How Many Times Is 7 Mentioned In The Bible?
The number 7 holds special significance in Judaism and Christianity, representing perfection, completeness, and the work of God. This has led many Bible readers to wonder – how many times does this symbolic number actually appear in the scriptures?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: the number 7 is mentioned in the Bible over 700 times across both the Old and New Testaments.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore the many occurrences of the number 7 throughout the Bible, examining both exact counts as well as symbolic uses. We’ll look at significant patterns and usages in both testaments, calling out important sevens that shaped biblical history and theology.
By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of the breadth of significance this number holds in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Exact Count of 7 in the Old Testament
Significant Uses of 7 in the Torah
The number 7 is used over 700 times in the Bible, with 54 uses in the Torah alone. Some notable examples include God resting on the seventh day after creation (Genesis 2:2), Noah waiting seven days before sending a dove from the ark (Genesis 8:10), and the command to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days (Exodus 12:15).
The sabbatical year came every seven years (Exodus 23:11) and the Year of Jubilee was to be celebrated every 49 years, or 7 x 7 years (Leviticus 25:8).
Notable Uses of 7 in the Historical Books
In Joshua 6, God instructed Joshua and the Israelites to march around the walls of Jericho once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day. When they obeyed, the walls miraculously collapsed. Later, in 1 Kings 18, Elijah prayed seven times before rain returned during a severe drought.
The book of Esther tells us there were seven eunuchs (Esther 1:10), seven days of feasting (Esther 1:5), and seven maids assigned to Esther (Esther 2:9).
The Preeminence of 7 in the Wisdom Literature
Proverbs contains multiple references to seven. For example, there are six things God hates, plus one more detestable to Him (Proverbs 6:16). It also says God protects the righteous but that seven watch over the wicked to their ruin (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Ecclesiastes tells us a three-ply cord is not easily broken, then asks how two can keep warm, unless they huddle together. “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
Patterns of 7 in the Major and Minor Prophets
In Isaiah 30:26, it says the light of the moon will be as bright as the sun and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter. Daniel’s vision of four beasts had seven heads among them (Daniel 7:6).
Zechariah 4 discusses a gold lampstand with seven lamps, representing the “eyes of the Lord” surveying the world. In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation contains over 50 references to seven, including seven lampstands, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, and more.
The prevalence of sevens throughout Scripture highlights the biblical meaning of seven signifying completion, wholeness, and perfection.
Occurrences of the Number 7 in the New Testament
Jesus’s Use of 7 in His Teachings
In the New Testament, Jesus uses the number 7 on several occasions in his teachings. For example, in Matthew 18:21-22, when Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive, Jesus responds “not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
This shows the completeness and perfection that the number 7 signifies.
Jesus also uses 7 when discussing the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-34). The servant owed his master 10,000 talents, which symbolizes an extremely large debt that could never feasibly be repaid. The number 10,000 is likely used for emphasis and hyperbole.
The Significance of 7 in Revelation and Apocalyptic Literature
The book of Revelation contains several key occurrences of the number 7, which connects to apocalyptic numerology. Revelation describes 7 churches, 7 spirits, and 7 golden lampstands. Later, there are 7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 bowls containing the wrath of God.
The prevalence of 7 throughout Revelation demonstrates its symbolism for divine perfection and completeness regarding God’s plan. The patterns of 7 also categorize different phases or aspects of judgment and tribulation before the final triumph of Christ.
Additionally, the beast of Revelation has 7 heads displaying further Biblical meaning with 7.
Important 7s in the Epistles and Other Books
The apostle Paul refers to the number 7 regarding both sin and forgiveness. In Romans 6:23, he states that “the wages of sin is death,” connecting sinfulness to a complete punishment. But in Luke 17:4, Jesus tells his disciples “if they sin against you seven times in the day, and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ forgive them.
“ This demonstrates redemption, grace, and restoration linked to the number 7.
Furthermore, the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 highlights 7 women who were improbable bearers of the messianic seed: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Mary, and others. The emphasis on these 7 women points to Christ’s ministry towards the marginalized and his tracing back to diverse roots through God’s perfect plan across generations.
The Symbolic Meaning and Significance of 7
Perfection and Completion
The number 7 is used over 700 times in the Bible and is associated with divine perfection and completeness. It is considered a holy number as it is used to describe many important events and truths. Here are some examples:
- God rested on the seventh day after creating the world in six days (Genesis 2:2). The seventh day was made holy and set apart.
- In Revelation, there are seven spirits, seven churches, seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls. This symbolizes the fullness and completeness of God’s works.
- There are seven days in a week. Six days are for work and labor, but the seventh day is set apart for rest and worship.
- The Book of Revelation refers to Christ as “a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders” (Revelation 5:6). Seven horns and seven eyes denote omnipotence and omniscience.
- Joshua led the Israelites, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, around Jericho seven times on the seventh day. On the seventh circuit the walls fell down (Joshua 6:1-20).
The number seven often indicates the completion of a cycle. It is used over and over in the Scriptures to mean “perfection” or “completion.” For example, after seven days God’s creation was complete. After seven years, the Israelites were released from servitude.
After seventy years, prophesied servitude was complete. There are seven feast days in Passover week, etc.
God’s Divine Work
In the Bible, the number 7 is often associated with divine works:
- God created the world in 7 days (Genesis 1)
- Noah brought 7 pairs of clean animals onto the ark (Genesis 7:2)
- There are 7 years of plenty and 7 years of famine in Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 41)
- Jacob had to work 7 years to marry Rachel (Genesis 29:20)
- There were 7 times Naaman had to dip in the Jordan to be cleansed from leprosy (2 Kings 5:10)
- Samson had 7 locks of hair which gave him his strength (Judges 16)
In the New Testament, Jesus spoke of forgiveness “not just seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). This indicates unlimited forgiveness. He fed the 4,000 with 7 loaves of bread and fish (Matthew 15:34-38).
In Revelation, there are 7 churches, 7 spirits, 7 golden lampstands, 7 stars, 7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 bowls.
All throughout Scripture, God incorporates the number 7 when revealing himself. It represents his holiness, perfection, completion, and divine authority. His signature use of the number 7 declares that the works are from him alone.
It also signifies new beginnings wrapped up in his glory and sovereignty.
Conclusion
The number 7 occurs well over 700 times across the Old and New Testaments – far more than most readers realize. As we’ve seen, it takes on special theological significance relating to perfection, fulfillment, and God’s divine work in the world.
When we understand the symbolism of 7 in the Bible, it unlocks a deeper meaning in many of the most important biblical narratives. Whether referring exactly to 7 days, years, or items – or used as a symbolic motif – this number permeates Scripture as a reminder of God’s perfect work in creation and redemption.
