Exploring the Biblical Significance of the Number 14

The Bible is full of symbolism and numbers that carry deep meaning. One number that appears frequently in the Bible is the number 14. In this article, we will explore the biblical significance of the number 14 and what it means for us as believers.

What does 14 mean in the Bible?

The number 14 appears several times in the Bible, and it is most often associated with the concept of deliverance or salvation. In the Old Testament, we see this number associated with the Passover, which was a celebration of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt.

In the New Testament, we see the number 14 associated with Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate deliverer and savior. There are several ways in which the number 14 is connected to Jesus:

• There are 14 generations listed in Matthew 1:17 between Abraham and David, and 14 more generations between David and the Babylonian exile, and 14 more generations between the exile and Jesus Christ. This is often referred to as "the 14 generations" and is seen as a symbolic representation of Jesus as the ultimate deliverer and savior.
• Jesus performed 14 miracles in the book of John, which is the Gospel that emphasizes his divinity and role as savior.
• The Greek name for Jesus, ΙΗΣΟΥΣ, has a numerical value of 888 (8 x 111), and if you add 14 to 888, you get 902, which is the numerical value of the Greek phrase "the Lamb of God" (τὸ ἀμνὸς τοῦ θεοῦ).

Other meanings of the number 14 in the Bible

While the primary meaning of the number 14 in the Bible is related to deliverance and salvation, there are other meanings and associations that we can draw from this number:

• The number 14 is twice the number 7, which is often associated with completion or perfection in the Bible. This could be seen as a reinforcement of the idea that Jesus is the ultimate deliverer and savior, and that his work is complete and perfect.
• The number 14 is also associated with the tribe of Levi, which was set apart by God for priestly duties. In Numbers 3:39, we read that "All the numbered men of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the command of the Lord by their families, every male from a month old and upward, were 22,000." The number 22 is divisible by 14, which could be seen as an indication of the special role that the Levites played in God's plan for salvation.

Conclusion

The number 14 is a significant number in the Bible, and it is most often associated with the concepts of deliverance and salvation. This number is connected to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate deliverer and savior, and it is a reminder to us of the completeness and perfection of his work on the cross. As we explore the symbolism and significance of numbers in the Bible, may we be drawn closer to God and to a deeper understanding of his plan for our lives.