Topical Encyclopedia The number 40 holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, often representing periods of testing, trial, and transformation. It appears in various contexts, both in the Old and New Testaments, and is frequently associated with events that involve preparation, judgment, or renewal.Old Testament References: 1. The Flood: In Genesis 7:12, the number 40 is associated with the duration of the rain during the Great Flood: "And the rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights." This period marked a time of judgment and cleansing of the earth. 2. Moses on Mount Sinai: Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai on two separate occasions. In Exodus 24:18, it is written, "Then Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights." This was a time of receiving the Law and instructions from God. 3. Israel's Wilderness Wandering: The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years as a result of their disobedience and lack of faith. Numbers 14:33-34 states, "Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness." 4. Spies in Canaan: The spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan spent 40 days in the land. Numbers 13:25 records, "After forty days, the men returned from spying out the land." 5. Judges and Kings: Several judges and kings ruled for 40 years, including Eli (1 Samuel 4:18), Saul (Acts 13:21), David (1 Kings 2:11), and Solomon (1 Kings 11:42). This number often signifies a full generation or a complete period of leadership. New Testament References: 1. Jesus' Temptation: Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness, where He was tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:2 states, "After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry." This period was a time of preparation for His public ministry. 2. Post-Resurrection Appearances: After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of 40 days before His ascension. Acts 1:3 notes, "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 Meaning: The number 40 is often seen as a period of testing, trial, and preparation. It is a time during which individuals or groups are refined and prepared for a new phase or mission. The recurrence of this number in various biblical narratives underscores its thematic importance in the divine plan, marking significant transitions and transformations in the lives of God's people. Concordance 40 (1 Occurrence)Ezekiel 4:6 Thesaurus 40 (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance 40 (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 4:6 Again, when you have accomplished these, you shall lie on your right side ... /num/40.htm - 6k Gateway (40 Occurrences) Ish'mael (40 Occurrences) Wrapped (40 Occurrences) Neighbors (40 Occurrences) Several (40 Occurrences) Basket (40 Occurrences) Extended (40 Occurrences) Visited (40 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of 40 days in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is biblical numerology? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Ezekiel's temple? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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