I never liked math. All through school I struggled to understand and remember formulas and sequences for solving equations. It just didn’t make sense! I would have maintained my stand against these meaningless digits if it weren’t for what I consider a spiritual gift.
According to Wikipedia, Synesthesia, particularly Grapheme-color synaesthesia is a form of synesthesia in which an individual’s perception of numerals and letters is associated with the experience of colors. In spatial-sequence numbers, months of the year, or days of the week elicit precise locations in space (for example, 1980 may be “farther away” than 1990), or may appear as a three-dimensional map (clockwise or counterclockwise). Synesthetic associations can occur in any combination and any number of senses or cognitive pathways.”
This spacial perception of numbers and dates are always associated with colors for me. For example, when I think of the months of the year I visualize an oval calendar with December at the bottom, July at the top, and all the other months sectioned off in the oval in order between them. When I think of the number 5 the color red inevitably is seen in my mind’s eye along with it.
“Numbers do not just express arithmetical quantities, but are endowed with ideas and forces that are sometimes benign and sometimes malign, flowing under the surface of mortal things like an underground river.” Indeed…numbers in scripture frequently mean more than what is suggested at face value.” (Irfah, Universal History of Numbers, 214).
I have come to see this strange ability as a spiritual gift. So I will include the colors I associate with numbers below for contemplation. Colors that are listed are ones that I often see with a halo of 2-3 colors or as one dominant color with another color as the background. Again, the number and color combinations are how I have always personally associated them and may not have any significance to anyone else. Let’s breakdown this color pattern as well as some additional symbolic colors often used in scripture:
Color Scriptural Connection Number
| Red/Scarlet | Even though scripture uses scarlet, red, or crimson as colors that symbolize sin, blood, war, violence, and death, it is often the symbol that saves, as in the atonement. | 5; multiples of five. |
| Orange/Amber | God’s glory and the brightness of His presence. (Ezekiel 1:4), Fire, A symbol of judgment | 3, 8 |
| Yellow/Gold | The celestial, divine, or godly nature of a thing. Also, may be a representation of wealth, temporal power, and worldliness. | 2, 3, 8 |
| Green/Pale Green | Green is a standard symbol for life, including eternal life, while pale green is an image of impending death. | 12 |
| Blue | Most often a symbol of godliness, spirituality, and the heavenly nature of a thing. | 4, 7, 40, 44, 70 |
| Violet/Purple | Among the ancients, this color invoked images of wealth, power, royalty, and majesty. | 6 or 11 |
| White | Symbolizes purity, righteousness, holiness, innocence, victory, light, and revelation; also occasionally associated with happiness and the Spirit. | 1, 7, 10 |
| Silver | A symbol for redemption and moral purity. | 1, 9 |
| Black | The traditional color of grief, sorrow, and mourning. Also carries overtones of foreboding, negativity, sin, evil, death, judgment, corruption, darkness, and destruction. | 1, 6, 10, 11 |
Numbers and Symbolism
It is important to understand some background and foundational principles in order to understand the significance of what is taking place in these latter days before the coming of the Lord. Jesus, the Master Teacher, taught in unexpected ways, capturing the attention of His audience to draw their minds to significant truths that they may have otherwise missed.
Jesus used numbers to convey His message. Jesus’s statements about forgiving seventy times seven are typically interpreted in one of two ways. One reading takes Jesus’s words literally. The other interpretation sees the underlying message of the mathematical conclusion of the literal interpretation.
In ancient Jewish times, the number seven symbolizes perfection, completion, or fullness. The number seventy combines the perfection of seven with the symbolic completion of ten. Therefore, Jesus is using a form of hyperbole to make a point that our forgiveness needs to be perfect; it needs to be full, complete and ongoing, not half-hearted, measured, calculating, or backtracking.
Therefore, to forgive seventy times seven means to forgive as Jesus and God do. Completely, fully, perfectly, like Them. Remember, 7 x 70 = perfectly complete perfection.
Jesus used the meaning and symbols of numbers to tell us to be perfect or complete in our forgiveness.
The symbolic use of numbers in scripture can be broken down into four basic categories or approaches.
A. “Numbers with standard meanings. Anciently, and almost cross-culturally, most numbers had an assigned symbolic meaning. So when people heard or read the number seven, for example, they were reminded of ideas such as fullness and completion. Similarly, in modern Western culture, the number thirteen evokes images of bad luck and superstition.
B. The multiplication of numbers. This is the practice of using the multiples of symbolic numbers to heighten the emphasis of the symbol. For example, the apostle John applies the number 144,000—a multiple of twelve (representing priesthood)—to those who have made their calling and election sure (see Revelation 7:4–8). Of the multiplication of the number twelve, one commentator wrote:
The number 144,000 is a symbolic series of multiples. . .. The number 12 represents priesthood, it is then multiplied by itself to come up with 144, symbolizing an even greater priesthood power and magnitude, and finally it is multiplied by 1,000 signifying multitudes, which express the idea that this power which the 144,000 possess is an overwhelming priesthood power. . .. Anytime multiples of a number are used in the Revelation it is to symbolically expand the powers and strength of the things being described, whether they are beasts, armies, or servants of God.
C. Repetition of words, names, or phrases. This is the practice of using a certain word, name, title, or phrase a significant or symbolic number of times in a book or passage, without drawing attention to the fact that this has been done. As an example, one text states of Christ:
He was the stone which the builders rejected, yet seven times it is declared that it is now become the Head of the corner. Again, twenty-one times, or three times seven, is He spoken of as being at the right hand of God, —the perfection of exaltation. [In the biblical text] He is declared seven times to be a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, thus proclaiming the perfection and abiding character of His work of intercession for His people. . .. In the book of Revelation, where the number seven predominates, the Name of names, Jesus, is repeated just seven times, Jesus Christ a like number, and Lord twenty-one times, or three times seven, all symbolical of His intrinsic perfection.
D. Gematria. The word gematria means literally “reckoning by numbers.” In most ancient societies, letters and numbers were used interchangeably, and each letter of an alphabet had a numerical value. Technically speaking, gematria is a mode of interpretation in which the numerical values are substituted for each letter in a word. By so doing, a word’s numerical value could be determined and compared for potential relationships with other words possessing the same numerical value.” (https://lds10.wordpress.com/2010/02/28/numbers-as-symbols/)
The Meaning of Numbers
1 – Unity, beginnings; As a symbol for God. The number one is “indivisible, and not made up of other numbers, [and] is therefore independent of all others, and is the source of all others. So [it is] with the Deity.”
2 – Opposition; law of witnesses; procreation. The number two has a dualistic meaning in scripture. Its first symbolic connotation is that of opposition, separation, or good versus bad. Its second meaning pertains to the law of witnesses and the canonical necessity to sustain a charge. There is an additional layer to the number two that is much less common than the other meanings. It is the image of “reproduction,” “life force,” or “creative power.” The symbol is employed in the creation and preservation of the two sexes (see Genesis 1:27; 7:2).
“The scriptural law of witnesses requires that in the mouth of two or three individuals shall every word be established (Deut. 19:15; 2 Cor. 13:1; 1 Tim. 5:19). This law applies in divine as well as human relations, for members of the Godhead bear witness of one another (John 5:31-37; 3 Ne. 11:32), and books of holy writ give multiple witness to the work of God in the earth (2 Ne. 29:8-13).
A witness gives personal verification of, or attests to the reality of, an event. To “witness” in the scriptural sense is much the same as in the legal sense: to give personal testimony based on firsthand evidence or experience. To bear false witness is a very serious offense (Deut. 5:20;19:16-21). When prophets have an experience with the Lord, often he commands them to “bear record” of him and of the truths that have been revealed (1 Ne. 10:10;11:7; D&C 58:59;112:4;138:60). In legal affairs, testimony is usually related to what a person knows by the physical senses. In spiritual matters there is additional knowledge or information received through the Holy Spirit.
In the final judgment that God will render to all mankind, the fact of the gospel having been taught on the earth by multiple witnesses will be important. Nephi 1 has written, “Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words” (2 Ne. 11:3; cf. 27:14).
In a very fundamental way, the Bible and the Book of Mormon are witnesses to each other. Each record establishes the truth found in the other, and the Doctrine and Covenants establishes the truth of them both (1 Ne. 13:20-40; 2 Ne. 3:12;29:8-14; Morm. 7:8-9; D&C 17:6;20:11-12;42:12). The written testimony of two nations, the Jews and the Nephites, is a witness to the world that there is a God (2 Ne. 29:8).
D&C 6: 14-27, 32-37 A witness of the truth comes by the power of the spirit.
(Marrott, Robert L. (http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Witnesses,_Law_of)
3 – Divine perfection; three members of the godhead, Jesus was resurrected on the 3rd day, three witnesses, etc.
3 ½ – This number is sometimes given in scripture as “a time and times and the dividing of time” (Daniel 7:25; 12:7), or 1,260 (see Revelation 12:6).63 Being half of seven, its meaning is that which is “arrested midway in its normal course.” (also see Revelations 11:3-14 and Daniel 7:21-25) “One-third symbolically [shows] that their bounds have been set. They can go only so far. The fraction one-third is used by a number of the prophets in association with what is called ‘remnant theology,’ the remnant being the unaffected part. We see this in Ezekiel 5:1–5 . . . [and] again in Ezekiel 5:12 and in Zechariah 13:8–9.”67 When this fraction is utilized toward a particular individual or event, the suggestion is that they have a limited degree of power or influence.
When John speaks of the war in heaven, his description of Lucifer’s activities is slightly different from the typical interpretation in Latter-day Saint circles. He states that the devil drew away a “third part” of the hosts of heaven with him (see Revelation 12:4; D&C 29:36–38). The distinction between “one-third” and a “third part” may seem subtle, yet it is real. The fraction one-third implies 1/3 percent, whereas the phrase “third part” implies a numerically undetermined segment of the population who symbolize the fact that Satan’s power over the premortal spirits was limited. Thus, the numerology in the passage implies that we have no knowledge of the fraction or percentage of the Father’s children who followed the adversary. All we know is that Satan had a limited influence over those in the presence of God.
4 – Geographic completeness or totality. In other words, if the number four is associated with an event or thing, the indication is that it will affect the entire earth and all its inhabitants. One source informs us:
The number four always has reference to all that is created. It is emphatically the number of Creation. . . . The fourth day saw the material creation finished (for on the fifth and sixth days it was only the furnishing and peopling of the earth with living creatures). . . .
Four is the number of the great elements—earth, air, fire, and water. Four are the regions of the earth—north, south, east, and west. . . . Four are the seasons of the year—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. . . . In Gen. ii. 10, 11, the one river of Euphrates was parted and became into four heads. . . . It is the first square number also, and therefore it marks a kind of completeness as well, which we have called material completeness. When Ezekiel sees his vision of the resurrection of the dead (Ezekiel 37:9), he speaks of the event in association with “the four winds,” representative of the fact that the Resurrection will be universal.
5 – God’s grace and man in his fallen state. May also signify The Bride; the one who is growing in grace. The Mosaic dispensation, including its tabernacle, had the number five stamped all over it. “Five sacrifices [were required]—a heifer, a goat, a ram, a dove, and a pigeon (Gen. xv. 9).” If these sacrifices were performed with faith, and as the typifying of their Messiah, Israel had reason to believe that they would be the recipients of God’s grace. The portable temple in which these sacrifices were to be performed “had five as its all-pervading number; nearly every measurement was a multiple of five.“ It, too, was a source of God’s grace, just as temples and temple work are today. There are 5 races of humanity.
According to one investigator, in the United States, the number 5 is sacred. The pentagon has five sides, five stories, with 77-foot-tall walls, and a five-acre court in the middle. The Washington Monument, the world’s tallest structure when it was completed, stands 555 feet and 5 inches tall. Five of the first 13 colonies have 555 coded into their names. There are four states with the name “New”, and new= 555. America was called the “new world”. There are 8 states with 555 coded into their name total. Out of 50 states only Utah sums to the digit 5 using gematria.
6 – Man/the flesh. The number six is a very uncommon number in scriptural numerology. Its meaning is deficit, imperfection, or failure to attain completeness. It can also symbolize “opposition to and independence of God.” One numerologist reasons that since six falls short of the numerical perfection found in the number seven, it symbolizes incompleteness in the sense of representing man without Christ. He also sees six as representing a manifestation of evil. Illustrating the primary definition, “Abraham’s six intercessions for Sodom (Gen. xviii.) marked man’s imperfection in prayer, which falls short of that of the Divine Intercessor.”
Time, which pertains only to man, has the number six “stamped” upon its imperfect measurements. For example, a day consists of twenty-four hours (4 x 6). There are twelve hours in a day (6 x 2) and twelve in a night (6 x 2). There are twelve months in a year (6 x 2). An hour consists of sixty minutes (6 x 10). And a minute contains sixty seconds (6 x 10). All is seemingly related to the temporal, imperfect nature of time.
The concept of six as a representation of spiritual deficit, imperfection, man without Christ, and evil seems entirely appropriate as an epitaph for the Nephites, who, within a six-year period “turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire” (3 Nephi 7:8).
7 – Spiritual perfection, completeness, fullness, entirety or totality; Sabbath day. As a rule, multiples of seven carry the same spiritual or symbolic significance. Etymologically, seven is connected with the Hebrew words for “full,” “satisfied,” or “complete.” According to one text:
The Lord works in cycles of seven – seven years, seven days, etc. In Hebrew, seven is shevah. It is from the root savah, to be full or satisfied, have enough of. Hence, the meaning of the word “seven” is dominated by this root, for on the seventh day God rested from the work of Creation. It was full and complete, and good and perfect. Nothing could be added to it or taken from it without marring it. . . . Seven means . . . according to its etymology, that which is spiritually complete or satisfying. “The root of the Hebrew word for seven (sheva) is identical to the Hebrew verb that means ‘to take an oath,’ thus connecting the word seven to covenants and covenant making. While nailed to the cross, Christ is said to have made seven significant statements (see Matthew 27:46; Luke 23:34, 43, 46; John 19:25–28, 30).
One scholar noted that the number seven seems to be ingrained in the reproductive process. He noted that with the human species, the gestation period is 280 days, or 7 times 40. Since seven means full or complete, and forty represents mourning and trial, the combination of the two represents full or complete mourning. It will be remembered that upon her fall in Eden, Mother Eve was told, “I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children” (Genesis 3:16; Moses 4:22). Thus in sorrow—multiplied sorrow—women bring forth children. The pain and suffering that accompany labor and childbirth, coupled with the very real possibility of death from the experience, certainly brings cause for mourning. Clearly, the penalties of the Fall as pertaining to Eve have been passed on to all women in the form typified by the significant length of the gestation period. “Thus the number seven is stamped upon physiology. . . .”
8 – New beginnings, resurrection, rebirth, and baptism; Because of its association with resurrection, it is sometimes also seen as the number of Christ. Additionally, some commentators call the number eight the sign of superabundance. “Christ rose from the dead on ‘the first day of the week,’ that was of necessity the eighth day.” Since, for all of those born in the covenant, baptism is to be performed at the age of eight (see D&C 68:27), the connection between the symbols of baptism, resurrection, Christ, and the number eight are natural and appropriate. Indeed, the reason the number eight is utilized as a symbol for Christ, resurrection, baptism, new beginnings, and so on is that they are all intricately related ideas.
One of the lead architects for the San Diego temple said he saw the symbol of two inverted squares, or an eight pointed star, in a dream. After further fasting and prayer a the final blueprints for the temple were completed. This eight pointed star which is found throughout the San Diego temple’s architecture and in other design elements is referred to as the seal of Melchizedek
The seal of Melchizedek is used 10,000 times on that temple. The more they used it, the better they worked. William Lewis (architect) – Stan Smith – directed to the church, to church history department, to Hugh Nibley, who said it was the Seal of Melchizedek. They wrote President Hinckley and told him. Speaker went to the middle East, Europe, South America – he saw the symbol everywhere. It is always associated with higher forms of worship and is a powerful and ancient symbol.
“Jesus especially used symbolic language. It was God’s secret code for veiling or revealing truth according to the attitude of the listener” – Joseph Fielding McConkie.
Layers of Meaning
8 points
shape – star
location – temples, altars (one is on the fences on Draper temple (with circle in the middle)
500 years after Christ – a lot of the powerful symbolism of the temple was still retained, can be seen in artwork. The altar is symbolic of Sacrifice, first of animals, then of Christ. Right angle symbols – covenant. Large Christian population in Egypt – they have altar cloths or veils, with symbol of Melchizedek and right squares on it.
Early art – Christ associated with this symbol. Oldest Jewish Bible Cover (the Carpet page), star of David within a Seal of M. (from 1000 AD)> they call it the Shield of David and Shield of Mel.
1800 AD – 1805 text of the Masons, symbol of M. Priest of the Most High God, King of Peace (Shalom), 8 fold endless triangle, the lines are eternal and all powerful.
Symbolism – the Shape: A Star
Book of Revelation & Pearl of Great Price, Christ is symbolized by a star. 8 pointed star is one of many star symbols that represent the unity of the members of the Godhead.” – Star shape on top of our Christmas trees is coming to Christ. This same symbolism is found throughout scripture…
Old Testament: Exodus 22:29-30 7 days it shall be with his dam, on the 8th day thou shalt give it to me (temple, altar, atonement). Leviticus 8:35/9:1 – abide at the door of the tabernacle 7 days, on the 8th day Moses made a sacrifice to atone (became renewed, purified, able to go into the temple). Genesis 17:12 – man child circumcised, of the earth and born of man, but on the 8th day, given to God, new life in Jehovah.
New Testament: Val Brinkherhoff, 1 Peter 1:19 – light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts – Christ. (Revelations 22:16 – I am the bright and Morning Star). John 20:19 – received the Holy Ghost on the Sabbath (first day of the week, or the 8th day)
Book of Mormon: Lehi (1 Nephi 17:4) – 8 years in the wilderness, leaving Jerusalem (sinful), then crossed the ocean (symbol of baptism) going to a new pure land. Jaradites (Ether 3:10 – 8 barges, literally baptized in the ocean, going to a new pure land.
Latter Days: Every 8th day, we partake of the sacrament. Like the 1st day, but not THE beginning, but a new beginning. D&C 68:27 – Children baptized at age 8. Notice the symbols of the covering on the altars of our temples – often 8 pointed flowers.
The Seal of Melchizedek – Why the name Melchizedek if it is the number of Christ?
From the Hebrew Malki Tzedek “My King is Righteousness” he was the Prince of Salem, Priest of El Elyon – Priest of the Most High God. Hebrews did not want to repeat the name of Christ, so used next best thing. So when we say the “Priesthood of Melchizedek” it is the “Priesthood of Christ”. The symbol can be traced back to the man Melchizedek ‘s time period, was a symbol of life at that time.
David (6 point star) may represent the lower priesthood. 6 means incomplete. Isn’t that interesting? They haven’t accepted Christ yet. All of it point to Christ, ordinances of the temple, renewal. It’s not Melchizedek ‘s symbol, it is Christ’s symbol.
Muslim, descendants of Ishmael, haven’t changed in Kuwait for 2000 years, and still use this symbol. Muslim has a fountain of purification before entering their temple, fountains are 8 sided shapes. (Being cleansed in Christ). Symbol is on their currency as well, government buildings, all over the Muslim world.
To get from Earth to Heaven, you have to go through Christ – this is often shown on early temple steeples that go from a Square (Earth), to Octagon (Christ), to Circle (Heavenly Father/Celestial Kingdom).
After telling President Hinckley, many stake centers started having 8 sided symbols. He had the Melchizedek symbol added to the entrance of the Salt Lake temple. Symbol is appearing on a lot of temple.
Oldest temple to have it is the Washington DC Temple. When they redid a lot of visitor’s center, they’ve added. Is also on the door of the Holy of Holies in SLC temple.
What is the symbol of the cloth over the alter? Not there for pictures on open houses, but they add it for ceremonies. Also used anciently – what is the symbolism? (Possible answer – Kafar is Hebrew for “to cover” – symbol of the Atonement)
“Each temple is a house of learning. There we are taught in the Master’s way; His way differs from modes of others. His way is ancient and rich with symbolism. We can learn much by pondering the reality for which each symbol stands.” Russell M. Nelson April 2001 conference.
purification
sacrifices/Atonement
temple (tabernacle)
ordinances like baptism, sacrament
Atonement
Christ himself.
When we see it on the doors – we are leaving the world and entering through Christ. (I’ve noticed it on the door knobs of the conference center, before entering main instruction area).
8 pointed star/octagon is seen on the Heartland Model at the Newark Ohio Earthworks site (http://www.josephsmithfoundation.org/wiki/ohio-earthworks-and-mounds/). This site is a temple that outlines the plan of Salvation, with the most holy area being the shape of an octagon – he showed a picture of how the Sign of Melchizedek fits inside this Octagon perfectly.
He talked to a woman from the Osage tribe in Missouri – their men of the priesthood wear a black agate ring that has Black Widow symbolism (their symbol of creator) – this woman she had it made it into an 8 stoned flower to wear. He recognized it as another version of this sign of Melchizedek.
If you turn the number 8 sideways it is the symbol for infinity.
9 – Fruits; the fruits of good or evil (3 Nephi 14: 17 -20). The number of finality or judgment, for judgment is committed unto Jesus as “the Son of Man” (John v. 27; Acts xvii. 31). It marks the completeness, the end and issue of all things as to man—the judgment of man and all his works. It is a factor of 666, which is 9 x 74. The gematria of the word “Dan,” which means a judge, is 54 (9 x 6). . . . The sieges of Jerusalem have been 27 in number, or three times nine, and they are stamped with the number of Divine completeness [or Divine involvement] (3) and the number of judgment (9). . . . The significance of the number nine is judgment, especially divine judgment, and the conclusion of the whole matter so far as man is concerned. But nine is the square of three, and three is the number of Divine perfection, as well as the number peculiar to the Holy Spirit. It is not surprising, therefore, to find that this number denotes finality in divine things. Christ was 33 when he was crucified (3×3=9).
10 – “all of a part.” In other words, it is a whole or complete unit existing within a greater whole. For example, the Ten Commandments did not comprise all of God’s commandments to ancient Israel. Rather, as Philo of Alexandria indicated, the Decalogue contained only a “kernel of the entire Torah.” Judaism acknowledges some 613 precepts or commandments in the Torah. It is worth noting that the “talmudic-midrashic sources never speak of the Decalogue as containing the entire Torah.” It contains a complete unit of the law of Moses but not the whole law.
Members of the Church are expected to pay 10 percent of their increase as a tithe to the Lord. That amount is not all of their income, nor, ideally, all of their sacrifice. Nevertheless, a tithe is a complete unit within the greater whole of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the law of consecration.
Ten tribes of the house of Israel have been described as lost. They certainly are not all of covenant Israel, but they do form a distinct and separate unit within Israel’s body and eschatology.
11 – The 11th hour, the final watch. Disorder, judgement, sin, transgression, peril, conflict, imperfection, and disintegration. Jacob’s eleven sons get rid of a twelfth child, Joseph, and in so doing signal “the disintegration and disorganization in Jacob’s family” through conflict and sin. Judas’s betrayal left the Quorum of the Twelve with only an imperfect eleven members, necessitating a reorganization at a very difficult time in the Church’s history.
12 – Organizational completeness, symbol for priesthood, including its power and right to govern. The number twelve appears over and over again in relation to priesthood holders, the temple, the covenant people who have received the necessary priesthood ordinances, and the celestial kingdom. Hence there are twelve tribes, twelve stones on the breastplate of the high priest, twelve foundations and gates into the heavenly city, twelve priesthood-holding patriarchs from Seth to Noah, and another twelve from Shem to Jacob.
Because the number twelve symbolizes priesthood, multiples of twelve are traditionally understood to be a symbol for the fullness of the priesthood, or making one’s calling and election sure. Thus one commentary notes, “Anytime the number twelve is multiplied by another number, it symbolizes an increase in power and covenant responsibility.”
So in Revelation 7 we read, “And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousands of all the tribes of the children of Israel” (v. 4). Of these 144,000 individuals, “we are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn” (D&C 77:11).
Contrary to the teachings of some churches, this number (144,000) is not intended to be taken literally. Rather, it serves to highlight the necessity of priesthood and priesthood ordinances (e.g., “twelve thousand” of each tribe). It emphasizes the fact that those who partake of the ordinances required by the Lord, and then keep the covenants associated therewith, shall become members of the Church of the Firstborn and have their calling and election made sure. This is available to all of God’s children, not a predetermined, limited number.
13 – Apostasy; In scripture, the number represents a period of trial, testing, probation, or mourning. In light of its modern Western connotations, it is not surprising that anciently the number represented apostasy and an evil or ill omen. “Every occurrence of the number thirteen, and likewise every multiple of it, stamps that with which it stands in connection with rebellion, apostasy, defection, corruption, disintegration, revolution, or some kindred idea.”
14- symbolic in scripture of significant societal change for the Lord’s people (see the first chapter of Mathew). Jacob worked for 14 years before he could marry Rachel (Genesis 29). Joseph Smith Jr. was the prophet from 1830-1844 (14 years), Russell M. Nelson was ordained as prophet on January 14, 2018. There are 3 sets of 14 generations between and including Abraham to Joseph (husband of Mary). It has been approximately 14 generations since the Pilgrims came to the shores of Plymouth and reenacted the covenant of the promised land with the signing of Mayflower compact.
The number 7 signifies spiritual perfection, completeness, fullness, entirety or totality. As a rule, multiples of seven (2×7=14) carry the same spiritual or symbolic significance, but with added emphasis – a double measure of spiritual perfection. 3 Signifies divine perfection.42 (3×14) to bring 3-fold resurrection and salvation and deliverance: of spirit, of soul, and then in bodily resurrection from the earth.
21 – A multiple of three and seven. Three times seven is eternal or divine perfection and completion. The celestial event that marks the transition from summer to autumn, and winter to spring, is called the equinox. It happens twice every year, around March 21st and September 21st. Summer and winter solstice falls on June 21st and December 21st.
22 Light, revelation, the product or result of choosing to separate with wisdom (same as 11 x 2). The Hebrew alphabet is made up of 22 letters, which are used to compose the Word of God.
26 – Reciprocal love. The name Adam has a numerical total of 45. The name Eve totals 19 in gematria. The numerical difference between the two is 26, which happens to be the number for Yahweh, implying, perhaps, that it is God, and God only, that can make man and woman one. In Genesis 1:26, God says: “Let us make man in our image.” There are 26 generations that separate Adam and Moses. Similarly, 26 descendants are listed in the genealogy of Shem.
31 – Son, offspring, “having the characteristic of”.
32 – Covenant completed or fulfilled.
33 – The life of the Savior. This is the number that represents covenants. The 33nd time Noah’s name is mentioned in the bible is in Genesis 9:8-9. The sign of the covenant (rainbow) is given. The Eternal promises to not destroy the entire world again with a flood and seals His pledge with the sign of the rainbow (Genesis 9:12 – 16). Thirty-three derives some of its meaning from the total number of times ‘three’ or ‘third’ is used in the book of Revelation. Because it is the product of 3 times 11 it can represent God’s judgment. Thus, Revelation illustrates God’s complete, final judgment of the world, which is ultimately accomplished in the final three-and-one-half year (1,260 days) period leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Thirty-three is also the numeric equivalent of the word AMEN. The significance of thirty-three is also seen at Jesus’ death at the age of 33. His sacrifice was the fulfillment of countless prophecies and promises concerning the Savior of man. A very old Jewish tradition, recounted by the first century A.D. historian Josephus, states that Adam and Eve had 33 sons and 23 daughters.
(http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/33-and-34.html)
34 – The age of Christ after His resurrection. 3+4=7, signifying completion of His work and purpose. 3×4=12 denoting Christ’s complete and total right to govern as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
37 – The word of Yahuweh (I am that I am). The commandments from God to those of the Old Testament, before Christ’s birth. 3+7=10, meaning part of a whole existing within a greater whole.
40 – Duration or period of a trial, probation, testing, or mourning; Noah in the arc lasted 40 days, Israel’s sojourn in the wilderness lasted 40 years, and Moses was on Mount Sinai 40 days while the children of Israel were being tested by Jehovah. “According to the reckoning in our Bibles, Christ was born into the world about the four-thousandth year, or fortieth century. Forty, we have seen, is the symbol of probation. So after a full period of the world’s probation under law, Jesus Christ was born into the world to usher in grace.”
Jesus fasted for forty days and then was tempted prior to beginning his official earthly ministry. As evidence of his commitment to the Father and his divine plan, Christ passed the trials and tests put to him (see JST, Matthew 4:1–11).
Jesus spent forty days after his resurrection (see Acts 1:3) teaching his disciples and initiating them into the higher ordinances of the fullness of the gospel.
Perhaps it is not coincidental that it took a total of forty years to build the Salt Lake Temple.
42 – Is sometimes associated with “three and one-half”, 666, and gematria or the appearing of the Messiah – to bring 3-fold resurrection and salvation and deliverance: of spirit, of soul, and then in bodily resurrection from the earth – same as 3 x 14 (http://www.thewayprepared.com/studies/numbers-in-scripture.html)
44 – The walk or way that is set-apart. 4 for completeness pertaining to all the world, doubled equals 8 which is the number of Christ.
45 – Provision, protection, and preservation (9×5). The fruits of righteous labors and the grace of God.
50 – The presence of God; The spirit of God among mankind; the Bride and her testimony (5×10).
53 – Enter in to the Kingdom. 5+3=8; enter in to dwell with Christ.
70 – Judgement completed or future judgement. Also, broken down as the numbers 7+0 =7, for completeness and spiritual perfection. 70=7×10 which magnifies the power of the number 7 ten fold. Mary, the mother of Christ, was reported to be 70 years old when she passed away. Thus she lived 21 years after the death of Jesus, just like there were 21 years between the presentation of Jesus to the Temple at 12 years old and his death at 33 years old.
90 – Mary remained with Elizabeth 90 days for the birth of John the Baptist.
100 – Restoration; The hundredfold is promised to those who have left all for our Lord. (Maleki 10: 30, D&C 78:17-22) To “be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more” is to have all things restored with even more blessings added to it. 100 is restoration. The power of Christ in you to accomplish a task. This can be added to or multiplied by any number to give greater significance. By using as correspondence table in Gematria, A=1, B=2, …, Z=26, we find that, in French, “Verbe de Dieu” (Word of God) gives 100. The numerical value of Hebrew word EMLKE meaning coronation, and MNI meaning god or divinity of the destiny, gives each one 100.
133 – God meets us in our struggle. 3+3=6 -> flesh, temporal. Christ is the 1->(the symbol for God, which added to 6 (3+3+1=7) equals complete wholeness. 3x3x1=9 possibly signifying that though our struggle be the results, or the fruits of our own doing (our agency or the agency of another), Christ is still ready to come to our aid.
153 – Those who enter in to the kingdom of God by allowing the “100” to accomplish the 53.
318 – God is my help. One of the most widely acknowledged examples of biblical gematria is found in the fourteenth chapter of Genesis 14: 14-16 when Abram attempts to free Lot. He brings together some 318 of the servants who were born in his house. However, Jewish Midrash on this passage claims that Abraham had only one helper—Eliezer, Abraham’s chief servant (see Genesis 15:2; 24:2). In gematria the name Eliezer totals 318, the exact number of the servants whom Abraham is said to have enlisted in freeing Lot. Therefore, most exegetes versed in gematria assume that the symbolic message of the passage is that Eliezer and Abraham successfully freed Lot without the assistance of others.
The utilization of the number 318 [in these verses] would likely be for the purpose of drawing one’s attention to the phrase “God is my help” (as encapsulated in the name Eliezer). In light of this, the passage should be understood as symbolically emphasizing that Abraham did have only one helper in freeing his nephew—not Eliezer, but God! For this reason, Melchizedek is said to have told Abraham, “And blessed be the most high God,which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand” (Genesis 14:20; emphasis added).
In light of the gematria of the passage, Abraham’s success in freeing Lot is directly attributed to God’s intervention, and not to any mortal help that he received. Such is the case with any success we have in mortality. God should always receive the credit (see D&C 59:21).
358 – The Hebrew word for Messiah (mashiyakh) totals 358 in gematria. Not coincidentally, the Hebrew word for serpent (nakhash) has the same numerical value. Thus by the gematria employed in Numbers 21, it is confirmed that the serpent lifted up by Moses upon his staff was indeed a type for the Savior, Jesus Christ.
666 – John writes: “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six” (Revelation 13:18). Interpretations of the number 666 are legion. The number 6 is a standard number for imperfection. 1000 – The ultimate glory of God. One authority on the book of Revelation indicated that the number one thousand evokes images of “power, strength, and magnitude. Anytime it occurs, by itself or as a multiple of another number, it symbolizes greatness and vastness.” Another wrote that it symbolizes “superlative greatness.” One historian of numbers specified that it traditionally represents a “multitude” or that which is “incalculable.” Thus, this number may be used in scripture without literal intent, but rather in an effort to highlight an event or numerical symbol with which it is associated.
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