Number in Scripture:
Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance

by E. W. Bullinger (1837-1913)
Fourth Edition, Revised.  1921

In this 16 chapter work on numerology, Bullinger (Brethren-HyperDispensationalist) presents the numerical representations of different numbers in the Bible.

“The works of the Lord are great, Sought out of all them have pleasure therein.” Ps. cxi. 2.

Contents

PART I

SUPERNATURAL DESIGN

CHAPTER 1

THE WORKS OF GOD

The Heavens

Chronology

Nature

The Vegetable Kingdom

Physiology

Chemistry

Sound and Music

Colour

CHAPTER II THE WORD OF GOD

The Books of the Bible

The Writers

Occurrences of Words in Old Testament

Occurrences of Words in New Testament

Occurrences of Words in the Apocalypse

Occurrences of Phrases

Evidence as to Authorship of Hebrews and 2 Peter

Occurrences of Words and Phrases in Old and New Testaments combined

PART II SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Introduction

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Six and Seven together

Seven by itself

Eight

Eight and Seven together

Eight by itself

Eight and Thirteen together

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Seventeen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-one

Twenty-two

Twenty-four

Twenty-five

Twenty-seven

Twenty-eight

Twenty-nine

Thirty

Thirty-one

Forty

Forty-two

Fifty

Fifty-one

Sixty-five

Seventy

One hundred and twenty

One hundred and fifty and three

Two hundred

Three hundred and ninety

Four hundred

Four hundred and thirty

Four hundred and ninety

Six hundred and sixty-six

Conclusion

Preface

Many writers, from the earliest times, have called attention to the importance of the great subject of Number in Scripture. It has been dealt with, for the most part, in a fragmentary way. One has dealt with some particular number, such as “seven”; another has been content with a view of the primary numbers, and even when defining their significance, has given only one or two examples by way of illustration; another has confined himself to “symbolical numbers,” such as 10, 40, 666, etc.; another has taken up such symbolical numbers in their relation to chronology or to prophecy; another has collected examples, but has dealt little with their meaning.

There seemed, therefore, to be room, and indeed a call, for a work which would be more complete, embrace a larger area, and at the same time be free from the many fancies which all, more or less, indulge in when the mind is occupied too much with one subject. Anyone who values the importance of a particular principle will be tempted to see it where it does not exist, and if it be not there will force it in, in spite sometimes of the original text. Especially is this the case when chronology is dealt with, the greater uncertainty of dates lending itself more readily to the author’s fancy.

The greatest work on this subject, both chronological and numerical, is not free from these defects. But its value is nevertheless very great. It is by the late Dr. Milo Mahan, of New York. His work Palmoni*, which was republished among his collected works, has long been out of print. It greatly increased my interest in this subject, and led me to further study, besides furnishing a number of valuable illustrations.

* Not the anonymous Palmoni by an English author, published in London.

It is too much to hope that the present work should be free from these defects, which are inseparable from human infirmity. From one point of view it is a subject which must prove disappointing, at any rate to the author, for illustrations are continually being discovered; and yet, from another point of view, it would be blasphemy to suppose that such a work could be complete; for it would assume that the wonders of this mine could be exhausted, and that its treasures could be all explored!

I must, therefore, be content with the setting forth of general principles, and with giving a few examples from God’s Word which illustrate them, leaving others to extend the application of these principles and search out illustrations of them for themselves.

May the result of this contribution to a great subject be to stimulate the labours of Bible students; to strengthen believers in their most holy faith; and to convince doubters of the Divine perfection and inspiration of the Book of Books, to the praise and glory of God.

E.W. BULLINGER
17 North End Road,
Golders Green, N.W.

More Modules from Bibliology Category