The Biblical Significance of '12'

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What Is the Meaning of the Number 12 in the Bible?

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A close reading of the Bible reveals that many numbers are used in certain patterns, suggesting that they have a special significance. Biblical numerology has become a small specialty within the field of biblical studies. Experts in biblical numerology have identified particular numbers with specific meanings. One such number that appears throughout both the Old and New Testaments is the number 12.

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1. Significance

   • According to many biblical scholars, the number 12 signifies governmental perfection. It appears as a multiple in matters related to issues of governance or ruling.

   Old Testament

   • The Book of Genesis reveals that there were 12 sons of Jacob. The 12 sons formed the 12 tribes of Israel.

     
     

   New Testament

   • In the New Testament, Jesus had 12 Apostles, who were his closest followers.

   The Kingdom of God

   • The number 12 appears throughout the Revelation, the final book of the Bible. According to Revelation, the kingdom of God has 12 gates guarded by 12 angels.

   The Sealed

   • The number of the sealed, according to Chapter 7 of Revelation, was 144,000, which is 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel.

   Expert Insight

   • Some biblical scholars point out that the number 12 is the product of 3 (the divine number) and 4 (the earthly number, as there are four elements: earth, air, fire, and water).

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