Numbers often carry symbolic meaning in the Bible, and the number 5 is no exception. From the five books of the Torah to symbolic uses of this number throughout Scripture, the Bible assigns special significance to numbers. What might the number 5 represent in a biblical context?
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What Does The Bible Say About The Number 5
Genesis 1:31
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.”
This verse highlights the completion of God’s creation on the fifth day, emphasizing the significance and perfection of His work.
It also reminds us of God’s attention to detail and His intention to create a harmonious and balanced world.
Genesis 5:5
“Altogether, Adam lived a total of 930 years, and then he died.”
This verse records the lifespan of Adam, the first man created by God, as 930 years.
It serves as a reminder of the brevity of human life and the consequence of sin that leads to death.
Exodus 20:5
“You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”
God makes it clear that He is a jealous God and will punish those who worship other gods, passing the consequences of their sin to future generations.
This verse emphasizes the importance of exclusive worship and the reverent fear we should have for God alone.
Deuteronomy 5:9
“You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”
Similar to Exodus 20:5, this verse reiterates the commandment against idolatry and reminds us of the repercussions that can affect future generations.
It serves as a call to remain faithful to God and avoid the allure of false gods and idols.
Joshua 6:4
“Seven priests shall carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day, you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.”
This verse outlines the unique strategy given by God to conquer the city of Jericho, involving the number seven.
It reveals God’s power and sovereignty in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, teaching us to trust in His guidance and follow His instructions.
1 Samuel 17:40
“Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”
In the famous encounter between David and Goliath, David selects five smooth stones as ammunition to defeat his giant opponent.
This verse demonstrates David’s faith in God’s strength and his willingness to step forward in obedience, showing that even a seemingly insignificant number can be used by God for extraordinary purposes.
2 Samuel 21:9
“They fastened his hands and feet to the cross and led him to the place of execution. Alongside him they crucified his seven sons. The seven of them died together. They were harvest time again, the beginning of the barley harvest.”
This verse recounts the tragic event where seven sons of Saul were executed, bringing closure to a time of famine in the land.
It serves as a reminder of the enduring consequences of sin and the need for repentance to bring restoration and blessing.
1 Kings 6:2
“The temple that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty wide and thirty high.”
When Solomon built the temple for the Lord, its dimensions were sixty cubits long, twenty wide, and thirty high.
This verse highlights the meticulous planning and attention to details in the construction of the holy temple, symbolizing the honor and reverence given to God.
2 Kings 2:24
“He turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys.”
This verse recounts the severe consequence faced by a group of disrespectful youths who mocked the prophet Elisha.
It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of showing honor and respect to God’s servants and His anointed ones.
Esther 1:3
“Let the king give her royal position to someone else who is better than she.”
In the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus sought to replace his queen, Vashti, with someone more suitable.
This verse emphasizes the need for discernment and wisdom in choosing those who would hold positions of authority and influence.
Job 42:17
“After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation.”
Following Job’s trials and restoration, he lived for another 140 years, witnessing the blessing of his children and descendants.
This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the restoration He brings after times of testing and hardship.
Psalms 90:10
“The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”
This verse acknowledges the brevity and frailty of human life, with an average lifespan of seventy to eighty years.
It reminds us of the importance of living purposefully and seeking God’s wisdom, understanding the fleeting nature of our existence.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This passage lists the seven things detestable to the Lord, identifying various forms of wickedness and destructive behavior.
It serves as a guide for righteous living, warning against traits and actions that go against God’s character and bring harm to oneself and others.
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.”
This verse highlights the value of teamwork and companionship, stating that two people working together achieve greater results.
It reminds us of the importance of building strong relationships, supporting one another, and sharing the burdens and joys of life.
Isaiah 6:2
“Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.”
When the prophet Isaiah had a vision of God’s throne, he saw seraphim with six wings, demonstrating their reverence, humility, and readiness to serve.
This verse reminds us of the holiness and grandeur of God’s presence and the awe we should have in His presence.
Jeremiah 36:23
“Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire.”
In this account, the king, Jehoiakim, rejected the message of the Lord recorded in a scroll and burned it in defiance.
It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disregarding God’s word and the importance of valuing and obeying His instructions.
Ezekiel 5:16
“When I shoot at you with my deadly and destructive arrows of famine, I will shoot to destroy you. I will bring more and more famine upon you and cut off your supply of food.”
This verse portrays the severe consequences of disobedience, emphasizing God’s judgment and the devastating impact it can have.
It calls for repentance and highlights the need for obedience and reliance on God’s provision and sustenance.
Amos 1:5
“I will break down the gate of Damascus; I will destroy the king who is in the Valley of Aven and the one who holds the scepter in Beth Eden. The people of Aram will go into exile to Kir,” says the LORD.”
In His judgment against the nations, God declares His plans to bring destruction upon the city of Damascus and its king.
This verse highlights the sovereignty and authority of God over all nations and serves as a reminder of His power to bring about justice.
Zechariah 8:23
“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, “Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.”‘”
This verse prophesies a time when people from various nations and languages will recognize the chosen people of God and desire to join them in their faith.
It speaks to the power of testimony and the impact of living a God-honoring life that draws others towards the truth.
Matthew 10:30
“And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Jesus assures His disciples that God has intimate knowledge and care for each of them.
This verse highlights the personal and attentive nature of God’s love and His awareness of even the smallest details of our lives.
Mark 5:25-26
“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better, she grew worse.”
This passage recounts the story of a woman who had suffered from a debilitating condition for twelve years and found no relief.
It demonstrates the power of faith and perseverance, as she finds healing by touching the cloak of Jesus.
John 11:9
“Jesus answered, ‘Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light.'”
When Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick, He explains the importance of working while there is still daylight, metaphorically referring to the limited time He has left to carry out His mission.
This verse highlights the urgency of engaging in God’s work and seizing opportunities while they are available to us.
Romans 12:6
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”
This verse acknowledges the diversity of spiritual gifts that believers possess, highlighting the uniqueness and purpose of each individual within the body of Christ.
It encourages us to embrace and utilize our gifts for the edification and benefit of the church.
Revelation 22:14
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”
In the final chapter of the Bible, it states that those who cleanse themselves and remain faithful will have the privilege of eternal life and entry into God’s heavenly city.
This verse reminds us of the reward and blessedness that await those who persevere in their faith until the end.