In biblical literature, the concept of "thirds" appears in various contexts, often symbolizing division, judgment, or completeness. The use of thirds can be seen in both the Old and New Testaments, where it serves as a significant numerical and symbolic element.

Old Testament References

1. Division of Land and People: In Ezekiel 5:2, the prophet is instructed to divide his hair into thirds as a symbolic act representing the fate of Jerusalem: "A third you shall burn in the fire in the midst of the city when the days of the siege are completed; a third you shall take and strike with the sword all around the city; and a third you shall scatter to the wind, and I will unsheathe a sword behind them." This division signifies the different judgments that would befall the people of Jerusalem due to their disobedience.

2. Judgment and Punishment: The concept of thirds is also evident in Zechariah 13:8-9, where the land is divided, and a remnant is preserved: "In all the land, declares the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but one-third will be left in it. This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them as silver is refined and test them as gold is tested." Here, the division into thirds represents a process of purification and judgment, with a remnant being refined and preserved.

New Testament References

1. Revelation and Prophecy: The Book of Revelation frequently uses the concept of thirds to describe divine judgment. In Revelation 8:7-12, the first four trumpet judgments affect a third of the earth, sea, rivers, and celestial bodies: "The first angel sounded his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, along with a third of the trees and all the green grass." This recurring theme of affecting a third symbolizes partial judgment, indicating that God's wrath is measured and purposeful.

2. Symbolic Completeness: The use of thirds in Revelation can also be seen as a symbol of completeness within the context of divine judgment. The division into thirds suggests a comprehensive yet controlled execution of God's will, emphasizing His sovereignty and justice.

Theological Implications

The use of thirds in the Bible often conveys themes of judgment, purification, and divine sovereignty. It serves as a reminder of God's righteous judgment and His ability to preserve a faithful remnant amidst widespread disobedience. The division into thirds underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance and refinement for those who seek to follow God's ways.

In summary, the concept of thirds in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol that reflects God's justice, mercy, and the ultimate fulfillment of His divine plan. Through the use of thirds, Scripture communicates the gravity of divine judgment while offering hope for redemption and restoration for those who remain faithful.6371a. pim -- (a measure of weight) two-thirds of a shekel ...
... 6371, 6371a. pim. 6371b . (a measure of weight) two-thirds of a shekel
(approximately). Transliteration: pim Short Definition: two-thirds. ...
/hebrew/6371a.htm - 5k

6371. piymah -- (a measure of weight) two-thirds of a shekel ...
... piymah. 6371a . (a measure of weight) two-thirds of a shekel (approximately).
Transliteration: piymah Phonetic Spelling: (pee-maw') Short Definition: collops. ...
/hebrew/6371.htm - 5k

The Needle of the Compass of Need.
... It helps at once to this end to remember that two-thirds of all the peoples of the
earth are in the distinctly heathen, or non-Christian, lands. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the needle of the compass.htm

Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1561-1564
... The higher clergy retained two-thirds of their benefices, and the other third
was to be divided between the preachers and the Queen. ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xv knox and queen.htm

The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ...
... revising, in consecutive order, the entire Discipline, requiring, as before, that
no old rule should be abolished without the concurrence of two thirds of the ...
/.../chapter 6 the general conference.htm

The Mystical Meanings in the Proportions of Numbers, Geometrical ...
... are sixfold, as three hundred is six times fifty; and tenfold, as three hundred
is ten times thirty; and containing one and two-thirds (epidimoiroi), for fifty ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xi the mystical meanings in.htm

The Sins of the Elect and of the Penitent are of Many Kinds, but ...
... And others brought their branches two-thirds green and the remaining third
withered; and these stood apart. And others returned ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/similitude eighth the sins of.htm

An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ...
... far as possible, any improper innovation upon existing rules, or the premature adoption
of new regulations, they agreed that "it shall take two-thirds of all ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of 2.htm

Church Union in Scotland.
... If the Overture shall receive the approval, with or without suggested amendment,
of two-thirds of the whole of the Presbyteries of the Church, the Assembly may ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/church union in scotland.htm

Choked Channels.
... He did so, and presently replied: "I think fully two-thirds of these men are members
of our churches""and then, with that same quizzical, half-laughing look ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/choked channels.htm

Just Published,
... Norwich. ^*[* Several pieces are now first printed from the Author's
Manuscripts, which make near two thirds of the Second Volume. ...
/.../just published.htm

Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question.
... and years are enlistments of little value." The withdrawal of young men from the
rolls of the intemperate and licentious, would leave two-thirds of the ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/thoughts for the clergy on.htm

Thirds (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Thirds (2 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they
had a file for the mattocks, and for the plowshares, and ...
/t/thirds.htm - 6k

Two-thirds (2 Occurrences)
Two-thirds. Two-tenths, Two-thirds. Tychicus . Multi-Version
Concordance Two-thirds (2 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 13:21 ...
/t/two-thirds.htm - 6k

Weights (14 Occurrences)
... They do not seem to have employed the foot, though it is represented in the
two-thirds of the cubit, which was used by the Babylonians in the manufacture of ...
/w/weights.htm - 21k

Measures (50 Occurrences)
... They do not seem to have employed the foot, though it is represented in the
two-thirds of the cubit, which was used by the Babylonians in the manufacture of ...
/m/measures.htm - 35k

Two-tenths (11 Occurrences)
Two-tenths. Two-tenth, Two-tenths. Two-thirds . Multi-Version Concordance
Two-tenths (11 Occurrences). ... Two-tenth, Two-tenths. Two-thirds . Reference Bible
/t/two-tenths.htm - 9k

Tychicus (5 Occurrences)

/t/tychicus.htm - 14k

Thirst (40 Occurrences)

/t/thirst.htm - 20k

Psalms (44 Occurrences)
... one of the 48 that are anonymous. About two-thirds of the whole collection
have been ascribed to David. Psalms 39, 62, and 77 are ...
/p/psalms.htm - 54k

Cotton (3 Occurrences)
... Long-staple cotton has a fiber sometimes almost two inches long; short-staple, from
two thirds of an inch to an inch and a half. 2. (n.) The cotton plant. ...
/c/cotton.htm - 8k

Adoration
... 3. (n.) A method of electing a pope by the expression of homage from two thirds
of the conclave. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ADORATION. ...
/a/adoration.htm - 20k

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