passage in OET: ACT 1:26

OET-RV ACT 1:26

26 So they drew straws and Matiyah was marked so he was chosen to join the eleven missionaries.

OET-LV ACT 1:26

26 And they _gave lots to _them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he _was _chosen _together _with with the eleven ambassadors.

Show passage in OET: REV 7:4

OET-RV REV 7:4

4 Then I heard the count of those who were marked with the seal. There were 144,000 from all of Yisrael’s (Israel) tribes.

OET-LV REV 7:4

4 And I _heard the number of _the ones having _been _sealed, hundred forty four thousands, having _been _sealed out _of every tribe of_the_sons of _Israaʸl/(Yisrā^ʼēl):

Jump to OET REV 7:4–8 section.

Jump to OET JDG 18:14–20 section.

Jump to OET GEN 17:20 section.

Jump to OET MAT 10:1–4 section.

Jump to OET MAT 19:28 section.

Jump to OET ACT 1:26 section.

Jump to OET REV 7:4 section.

As distinct from the metaphorical use of numbers to denote completion, immensity, and the like, numbers in Hebrew were often used to give exact tallies or measurements. Such usage is known to us only from clay tablets and ostraca (broken pieces of potsherd engraved in ink, used as rough notebooks). However, ascertaining exactly what the text was in its earliest form and what that text means is difficult.

An example is the number of the sons of Jeconiah among the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh. They were struck down by the Lord because of their failure to rejoice with the others when God’s ark returned to Israel from the Philistine country (1 Sm 6:19). The Greek text (LXX) reads “seventy”; the later Hebrew manuscripts add “fifty thousand.” But, as Beth-shemesh itself was only a small frontier town, and the “sons of Jeconiah” was presumably only one clan among several, the smaller number is obviously the original, and the large addition due to some later manuscript confusion.

Show passage in OET: SA1 6:19

OET-RV SA1 6:19

19 But some Beyt -Shemesh men looked into Yahweh’s box, and he killed seventy of them. The people mourned because Yahweh had caused such devastation among the people.

OET-LV SA1 6:19

19 And_he _struck _down among_the _people _of Bēyt Shemesh if/because they _had _looked in_the _box _of YHWH and_he _struck _down among_people seventy man fifty thousand man and_ the_people _they _mourned if/because YHWH he _had _struck (in)_people a _blow great

Jump to OET SA1 6:19 section.

A good rule in trying to decide whether a number is statistical or impressionistic is to determine whether it is a small number, or an unusual number for which there is no obvious theological explanation. When the men of Ai killed some 36 Israelites at the first assault on the city (Jos 7:5), the smallness of the number is evidence that this is a vividly remembered factual detail. Similarly, in the case of the number of Abraham’s 318 men (Gn 14:14) or the catch of 153 fish after the resurrection (Jn 21:11), the numbers, though large, are not round numbers but unusual combinations, and are obviously meant in a literal or statistical sense. Irrelevant details like this have a habit of remaining in the memory, and are the best guarantee of the trustworthiness of the narrative.

Show passage in OET: JOS 7:5

OET-RV JOS 7:5

5 The men from Ay chased them from the city gate downhill to Shevarim and fought them on the slopes. About thirty-six of them were killed, and the Israelis became very afraid and lost all their courage.

OET-LV JOS 7:5

5 And_they _struck _down from_them the _men _of (the)_ˊAy about_thirty and_six man and_they_pursued _them to_(the)_face _of/in _front _of/before the_gate to (the)_Shəⱱārīm and_they_struck _them _down at_descent and_ the _heart _of the _people _it _melted and_he/it _was (into)_water.

Show passage in OET: GEN 14:14

OET-RV GEN 14:14

14 When Avram heard that his nephew had been taken captive, he led out his 318 trained men who’d all been born in his house, and he pursued his enemies as far as the town of Dan.

OET-LV GEN 14:14

14 And_ ʼAⱱrām _he/it _listened if/because _that his/its_brother he _had _been _taken _captive and_he _drew _out DOM men _of_his _trained those _born _of his _household _of_his eight- teen and_three hundred(s) and_he _pursued to Dān.

Show passage in OET: JHN 21:11

OET-RV JHN 21:11

11 So Shim’on Kefa went and dragged the net up onto the beach. Amazingly it hadn’t torn even though it contained 153 large fish.

OET-LV JHN 21:11

11 Therefore Simōn Petros went _up, and dragged the net to the land full of_ large _fishes a_hundred fifty three, but being so _many, the net was_ not _torn.

Jump to OET JOS 7:5 section.

Jump to OET GEN 14:14 section.

Jump to OET JHN 21:11 section.

Numerology may be said to be an extended application of the metaphorical significance of numbers (7, 40, etc.) already discussed. In the Bible, this systematization of numbers always goes with a strong sense of the sovereignty of God, his control over human history, and a belief in his ongoing purpose and its triumphant conclusion.

Perhaps the first clear instance of numerology in the Bible is 1 Kings 6:1, where Solomon began to build the temple 480 years after the exodus, a period 5 times 10 times 12, or 4 times 120, the ideal life span of man in early days (Gn 6:3). First Chronicles 6:3-8 gives 12 generations of men (presumably 40 years each) to cover the same period, so “twelve generations” is probably the real basis for the computation, rather than any exact year-by-year tally. A tally would have been impossible in the days of the judges and unlikely before the monarchy. David was the first to establish an official scribe or recorder to keep daily annals in Israel (2 Sm 8:16-17), as was common in the great kingdoms from far earlier times. Such Israelite annals are later mentioned as sources of the books of the kings (2 Kgs 14:18). The number 480 is probably a rough approximation rather than exact and denotes the end of one of God’s epochs.

Show passage in OET: KI1 6:1

OET-RV KI1 6:1

6 So it was that four hundred and eighty years after the Israelis left Mitsrayim (Egypt), in the second month of the fourth year of Shelomoh’s (Solomon) reign over Yisrael (Israel), he began the construction of Yahweh’s residence.

OET-LV KI1 6:1

6 And_he/it _was in_eighty year and_four hundred(s) year of_ of _the _people _of of _Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) _the _coming _out from_the _land _of Miʦrayim/(Egypt) in_year (the)_fourth in_the _month _of Ziv that was_the_month the_second of_ of _Shəlomoh/(Solomon) _the _reigning over Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) and_he/it _built the_house to/for_YHWH.

Show passage in OET: CH1 6:3–8

OET-RV CH1 6:3

3 Amram’s children were Miryam (Miriam), Aharon (Aaron), and Mosheh (Moses).
¶ Aharon’s sons were Nadav, Avihu, Eleazar, and Itamar.

OET-RV CH1 6:4

4 Eleazar was the father of Pinhas, and Pinhas was the father of Avishua.

OET-RV CH1 6:5

5 Avishua was the father of Buki, and Buki was the father of Uzi.

OET-RV CH1 6:6

6 Uzi was the father of Zerahyah, and Zerahyah was the father of Merayot.

OET-RV CH1 6:7

7 Merayot fathered Amaryah, and Amaryah fathered Ahituv.

OET-RV CH1 6:8

8 Ahituv was the father of Tsadok, and Tsadok was the father of Ahima’ats.

OET-LV CH1 5:29

29  And_the _sons of _ˊAmrām were_ʼAhₐron and_Mosheh and_Miryām and_the _sons of_ʼAhₐron were_Nādāⱱ and_ʼAⱱīhūʼ ʼElˊāzār and_ʼĪtāmār.

OET-LV CH1 5:30

30  ʼElˊāzār he _fathered DOM Pinḩāş Pinḩāş he _fathered DOM ʼAⱱīshūˊa.

OET-LV CH1 5:31

31  And_ʼAⱱīshūˊa he _fathered DOM Buqqiy and_Buqqiy he _fathered DOM ˊUzziy.

OET-LV CH1 5:32

32  And_ˊUzziy he _fathered DOM Zəraḩ^yāh and_Zəraḩ^yāh he _fathered DOM Mərāyōt.

OET-LV CH1 5:33

33  Mərāyōt he _fathered DOM ʼAmar^yāh and_ʼAmar^yāh he _fathered DOM ʼAḩīţūⱱ.

OET-LV CH1 5:34

34  And_ʼAḩīţūⱱ he _fathered DOM Tsādōq/(Zadok) and_Tsādōq he _fathered DOM ʼAḩīmaˊaʦ.

Show passage in OET: SA2 8:16–17

OET-RV SA2 8:16

16 Tseruyah’s son Yoav (Joab) was the army commander and Ahilud’s son Yehoshafat (Jehoshaphat) was the secretary.

OET-RV SA2 8:17

17 The priests were Ahituv’s son Tsadok and Evyatar’s son Ahimelek, and Serayah was secretary.

OET-LV SA2 8:16

16 And_Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) the _son _of Tsərū^yāh/(Zeruiah) was_over the_army and_Yəhōshāfāţ/(Jehoshaphat) the _son _of ʼAḩīlūd was_recorder.

OET-LV SA2 8:17

17 And_Tsādōq/(Zadok) the _son _of ʼAḩīţūⱱ and_ʼAḩīmelek the _son _of ʼEⱱyātār were_priests and_Sərā^yāh was_secretary.

Show passage in OET: KI2 14:18

OET-RV KI2 14:18

18 Everything else that Amatsyah said is written in the book of the events of the kings of Yehudah.

OET-LV KI2 14:18

18 And_the _rest _of the _matters _of ʼAmaʦ^yāh not are_they written on the _scroll _of the _matters _of the_days of_the _kings _of of _Yəhūdāh.

Jump to OET KI1 6:1 section.

Jump to OET CH1 6:3–8 section.

Jump to OET SA2 8:16–17 section.

Jump to OET KI2 14:18 section.

When Jeremiah prophesies an exile of 70 years for Judah (Jer 25:11; 29:10), it is not only a historical prediction that was literally fulfilled but also a symbol of completeness; Judah’s punishment is complete (cf. Is 40:2). Isaiah (Is 23:15) had made a similar prophecy of a 70-year punishment for Tyre, and Ezekiel (Ez 29:11-13) prophesied a 40-year “exile” for Egypt. When these 70 years are regarded as sabbatical years, where the land must lie untilled to compensate for the 7 times 70 years of sin before, then true numerology begins (2 Chr 36:21). Here numerology is used only as an explanation of past and present, but it can also be used to explain the future, especially in the book of Daniel.

Show passage in OET: JER 25:11

OET-RV JER 25:11

11 Then all of this land will become a desolation and a horror, and these nations will serve the Babylonian king for seventy years.

OET-LV JER 25:11

11 And_ all _of the_earth/land (the)_this _it _will _become (into)_a_desolation (into)_a_waste and_ the_nations the_these _they _will _serve DOM the _king _of Bāⱱel seventy year[s].

Show passage in OET: JER 29:10

OET-RV JER 29:10

10 “Because this is what Yahweh says: When seventy years have passed for Bavel, I’ll visit take notice of you all again, and I’ll implement my good message about you—to bring you all back to this place,

OET-LV JER 29:10

10 If/because thus YHWH he _says if/because to_the_mouth _of (of)_will _be _completed for_Bāⱱel seventy year[s] I _will _give _attention _to you(pl) and_I _will _carry _out on_you(pl) DOM message _of_my (the)_good by_bringing _back you(pl) to the_place (the)_this.

Show passage in OET: ISA 40:2

OET-RV ISA 40:2

2 Speak to Yerushalem’s (Jerusalem) heart and tell her that her period of service is ended,
⇔ because the punishment for her disobedience has been accepted.
⇔ She’s received double punishment from Yahweh for all her sins.

OET-LV ISA 40:2

2 Speak to the _heart _of Yərūshālaim/(Jerusalem) and_proclaim to_her/it if/because _that service _of_its it _has _been _completed if/because _that iniquity _of_its it _has _been _accepted if/because _that it _has _received from_the _hand _of YHWH double in_all sins _of_its.

Show passage in OET: ISA 23:15

OET-RV ISA 23:15

15 After that time, Tsor (Tyre) will be forgotten for seventy years like the lifespan of a single king. At the end of those seventy years, what will happen to Tsor will be like the prostitute in this song:

OET-LV ISA 23:15

15 And_it _was in _the_day (the)_that and_ Tsor/(Tyre) _will _be_forgotten seventy year[s] like_the_days _of a _king one from _the_end/extremity seventy year[s] it _will _happen to_Tsor/(Tyre) like_the _song _of the _prostitute.

Show passage in OET: EZE 29:11–13

OET-RV EZE 29:11

11 No person or domestic animal will pass through it, and it won’t be inhabited for forty years.

OET-RV EZE 29:12

12 I’ll make Mitsrayim a desolation in the middle of uninhabited lands, and its cities will become a desolation in the middle of wasted cities for forty years, then I’ll scatter the Mitsri (Egyptian) people among the nations, and I’ll disperse them through the lands.

OET-RV EZE 29:13

13 But the master Yahweh says this: At the end of forty years I’ll gather Mitsrayim from the people groups they were scattered among,

OET-LV EZE 29:11

11 Not it _will _pass in_it the_foot _of human[s] and_the_foot _of animal[s] not it _will _pass in_it and_not it _will _remain forty year[s].

OET-LV EZE 29:12

12 And_I _will _make DOM the _land _of Miʦrayim a _desolation in _the_middle lands made _desolate and_cities _of_its in _the_middle cities laid _waste they _will _be a _desolation forty year[s] and_I _will _scatter DOM Miʦrayim among_nations and_I_will _disperse _them among_lands.

OET-LV EZE 29:13

13 If/because thus my_master YHWH he _says from _the_end/extremity forty year[s] I _will _gather DOM Miʦrayim from the_peoples where they _were _scattered to_(to).

Show passage in OET: CH2 36:21

OET-RV CH2 36:21

21 That fulfilled God’s message that Yirmiyah (Jeremiah) had previously proclaimed, that the land would become desolate to make up for the Rest Days that had been ignored—that took seventy years.

OET-LV CH2 36:21

21 To_fulfill the _message _of YHWH by_the _mouth _of Yirmə^yāh/(Jeremiah) until the_earth/land it _has _accepted DOM sabbaths _of_its all _of the _days _of its _being _made _desolate it _rested to_complete seventy year[s].

Jump to OET JER 25:11 section.

Jump to OET JER 29:10 section.

Jump to OET ISA 40:2 section.

Jump to OET ISA 23:15 section.

Jump to OET EZE 29:11–13 section.

Jump to OET CH2 36:21 section.

Daniel (Dn 9:2) refers to the literal 70 years of the exile as foretold by Jeremiah. In Daniel 9:24, this has been extended to 70 weeks of years (490 years) applied to the distant future. Daniel 9:25 sees 69 of these (483 years) as elapsing before Messiah appears. Presumably, the last week of the 70 is therefore thought of as the time of his activity. However this may be interpreted in terms of actual dates, it must be harmonized with 9:26, where the Messiah is “cut off” after 62 weeks of years (434 years). The difficulty lies in establishing the starting point for this long period. This is an example of an elaborate numerology, embracing centuries of history, all ultimately based on the 70 years of Jeremiah. According to biblical principles, this can have both an “immediate” fulfillment in the return from exile, and a “prophetic” fulfillment in the far distant future in connection with the coming of Christ.

Show passage in OET: DAN 9:2

OET-RV DAN 9:2

2 and during that first year of his reign that I, Daniyel, understood from the sacred books that Yahweh had told the prophet Yirmiyah (Jeremiah) that Yerushalem (Jerusalem) city would be destroyed and remain in ruins for seventy years.

OET-LV DAN 9:2

2 In_year one of_reigning_his I Dāniyy^ʼēl I _observed in_scrolls the _number _of the _years which it _came the _message _of YHWH to Yirmə^yāh/(Jeremiah) the_prophet to_complete to_the _ruins _of Yərūshālaim/(Jerusalem) seventy year[s].

Show passage in OET: DAN 9:24

OET-RV DAN 9:24

24 It’s been decreed that there’ll be 490 years for your people and your holy city, to stop the transgression, to put an end to sin, to pay the price for disobedience, to bring in righteousness that will then last forever, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy place. NEEDS MORE WORK

OET-LV DAN 9:24

24 Sevens seventy it _has _been _decreed on people _of_your and_on the _city _of your _holiness _of_your to_put _an _end _to the_transgression and sin and_to_atone _for iniquity and_to_bring righteousness _of perpetuity and_to_seal _up vision and_prophet and_to_anoint a _holy _place _of holy _places.

Show passage in OET: DAN 9:25

OET-RV DAN 9:25

25 Know and understand that from the issuing of the command to restore and build Yerushalem (Jerusalem) until an anointed one (a prince) comes, there will be 49 years and 434 years. It’ll be built again with a plaza and a moat, but in distressing times.

OET-LV DAN 9:25

25 And_you _will _know and_you _will _understand from the_going _forth _of the_message to_restore and_to_rebuild Yərūshālaim/(Jerusalem) until an _anointed_one a _prince sevens seven and_sevens sixty and_two it _will _return and_it _will _be _built an _open _place and_a _moat and_in_the _distress _of the _times.

Show passage in OET: DAN 9:26

OET-RV DAN 9:26

26 After those 434 years, the anointed one will be killed and be left with nothing. The followers of that coming prince will destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end will come with a flood, and then there’ll be war until the end with much destruction having been decreed.

OET-LV DAN 9:26

26 And_after the_sevens sixty and_two an _anointed_one he _will _be _cut _off and_there_will _belong_not to_him/it and_the_city and_the_sanctuary the_people _of a _prince who_is_coming it _will _destroy and_end _of_his will_by _(the)_flood and_unto the_end war desolate_things are_determined.

Jump to OET DAN 9:2 section.

Jump to OET DAN 9:24 section.

Jump to OET DAN 9:25 section.

Jump to OET DAN 9:26 section.

The other major example of extended numerology in Daniel is in connection with the “time, times, and half a time” (7:25). This must stand for three and a half “times,” that is, half of seven “times.” Thus, it refers either to three and a half years (half a “week” of years) or three and a half “weeks” of years (cf. “seven times” in 4:16, where “seven years” is clearly meant). Whatever may be its ultimate prophetic fulfillment in Christ, the “initial” or “partial” fulfillment is the roughly three and a half years of bitter persecution of God’s people by Antiochus Epiphanes (167–164 BC). This figure of three and a half years reappears in Revelation 11:2 (“forty-two months”), and 12:14 (“a time, and times, and half a time”), to describe the period of Rome’s persecution of the Christian church. The figure had possibly become a symbol of any bitter but limited persecution. The “two thousand three hundred evenings and mornings” of Daniel 8:14 may mean 1,150 days, which is approximately the same length of time.

Show passage in OET: DAN 7:25

OET-RV DAN 7:25

25 He will speak out against the highest one and will wear out the highest one’s followers. He will intend to change the times and the law, and indeed he’ll be allowed to for a two times and a half.

OET-LV DAN 7:25

25 And_words/messages to_the _side _of mmm he _will _speak and_DOM_the _holy_ones_of the _Most _High he _will _wear _out and_he _will _think to_change appointed _times and_law and_they _will _be _given in_hand _of_his until a _time and_times and_half _of a _time.

Show passage in OET: DAN 4:16

OET-RV DAN 4:16

16 Let his mind be changed from a man to an animal as seven periods pass over him.

OET-LV DAN 4:13

13  Heart _of_its away _from humankind let _it _be _changed and_the_heart _of an _animal let _it _be _given to_him/it and_seven times let _them _pass over_it.

Show passage in OET: REV 11:2

OET-RV REV 11:2

2 but exclude the outer courtyard. Don’t measure that because it’s been given to the non-Jews, and they’ll tread around the holy city for three and a half years.

OET-LV REV 11:2

2 And the courtyard which outside the temple, throw _out outside and not it you _may _measure, because it _was _given to _the nations, and the city the holy they _will _be _treading forty for _months two.

Show passage in OET: REV 12:14

OET-RV REV 12:14

14 But two large, eagle wings were given to the woman so that she could fly away to the wilderness, to her place where she’ll be nourished away from the snake for three and a half years.

OET-LV REV 12:14

14 And were _given to _the two woman wings of _the eagle the great, in _order _that she _may _be _flying into the wilderness into the place of _her, where she _is _being _nourished there a_time, and times, and a_half of_a_time, from the_face of _the serpent.

Show passage in OET: DAN 8:14

OET-RV DAN 8:14

14 “For 2,300 evenings and mornings,” he said to me, “Then the sanctuary will be restored.”

OET-LV DAN 8:14

14 And_he/it _said to_me until evening morning two _thousand and_three hundreds and_ the_sanctuary _it _will _be _put _right.

Jump to OET DAN 7:25 section.

Jump to OET DAN 4:16 section.

Jump to OET REV 11:2 section.

Jump to OET REV 12:14 section.

Jump to OET DAN 8:14 section.

The three and a half years of Daniel 7:25 reappear in Revelation 11 in the form of “forty-two months,” the time when the heathen will trample down Jerusalem (Rv 11:2). The 1,290 days of Daniel 12:11 reappear here (in the slightly different form of 1,260 days) as the time that God’s two witnesses will prophesy (Rv 11:3). The 42 months reappear in Revelation 13:5 as the period that the wild beast will be allowed to blaspheme. While the “thousand years” of 20:6 is not derived from Daniel at all, the metaphorical use of “thousand” is familiar to the OT. The closest direct parallel is in Deuteronomy 7:9, where God’s covenant will be kept with a “thousand generations” to come.

Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary