The Numeric Symbols in Revelation

Revelation is an interesting book for even the casual observer; however, knowing what the numbers mean gives you greater insight into what the author is saying.  When it comes to interpretation, numbers in Revelation are always taken literally; however, they can also have a symbolic meaning. 

For example, when we say that Jesus was in the grave for three days. The number three is literal and not just a number for the completeness.  As another example, when Jesus ascended on the 40th day, Jesus was alive on the earth for a literal 40 days; however, the number 4 being the number for heaven carries symbolic significance.  In addition, having four sets of 10 is also significant.  The same is true when we come to the book of Revelation.  

The book of Revelation has a lot of numbers which are both literal and symbolic.  The number 1000 in Revelation referring to the 1000 year reign of Christ is a literal number; however, it can also have a symbolic significance.  If one tries to separate the literal and the symbolic, you will end up in error in your interpretation.  

A popular figure of speech is often confused with a symbol.  For example, "one day is like a thousand years".  Peter in 2 Peter 3:8 never intended this to be a symbol; rather, it is a figure of speech and should be treated as one.

The numbers in the Bible carry a lot of meaning with the first seven coming directly from the Creation.  The numbers 8-12 speak of the Kingdom.  

Number    System                   Meaning                                   Example

1	1+0	God, Good, Light	Light created on the first day
2	1+1	Witness	Day and Night are a witness to all things.
3	2+1	Completeness	Land and sea completed the earth, Trinity
4	3+1	God's People	Four winds, directions in the heavens being the sun, moon and stars.
5	4+1	Testing	Serpent created on fifth day
6	5+1	Man	Man created on the sixth day
7	6+1	Relationship, Perfect Will	God rested to enjoy the creation
8	7+1	New Beginning	Circumcision was on the eighth day.  The eighth day is a new week.
9	8+1	Final Judgment	Jesus died on the 9th hour
10	9+1	Totality, Law, Government	10 commandments, 10 horns
11	10+1	Hope for Blessing that results from Judgement	11 Disciples, Judas
12	11+1	Rule and Blessing	Stars, Gates, Angels, Tribes, Fruit