What does the number 8 mean in the Bible? Is it related to something positive or negative? Get to know all about this mysterious number in the Bible.
The Bible is a rich source of symbolism and numerical significance, with various numbers appearing repeatedly throughout its text. The number 8, which has a special significance in the Scriptures, is one such number.
From its association with new beginnings to its representation of resurrection, the number 8 has been used by biblical authors to convey important messages to their readers. In this article, we will explore the various biblical references to the number 8 and uncover the spiritual significance behind this number.
The number 8 is frequently linked to fresh starts and rebirth in the Bible. This is because in the Old Testament, circumcision, which represented a new beginning and a covenant with God, was performed on the eighth day of a male child’s life. Additionally, in the New Testament, Jesus rose from the dead on the eighth day, which symbolizes a new beginning for humanity.
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What Does The Number 8 Mean In The Bible?
The number 8 frequently appears in the Bible as a symbol of triumph, fresh starts, and the opening of new doors. It represents resurrection, fresh beginnings, and renewal. Numerous Biblical passages where the number 8 has special significance make this clear.
One of the earliest references to the number 8 is in the book of Genesis, where God creates the world in 6 days and rests on the 7th day. The 8th day then represents a new beginning, a fresh start.
In the Old Testament, the number 8 is also associated with circumcision, which was performed on the 8th day after a male child’s birth. This represented a new covenant with God and a new life for the child.
In the New Testament, the number 8 continues to hold significance. Jesus rose from the dead on the 8th day, which symbolizes a new life and new hope for humanity. The resurrection of Jesus is a sign of victory over sin and death, and the number 8 represents the beginning of a new era of grace and salvation.
Moreover, the number 8 is also linked to baptism, which is a symbol of spiritual rebirth and a new life in Christ. In Colossians 2:12, Paul speaks of baptism as a burial and resurrection with Christ, saying “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Also read: What Does The Number 6 Mean In The Bible?
Where Does The Number 8 Appear In The Bible?
The number 8 holds significant meaning in the Bible and appears in various instances throughout its text. Here are some of the places where the number 8 appears in the Bible:
Creation
The number 8 is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 17:12, where God commands Abraham to circumcise his male children on the eighth day. This symbolizes a fresh start, a new starting, and a reminder of God’s covenant with Abraham and his lineage.
Noah’s Ark
In Genesis 7:13-16, Noah and his family enter the ark on the 17th day of the second month, and the rain falls for 40 days and 40 nights. Only on the eighth day following the cessation of rain does the dove return to Noah bearing an olive branch, signifying the end of the deluge and the beginning of a new era for humanity.
Tabernacle Dedication
In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites build a tabernacle for worship and dedicate it on the 8th day. This heralds the start of a brand-new period of worship and communion with God. Exodus 40:17 says, “And it came to pass in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.”
Resurrection of Jesus
In the New Testament, Jesus rose from the dead on the 8th day after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which is also known as Palm Sunday. This represents a new life, new hope, and victory over death. John 20:26 says, “And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.”
Baptism
Baptism is a symbol of new life in Christ and is often associated with the number 8. In Romans 6:4, Paul says, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Also read: What Does The Bible Say About Drugs?
Number 8 Meaning Prophetically
In addition to representing new beginnings and a sign of victory, the number 8 also holds prophetic significance in the Bible. Throughout the scriptures, the number 8 is associated with a range of events and themes that point to God’s plan for humanity.
One significant prophetic meaning of the number 8 is related to circumcision. In the Old Testament, circumcision was performed on the eighth day of a male child’s life, representing a new covenant with God and a new life for the child.
In the New Testament, circumcision takes on a spiritual meaning, as Paul writes in Colossians 2:11-12, “In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Another prophetic meaning of the number 8 is related to Pentecost. In the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, which was the 50th day after the Jewish holiday of Passover.
The number 50 represents the completion of one cycle and the beginning of another. The day of Pentecost, therefore, marks a new beginning for the church and the start of a new era of the Holy Spirit’s work on earth.
Because it symbolizes the initial rising, the number 8 has additional prophetic significance. In Revelation 20:6, it says, “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.” This passage refers to the resurrection of the righteous at the beginning of the millennial reign of Christ.
Additionally, the Pentateuch—the first five volumes of the Old Testament—and the number 8 are related. The Pentateuch lays the foundation for God’s plan for humanity, and it represents the beginning of God’s revelation to his people.
Is Number 8 Positive Or Negative?
The number 8 has been associated with both positive and negative meanings throughout history. It is regarded as lucky in many societies and represents fortune and prosperity. The number 8 can also have negative meanings, such as devastation or judgment, in some circumstances.
The number 8 is frequently used in the Bible as a metaphor for fresh beginnings and regeneration. It represents the idea of starting afresh and beginning a new chapter in life. In the story of the Great Flood, God saved 8 people, Noah, and his family, as a sign of new beginnings and a fresh start for humanity.
This is seen in Genesis 7:1-4, “Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate, and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth.”
Moreover, the number 8 is associated with the balance that God offers in heaven and earth. It stands for both the unity of the cosmos and the perfection of God’s creation. In the Book of Revelation, there are references to the “eight beatitudes,” which represent the blessings that God bestows upon those who follow Him.
Also read: What Does The Bible Say About Modesty?
Last Note
So what does the number 8 mean in the Bible? The number 8 holds significant meaning in the Bible as a symbol of new beginnings, regeneration, and victory. It is a representation of God’s balance and harmony in the universe, and a sign of the fresh start that God offers to humanity through His grace and salvation.
The number 8 also represents the idea of renewal and rebirth, reminding us of the eternal hope that we have in Christ. As we reflect on the significance of this divine number, may we all be inspired to seek a new beginning with God and embrace the new life that He offers to us.
