Arithmetic, the branch of mathematics dealing with numbers and basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, is not explicitly detailed in the Bible. However, the use of numbers and arithmetic principles is evident throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the order and precision inherent in God's creation.

Biblical References to Numbers and Counting

The Bible frequently employs numbers to convey specific meanings, symbolize spiritual truths, or record historical data. For instance, the creation account in Genesis is structured around a seven-day week, emphasizing the completeness and perfection of God's work (Genesis 1:1-2:3). The use of numbers in genealogies, censuses, and measurements further illustrates the importance of arithmetic in biblical narratives.

In the Book of Numbers, the Israelites are counted and organized by tribe, demonstrating the practical application of arithmetic in managing a large community (Numbers 1:2-3). The precision in these counts underscores the importance of order and structure in God's covenant people.

Arithmetic in Worship and Offerings

Arithmetic is also evident in the detailed instructions for offerings and sacrifices. For example, the Israelites were commanded to offer specific quantities of flour, oil, and animals, reflecting the need for careful calculation and adherence to divine instructions (Leviticus 2:1-16). The precision in these offerings highlights the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

In the New Testament, arithmetic principles are subtly present in Jesus' teachings. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) involves the multiplication of resources, illustrating the importance of stewardship and the wise use of God-given gifts. Similarly, the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-14) involves a miraculous multiplication of loaves and fish, demonstrating God's provision and abundance.

Symbolic Use of Numbers

Numbers often carry symbolic significance in the Bible. The number seven, for example, represents completeness and perfection, as seen in the seven days of creation and the seven churches in Revelation (Revelation 1:4). The number forty is associated with periods of testing and trial, such as the forty days of rain during the flood (Genesis 7:12) and Jesus' forty days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2).

Wisdom and Understanding

The Bible encourages the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, which includes the study of arithmetic and other disciplines. Proverbs 1:5 states, "Let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel." The orderly nature of arithmetic reflects the divine order established by God, and its study can lead to a greater appreciation of His creation.

In summary, while arithmetic is not explicitly taught as a subject in the Bible, its principles are woven throughout the Scriptures, reflecting God's order, precision, and the symbolic use of numbers to convey deeper spiritual truths.1. (n.) The science of numbers; the art of computation by figures.

2. (n.) A book containing the principles of this science.

ARITHMETIC

a-rith'-me-tik. See NUMBER.

Fragments of the Books on Arithmetic.
... Fragments of the Books on Arithmetic. What is mathematics? ... The Chald??ans were the
originators of astronomy, and the Egyptians of geometry and arithmetic.... ...
/.../the paschal canon of anatolius of alexandria/fragments of the books on.htm

Hwochow Women's Bible Training School
... Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing of Chinese Character.
Arithmetic. ... Arithmetic. Singing and Memorisation of Hymns. ...
/.../hwochow womens bible training school.htm

The Mystical Meanings in the Proportions of Numbers, Geometrical ...
... As then in astronomy we have Abraham as an instance, so also in arithmetic we have
the same Abraham. ... Such, then, is the style of the example in arithmetic. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xi the mystical meanings in.htm

Whether Sacred Doctrine is a Science
... sciences. Some of them, such as arithmetic, geometry, and the like, depend
on principles known by the natural light of reason. Others ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article two whether sacred doctrine.htm

Anatolius and Minor Writers.
... He tells us that he attained the highest eminence in arithmetic, geometry, and
astronomy, besides being a great proficient also in dialectics, physics, and ...
/.../the paschal canon of anatolius of alexandria/anatolius and minor writers.htm

The Schoolmen and Theology
... by the division of the Seven Arts into the elementary Trivium of Grammar, Rhetoric,
Dialectic, followed by the Quadrivium of Music, Arithmetic, Geometry, and ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter vii the schoolmen and.htm

Anatolius
... Alexandria, bishop of Laodicea in Syria, who flourished under the emperors Probus
and Carus, was a man of wonderful learning in arithmetic, geometry, astronomy ...
/.../jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter lxxiii anatolius.htm

Whether Sacred Doctrine is a Science?
... There are some which proceed from a principle known by the natural light of
intelligence, such as arithmetic and geometry and the like. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sacred doctrine is a.htm

His First School. The School-House. The Teacher. The Order of ...
... I had no money to buy books, and had to depend on borrowing them. I soon went through
arithmetic, grammar, and the history of the United States. ...
/.../chapter ii his first school.htm

The Distinguished Ecclesiastics of Our Day, and which of them ...
... In learning and skill in Greek philosophy, such as arithmetic and geometry, astronomy,
and dialectics in general, as well as in the theory of physics, he stood ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxxii the distinguished ecclesiastics of.htm

Arithmetic
... 2. (n.) A book containing the principles of this science. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. ARITHMETIC. a-rith'-me-tik. See NUMBER. ...
/a/arithmetic.htm - 6k

Number (2370 Occurrences)
... NUMBER. num'-ber: I. NUMBER AND ARITHMETIC II. NOTATION OF NUMBERS 1. By Words 2.
By Signs 3. By Letters III. ... GEMATRIA LITERATURE I. Number and Arithmetic. ...
/n/number.htm - 40k

Teach (172 Occurrences)
... impart, as knowledge before unknown, or rules for practice; to inculcate as true
or important; to exhibit impressively; as, to teach arithmetic, dancing, music ...
/t/teach.htm - 65k

Proportion (15 Occurrences)
... fourth. 6. (n.) The rule of three, in arithmetic, in which the three given
terms, together with the one sought, are proportional. 7 ...
/p/proportion.htm - 14k

Practice (71 Occurrences)
... sense. 8. (n.) A easy and concise method of applying the rules of arithmetic
to questions which occur in trade and business. 9. (n ...
/p/practice.htm - 28k

Cipher (1 Occurrence)
... 6. (a.) of the nature of a cipher; of no weight or influence. 7. (vi) To use
figures in a mathematical process; to do sums in arithmetic. ...
/c/cipher.htm - 7k

Calculate (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To ascertain or determine by mathematical processes, usually by the ordinary
rules of arithmetic; to reckon up; to estimate; to compute. ...
/c/calculate.htm - 9k

Arius

/a/arius.htm - 6k

Aristobu'lus (1 Occurrence)
Aristobu'lus. Aristobulus, Aristobu'lus. Arithmetic . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Aristobulus, Aristobu'lus. Arithmetic . Reference Bible.
/a/aristobu'lus.htm - 6k

Addition (112 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Anything added; increase; augmentation; as, a piazza is an addition to a
building. 3. (n.) That part of arithmetic which treats of adding numbers. ...
/a/addition.htm - 37k

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