JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

September 1987

Dear Friend:

You asked about the significance of numbers which occur frequently in the Bible.

Indeed, there are meanings associated with certain numbers. At the same time, seeing significance in all numbers or in some numbers at all times is an extreme and could lead to gross error. With that note of caution, below is a brief review of a few numbers and their biblical significances.

The number one denotes unity or commencement. Paul wrote, "There is one body, and one Spirit ... one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:4-5). Jesus Christ is the "first begotten [born] of the dead" (Rev. 1:5).

The number three denotes completeness or resurrection. Jesus rose the third day, Daniel prayed three times a day, Peter denied Christ three times, and Jesus Christ prayed three times to the Father before He was taken to be crucified.

The number seven denotes spiritual perfection. God created the seven-day weekly cycle and the seventh-day Sabbath. He gave man seven annual Sabbaths and seven festivals to observe. (If you haven't read our booklets WHICH DAY IS THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH? and PAGAN HOLIDAYS -- OR GOD'S HOLY DAYS -- WHICH? please feel welcome to request your free copies.)

The number twelve also has a unique significance; it means organizational beginnings or governmental perfection. The twelve tribes of Israel conducted a physical type of God's Government on this earth. Christ chose twelve apostles as the governmental foundation for His Church.

For additional information on biblical numbers, you may wish to refer to Appendix 10 of "The Companion Bible."

We hope you will let us know whenever we can be of additional assistance.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT