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Biblical numerology refers to the interpretation, by some biblical scholars, of numerical values used in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament that they believe relate to symbolism, which imply quality or attributes, of the value rather than to an actual quantity. While studied by theologians, not all agree with this interpretation. Others, preferring a more fundamental approach, believe that the numbers represent the literal quantities. This article explains the interpretation of those who believe that numbers sometimes represent attributes and not the number itself. According to the theory, these numbers were purposely inserted by their authors to emphasize a particular message. Numerical symbology is most often found in Ezekiel, Daniel and Revelation, but is not confined to those books. While many ancient languages, religions, and philosophies contained numeric interpretation of events, words, and names, this article is concerned with those uniquely affecting Judeo-Christian beliefs. Although Greek culture was well-known to scholars in the first centuries BC and AD in the Middle East, Greek ideas about numerology do not seem to have permeated Jewish and Christian beliefs. == Numerical meaning == One implies "unity." (e.g. , )〔(Meanings of numbers in the Bible )〕 Among other definitions, two can imply "witness."〔 The implication of three is "divine perfection" or "holiness."(e.g. ().〔(How to read the Bible - Catholic Bible 101 )〕 Examples include: * Three major feasts appear in Jewish Tradition () * Prayer was urged three times daily (see and ) * Three-year-old animals were prized for special sacrifices () * In Christianity, there are three persons in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit * There are three major celebrations in the Easter Triduum (the holiest part of Holy Week, the holiest week in much of Christianity), which lasts approximately three days (Holy Thursday, which includes the Chrism Mass, and the Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil- on Holy Saturday night- and Easter Sunday) Four signifies "the world," preeminently in the Book of Revelation. * Four corners of the earth () * Construction of the altar: 4 corners, 4 pillars, etc. (see and ); many of these altar construction guidelines are still used today Both Hebrew〔()〕 and Christian sources believe six indicates "imperfection," "man", or "evil."〔 For Christianity, this occurs preeminently in the Book of Revelation.〔 Some Christians believe that 666 is the Number of the Beast. The significance of three 6s shows eternal imperfection of Lucifer.〔 〕 However, a secular source, Britannica, reports that it means "perfection" in religion.〔(Encyclopedia Britannica )〕 Both religions〔 believe that seven implies "totality of perfection," "completeness."〔 Examples: * There are seven sacraments in Western Catholicism, Eastern Catholicism, the Anglo-Catholic rites, and much of Orthodoxy * There are seven days in a week * In the Book of Revelation, there are multiple examples, including 7 churches, 7 bowls, 7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 spirits. Eight means a "new life" or "resurrection".〔 Examples include: * 8 people on Noah's Ark (see and ) * Circumcision on 8th day () * In Catholicism, certain Marian or Christological feasts are celebrated over octaves Twelve implies "governmental perfection."〔()〕〔()〕 Examples include: * The twelve tribes of Israel * * There are multiple examples in Ezekiel regarding construction in the heavenly Jerusalem for the twelve tribes, including 12 foundations, * Twelve Apostles and 12 angels. 1,000 signifies "immensity" or "fullness of quantity", preeminently in the Book of Revelation.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Biblical numerology」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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