[Teachldsseminary] Meaning of the number 40

[Barb Gardner]

> Does anyone know the significance of the number 40 in the scriptures?

Number Symbolism in the OT and NT
1 = unity, God
2 = Opposition
3 = Godhead; A word repeated 3 times means superlative, the most; the best. 
see Isa. 6:3
4 = Earth; north, south, east, west; 4 corners
5 = Grace; Pools of Bethesda
6 = Man, (created on the 6th day); Carnal; (I've always believed that 666 
really stands for man at his most carnal)
7 = Perfection; Man (6) plus God (1) = 7
10 = numerical perfection; Law;
12 = Divine government
40 days = Sometimes literal; sometimes means a long time; 1 Sam 17:16 
(wasn't that helpful?)
Forever = a specific period or age; not endless (see BYU Religious Studies 
Center Newsletter, Vol. 8, No. 3, May 1994)

I also have these for Colors and Body Parts if anyone needs them