The significance of the number 7 in the book of revelation. The revelation of john charts 171, 172 explanation the number seven repeatedly occurs in the text of the book of revelation. 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. May 07, 2018 firstly, consistency in interpretation of the numbers in the revelation is in favor of an allegorical approach, because every number in the revelation can be allegorically understood and explained. You may have to scurry about the page to use the chart if your resolution is low. The number 7 and the book of revelation a heart for god. But in general, revelation is more panoramic than allowed by some, and deals with jews and gentiles in a sweeping fashion. Jan 17, 2012 the author of the book of revelation has grouped many things into sevens. I built one logos word list like this for every single book of the bible. It plays on the fact that hebrew and greek letters have numerical values. The book of revelation, the last book of the bible, has been an enigma to christian theologians since it was written shortly after the crucifixion. I have compiled a list of website commentary for you all to better understand the symbolism here.
Numbers in the book of revelation as part of the first trumpet, hail and fire mixed with blood are thrown down on the earth 8. Nov 06, 2015 we have seen a lot of numbers repeated lately. The book of revelation has always appealed to people. Attempts to immoderately particularize events and numbers trivializes the nature of this jewish apocalypse. The book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. A reference sheet for the symbols that are used in the book of revelation. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. Numbers are not hidden codes, but numbers gain meaning by the things associated with them. The symbolism of numbers in the book of the revelation sermon. The number seven can be found almost anywhere you look in revelation. Moses is the central figure within the book, and in at least two instances.
Jan 11, 20 the book of revelation is saturated with symbolic language. Johnson surveys the use of the numbers twelve and 1,000 in revelation, leading him to espouse the view that john intends the number twelve to be taken symbolically and not literally. The list could continue, but no consideration of the numbers in revelation would be complete without the mark of the beast 666. It is similar to the book of daniel, which god told daniel was sealed until the time of the end. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john nlt. The first blessing is in the first chapter of revelation in verse 3. The problems of recapitulation in the book of revelation.
The symbolical numbers of the book of revelation uk apologetics. Therefore, in this post i want to show a comprehensive list of the numbers in the book of revelation. That left me with 66 logos word lists, each giving me every originallanguage word in a given book of the bible. Aug 22, 20 the numbers of revelation its no secret that the book of revelation loves its numbers, but you may not have realized just how much. The reason is that the book is full of vivid images, but with little explanation as to what the images mean. In your revelation study guide you say that theres a symbolic meaning for the numbers in the book. There are many other numbers in revelation that cannot be deciphered. It can be easy to overlook the meaning of numbers in a prophetic message. Obviously, the first church, seal and trumpet cannot be parallel to the first plague because it, like the rest of the plagues, are all future. Principles in interpreting numerology in a recent post, entitled responding to the 8 great debates of bible prophecy, i pointed out the following principles that determine when to use allegorical interpretation of numbers in a text.
Numbers in the book of revelation compiled by felix just, s. Adela yarbro collins, pbs frontline according to the dictionary of the bible revelation accurately foretells what will happen in the last days of history before the end of the world. Symbols in the book of revelation numbers one the primary. The book of revelation explainedvolume 1 1 c hapter o ne p art o ne the introductory verses revelation 1. Protestants call it the book of revelation, the title which it bears in the king james version. After the two witnesses are taken to heaven rev 11. Book of numbers overview insight for living ministries. Wycliffe commentary of all the symbolic numbers in the book of revelation, the number 7 receives prominence. The author names himself as john, but modern scholars consider it unlikely that the author of revelation also wrote the gospel of john. Gods call to community in the book of revelation, this curriculum is offered to all free of charge. For example, in america 911 is associated with emergencies because this is. The condemned prisoner is the dragon, who is the devil and satan, the ancient serpent, deceiver and adversary of man from the beginning gen. Although a christian work, the apocalypse belongs to a class of literature dealing with eschatological subjects and much in vogue among the jews of the first century before, and after, christ. Revelation study chart and notes massive graphic study by.
The untold truth of the book of revelation the world is. A biblical preacher outrageously warned that 2020 could be the end of the world after wildly claiming several prophecies from the book of revelation have been fulfilled, meaning humanity is living. Glossary of key words and phrases used in revelation word. And i saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened.
Glossary of key words and phrases used in revelation. Three, seven, ten, and twelve are known as the perfect numbers. 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. What a thrilling ray of hope this must have generated in the hearts of those early, suffering saints. 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. Numbers, symbolic meaning of definition and meaning. For a study of the symbolic meaning of numbers see w. The patriarch job portrayed this truth as well when he penned the words of elihu, the only comforter to whom god laid no. Everyone has heard of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, but less well known are the horses of. Apr 27, 2016 the book of revelation includes measures of months 42 and days 1,260 and 3 12. As part of the second trumpet, fire is thrown into the sea and onethird.
Obviously, the first church, seal and trumpet cannot be parallel to the first plague. 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. John in the book of revelation saw the mark while he was in the spirit. A star falls from the sky buring like a torch during the third trumpet. Few things in the book of revelation have caused more confusion and even division and conflict than this great apocalyptic books use of numbers. The book of revelation is saturated with symbolic language. The book of revelation has come to be read as prophesying the events of the end of history. Let us consider the meaning of numbers in the book. In this post i provide a list of the numbers used in the book of revelation because those numbers are often seen as symbolic. Oct 15, 2012 in your revelation study guide you say that theres a symbolic meaning for the numbers in the book. The book of numbers is the fourth book of the hebrew bible, and the fourth of five books of the jewish torah.
History is replete with plagues, wars, and natural disasters that kill large numbers of people. Apr 28, 2015 the book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols. But if god wanted to hide this knowledge completely, he never would have revealed it in the first place. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The numbers of revelation its no secret that the book of revelation loves its numbers, but you may not have realized just how much. The tribulation according to the book of revelation. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it. John of zebedee, jesus closest disciple, wrote the book following a divinely inspired vision of an angel sent by god, and the result has long been seen as perhaps the most dramatic prophetic work. Lots of numbers appear in revelation 12, 24, 144,000, 10, 666, but sevens just keep popping up. The first beast represents a powerful civil leader who will have authority over every tribe, tongue, and nation verse 7. According to hebrew tradition every number has a symbolic significance. Is coronavirus one of the plagues in the book of revelation. Study the following materials which give biblical illustrations of what seem to be symbolic uses of numbers. In contrast to this, those who hold to a literal view are forced to concede that several numbers are symbolic.
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. Allegorical interpretation should be considered if the literature is apocalyptic a genre that uses symbolic and allegorical language there is clear. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. Revelation study chart and notes graphic study by steve van nattan this chart is part of the strong delusion series. There is a strong bias against literal understanding of numbers in the book of revelation. Although containing many errors, this documentary clearly shows that johns book was intended for. Those who are familiar with the book of revelation know that the number seven appears regularly in this book. Number 7 in the book of revelation meaning of numbers. Revelation study chart and notes massive graphic study. The book of revelation explained volume 1 gospel trumpeter. Use it as your advent sunday school curriculum, in a small group, or on your own to gain a new perspective on revelation and what it means for our lives now. 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.
In fact, john mentions sevens over fifty times source, p. Here are just seven of the big sevens in this book. The symbolism of numbers in the book of the revelation. One of our most fascinating exercises in scriptural interpretation is to study the book of revelation, to ponder its truths, and to discover. One like the son of man stood in the midst of seven golden lampstands with seven stars in his hand rev.
If you wish to print the chart and notes, you will have to use the print screen command. The author of the book of revelation has grouped many things into sevens. The book of revelation is the only book in the bible, that i know of, that has a blessing associated with it for those who will read itnot once but twice. Order of end time events 46 part 2b the first scroll. By counting links in the table below, and ignoring repeated sevens of things in the same verse, the number obtained is seven times seven, or 49. Clicking on a chapter will show you the text of that chapter of revelation in the bible new international version. The teaching company shmoop helpfully rounded up some of the terrible things that happen to people unlucky enough to live in the world described by revelation. The book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the. Although containing many errors, this documentary clearly shows that johns book was intended for his contemporaries and not about a future end of the.
By 144,000, he signifies the sealing of all or the total number of gods servants who will face the great tribulation notes on 7. The book of revelation includes measures of months 42 and days 1,260 and 3 12. They are sealed with the name of godthe lamb on their foreheadsa sign of divine acceptance and deliverance 7. T he book of revelation was given as a mysterious, closed and sealed book.
Aug 01, 2016 those who are familiar with the book of revelation know that the number seven appears regularly in this book. Numbers, symbolic meaning of definition and meaning bible. Revelation uses many signs, or symbols, that are not to be understood literally. Symbols in the book of revelation saint marys press. The list of sevens in revelation new testament charts list scripture study guide. It is, of course, the cryptic symbolism of revelation that makes it challenging to understand. Just keep in mind not all numbers have symbols behind them and are just numbers. All of the judgments god waited for in history are now poured out in the tribulation period which according to jesus and daniel lasts 7 years. Revelation 1, new international version niv the bible app. The illustrated bible dictionary is of similar opinion.
This site goes over the numbers with the perspective of. The book of revelation ignites a confidence in the soul of every child of god of any century. For example, in america 911 is associated with emergencies because this is the nationwide number to dial if there is an emergency. Aug 29, 2016 in this post i provide a list of the numbers used in the book of revelation because those numbers are often seen as symbolic. The next diagram shows that the seven last plagues, the last of the sequential series in the book of revelation, cannot logically be included along with the previous three series of sevens. These are all of the chapters of the book of revelation. Symbols in the book of revelation a reference sheet for the symbols that are used in the book of revelation. Seven is the second perfect number signifying fullness and perfection, especially spiritual perfection. The book of revelation had its origin in a time of crisis, but it remains valid and meaningful for christians of all time.
One hundred fortyfour thousand jewish men are set aside for god and two witnesses preach in jerusalem. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. 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. The list of sevens in revelation agape bible study. There is something about a good mystery that stirs the heart and revelation is certainly mysterious. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. A general resurrection, a general judgment and a new age. The seven seals and the seven trumpets 611 symbols in revelation. The bible isnt the first book you might turn to for gratuitous violence, but its definitely in there. Symbols and numbers in revelation south fulton street. John finally eats the book, and then is told he will prophecy.
Part 1 letters to the seven churches part 2a the first scroll. The name revelation comes from the first word of the book in koine greek. On the radio you are sharing with us the services of the first baptist church in dallas, and this is the pastor bringing the eleven oclock morning message entitled the symbolic meaning of numbers we are preaching through the book of the revelation. 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. Apocalypse, from the verb apokalupto, to reveal, is the name given to the last book in the bible. Jun 04, 2014 bbc documentary on the book of revelation. 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. In revelation , the apostle john recorded a vision he had been given of two beasts that would arise during the end times before christs return. He was a jewish christian prophet, probably belonging to a group of such prophets, and was accepted by the. The book of revelation is written in a style very rich in symbols and images.