What is the perfect number in the Bible?

There are but 7 to be considered really, 7 being the well known number of perfection, and 8 symbolizing what is new in contrast with the old, simply showing that the series does end with the former. Larger numbers are but, in their signification, compounds of the smaller ones: as ten = 5 X 2; twelve = 4 X 3; forty = 4 X 5 X 2. Those which cannot be multiplied need more inquiry to determine, as scripture methods must be learned from Scripture.

Take the question of numbers and their significance in Scripture. One means unity, three full testimony, five the number of a man, seven perfection, eight resurrection, twelve administration, etc., etc.

One is the number of origin, creation, sufficiency, and so on. It is the fitting number of God and of the Father. Two speaks of help and deliverance from evil. It is the number appropriate to the Son, the Saviour and Deliverer. Three speaks of manifestation and of Him, the Holy Spirit, who is the unfolder of truth. "God is light" (that which manifests), and it is significant that light is composed of a threefold ray. "Three" also suggests resurrection,which is so closely connected with the manifestation of God and His power; also of the sanctuary where His presence is manifested. Four is the earth number — of trial, weakness, and failure. Five is the creation with another coming into it, and suggests in addition to other features, the incarnation of One who embraces in His own blessed person, God and man. It is also the number suggesting responsibility. Six is the number of man's day, the limit of human labor and activity, and therefore of evil so constantly carried on in man's energy. It thus suggests divine restraint and victory over evil. Seven is the rest number. It speaks of completeness, leaving nothing to be added or desired in that sense. It therefore completes the perfect series. Eight, being a fresh beginning, is therefore the number of the new creation. Nine is a multiple of three; it is its square, we may say an intensified three. Ten is a double five, suggesting the two-fold measure of man's responsibility as seen in the two tables of the law, the obedience demanded Godward and manward. Eleven seems to be one short of twelve. Twelve is the great governmental, administrative number — the twelve tribes, twelve apostles, twelve gates, etc. It is the number of Israel's unity as seen in the twelve stones set up in Jordan, and the other twelve brought up and set up in a pillar on its banks the twelve stones in the altar of Elijah; the twelve loaves of showbread, etc.

As there are seven notes in music, and the eighth is but the octave — the beginning again of the series in another key, so there are seven numerals which are alone fundamental in Scripture-symbolism; the number 7 being the well-known symbol of perfection, and 8 merely marking a new beginning, as the eighth day is the first of a new week. All other significant numbers derive their meaning from these, which combine in some way to produce them. The number 10 thus gets its significance from its factors, 2 and 5; 12, from 4 and 3; 40, from 5, 2, and 4; and so on for all others.

However, my purpose now is to take up the numbers, and to inquire more fully than I have yet done into their symbolic meanings. These are the keys to the locks, for they are not one but various: and it will be understood that they need to be carefully modeled to the wards that are to receive them, if they are to turn without being forced. Much difficulty has arisen from lack of precision as to these meanings, while the positively contradictory ones advocated by different writers have been a stumbling-block with many as to any faith in them at all. I do not propose, however, to examine these differences, but to give the grounds only for those which satisfy myself, and which have abundantly proved themselves in experimental application. It will be found also that these meanings have their roots in nature as well as in Scripture, and are thus counter-checked on either side while the numbers themselves are not indefinite, but few in number the larger ones being but resultants of their factors, as 10, is 5 X 2, or of the addition of certain others together, according to warrant in Scripture itself as 7 is 4 + 3 and 5, as will be shown hereafter, is 4+1. Plainly, without some Scriptural or natural warrant, the latter method would be quite unjustifiable, as any numbers might be arbitrarily taken in this way, and entire uncertainty of all meaning be the result.

The series of numbers which we may consider fundamental is, I believe, but seven: answering to the seven notes in music, which by their combinations produce all the various melody and harmony with which we are acquainted. Seven is the well-known number of perfection, which, taken from the completion of God's six days' work with the Sabbath of His approving rest, has been used for the division of time ever since, and in Israel was the basis of most of the larger divisions, except the year itself. Thus the months were lunar, (except the partial one intercalated to keep the year straight,) and the 7th month specially marked out by the day of atonement and the feast of tabernacles (Israel's celebration of rest); while there was a sabbatic year as well as day, and a jubilee at the end of a week of sabbatic years — a still more joyous rest.

The numerical series is also a very brief one. As in music seven notes in their combinations furnish all our wealth of harmony, so seven numbers give the whole range of choral anthem which all nature sends up to God. These added to or multiplying one another can produce all else. And that the series really ends with this, Scripture makes plain by its use of 7 always for that which is in some sense perfect, though it may be evil as well as good.

Number 7. This number completes the series. It is so familiar, not only in Scripture, but in nature itself, that few words need be said upon it. It is composed of 4 + 3, the number of the creature combined with that of the Creator. God and His creation gives the thought of that beyond which we cannot go in that direction. There is nothing more. Thus we find that seven is constantly used throughout Scripture as the number of completeness; seven days in the week; seven years; and the constant repetition of this numeral with unvarying meaning, though with many applications, shows that completeness is the thought. But we pause nere to return to our immediate theme.

Seven is well-known as the number of perfection and so of rest. But it may be applied to evil, and simply show "completeness" of any kind.

Seven is well known as the number of perfection, and so of rest. But it may be applied to evil, and simply show "completeness" of any kind.

Thus God's work is accomplished, as in the six days every thing was made at first, and the number 7 speaks, therefore, of full accomplishment and rest. The series is complete, and it is plain that there can be no line of truth beyond or outside of it. How beautiful and conclusive a proof of what instruction God has designed for us in the numerical series itself!