The number forty holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, often representing periods of testing, trial, and preparation. This number appears in various contexts, each carrying a profound spiritual lesson or divine purpose.

Old Testament References

1. The Flood: One of the earliest mentions of forty is in the account of Noah's Ark. God caused it to rain for forty days and forty nights to cleanse the earth of its wickedness. Genesis 7:12 states, "And the rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights." This period of judgment and renewal marked a new beginning for humanity.

2. Moses on Mount Sinai: Moses spent forty days and forty nights on Mount Sinai on two separate occasions. During these times, he fasted and communed with God, receiving the Law. Exodus 24:18 records, "So Moses went into the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights."

3. Israel's Wilderness Wandering: The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years as a result of their disobedience and lack of faith. Numbers 14:33-34 explains, "Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years and suffer for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness."

4. Spies in Canaan: Moses sent twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan for forty days. This reconnaissance mission was crucial for the Israelites' understanding of the Promised Land. Numbers 13:25 states, "After forty days, the men returned from spying out the land."

New Testament References

1. Jesus' Temptation: Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness, where He was tempted by Satan. This period of testing prepared Him for His public ministry. Matthew 4:2 notes, "After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry."

2. Post-Resurrection Appearances: After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of forty days, teaching them about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 records, "After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God."

Symbolic Significance

The number forty often signifies a period of testing, trial, and preparation, leading to transformation or a new phase in God's plan. It is a time when faith is tested, and reliance on God is paramount. The recurring theme of forty in the Bible underscores the importance of perseverance, obedience, and spiritual growth through trials.

Other Biblical Instances

· Elijah's Journey: Elijah traveled for forty days and forty nights to reach Mount Horeb, where he encountered God. This journey was a time of spiritual renewal and revelation for the prophet (1 Kings 19:8).

· Ezekiel's Prophecy: Ezekiel lay on his right side for forty days to symbolize Judah's iniquity, as part of a prophetic act demonstrating God's judgment (Ezekiel 4:6).

The use of forty in these contexts highlights its role as a divine tool for shaping and refining God's people, preparing them for His purposes.

'Because of his Importunity'
... And He said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. And he spake
unto Him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/because of his importunity.htm

Forty's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Forty's (1 Occurrence). Genesis 18:29 He spoke
to him yet again, and said, "What if there are forty found ...
/f/forty's.htm - 6k

Forty-one (6 Occurrences)
Forty-one. Forty-nine, Forty-one. Forty's . Multi-Version Concordance
Forty-one (6 Occurrences). Numbers 1:41 those who were numbered ...
/f/forty-one.htm - 8k

Forty-seven (3 Occurrences)
Forty-seven. Forty's, Forty-seven. Forty-six . Multi-Version Concordance
Forty-seven (3 Occurrences). Genesis 47:28 Jacob lived ...
/f/forty-seven.htm - 7k

Peradventure (35 Occurrences)
... And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. (KJV JPS ASV
WBS YLT). ... And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake. (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). ...
/p/peradventure.htm - 18k

Forty (142 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The sum of four tens; forty units or objects. 3. (n.) A symbol expressing
forty units; as, 40, or xl. Int. ...FORTY. for'-ti ('arba`im; tessarakonta). ...
/f/forty.htm - 38k

Suppose (47 Occurrences)
... righteous? Will you destroy all the city for lack of five?" He said, "I will
not destroy it, if I find forty-five there." (See NAS RSV). ...
/s/suppose.htm - 20k

Perhaps (89 Occurrences)
... And he said, If I shall find forty-five there, I will not destroy it. (DBY). ...
And he said, I will not do it for the forty's sake. (DBY). ...
/p/perhaps.htm - 34k

Continued (148 Occurrences)
... Genesis 7:17 The flood was forty days on the earth. ... Genesis 18:29 And he continued
yet to speak with him, and said, Perhaps there may be forty found there. ...
/c/continued.htm - 34k

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