I’m not a numbers person or a math wizard, though I did well in math throughout school. Mathematical word problems were challenging, but I tackled them and earned a good grade. Setting up and solving equations were the same, to say the least.
We deal with numbers all the time because of the financial (buying and selling) aspects of our lives. Although we use numbers as specific numeric values, they can also hold and reveal deeper spiritual meanings.
What about the spiritual aspect of numbers?
God declares his oneness in Deuteronomy 6:4, “Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one.” In God, there is unity: one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and salvation.
Many people believe the number 7 symbolizes completeness. The seventh day (number 7) marked the completion of God’s creation of humankind and the known and unknown worlds. On the seventh day, God rested.
Remember the fall of the city of Jericho on the seventh day with seven priests, each blowing a trumpet. The number 7 pattern also appears in other important events in the divine fulfillment of God’s plan.
Recently, the number 33 showed up in an important event, and I wondered about its spiritual significance. Although the symbolic meaning of 33 is not as clearly defined as 1 or 7, it appears in significant biblical events.
What spiritual aspects does the number 33 represent?
We immediately recognize the number 3 as symbolizing the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The oneness of these three persons in power, sovereignty, love, and salvation is the essence of the Trinity.
The word Trinity does not appear in any version of the Bible, but Scripture references the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For example, in Matthew 28:19, Jesus told his followers to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Another significance of 33 is Jesus’ age. Many biblical scholars and references state that Jesus was crucified and resurrected at age 33. This symbolism reflects the perfect balance between Jesus Christ’s divinity and human nature.
Thirty-three was the number of sons and daughters Leah bore to Jacob, as revealed in Genesis 46:15. The count reflects Israel’s growth toward the fulfillment of God’s promise and covenant with Abraham.
Another notable reference to 33 appears in the reign of King David, highlighting stability, strength, and the leadership of a man called “a man after God’s own heart.” 1 Samuel 13:14
Under David’s rule, Jerusalem became Israel’s political and spiritual center.
The Bible states that God knows and uses everything for his divine purpose, even numbers. Matthew 10:30 states. “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
When numbers show patterns, it’s not unusual to search for meaning and significance in events, things, and characteristics. Although the numbers may not have scientific relevance, they create order and help us make sense of our environment and the universe.
When we consider the symbolism of numbers, we must remember the associated biblical events and stories that focus on God’s work in fulfilling his divine purpose.
I hope that you are happy and well.