Scriptural Numerology

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From the number 1, emblematic of God’s indivisible unity, to 1000, suggestive of eternity’s boundless scope, scriptural numerology unveils profound layers of symbolic significance within sacred texts. This concise overview delineates key symbolic numbers and their pivotal instantiations across scripture, with a comprehensive table presented for further exploration.

Prophetic Insights on Scriptural Numerology

These quotes from LDS prophets and apostles illuminate the symbolic power of numbers in scripture and the Restoration:

  1. Joseph Smith: “The works of God continue, and worlds and lives abound; Improvement and progression have one eternal round.”
  2. Brigham Young: “The Lord has given us six days to labor, and the seventh He has sanctified to rest from our toils.”
  3. John Taylor: “God is a God of order, and not of confusion; His works are governed by law, and all His movements are in accordance with mathematical precision.”
  4. Bruce R. McConkie: “The Lord himself chose twelve apostles to govern his kingdom and to carry his message to all men everywhere… In this latter day he has again chosen twelve to be his special ministers.”
  5. Neal A. Maxwell: “The Lord works from an eternal timetable… His purposes stretch across millennia, not merely decades.”
  6. Russell M. Nelson: “The Lord often uses the number forty in the scriptures to signify a period of probation or testing… Think of the forty years Israel wandered or the forty days the Savior fasted.”
  7. Dallin H. Oaks: “We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost—three distinct beings with one purpose.”
  8. Howard W. Hunter: “The Seventy are called to preach the gospel and to be especial witnesses of Jesus Christ… a pattern established in ancient times.”
  9. Gordon B. Hinckley: “Every new day is a new beginning, a time to start anew with faith in God’s plan.”
  10. Ezra Taft Benson: “The Lord said we should forgive ‘seventy times seven,’ meaning there is no limit to our forgiveness.”

 

Numerological Table

🔵 = Universally Accepted 🟢 = Widely Traditional 🟣 = Esoteric or Contextual

Number

Symbolic Meaning

Scriptural Examples

Notes

Tier

1

Unity, God, Singularity

Deut. 6:4, Eph. 4:5

Divine oneness

🔵

2

Witness, Division, Opposition

2 Cor. 13:1, Matt. 18:16

Law of witnesses

🔵

3

Divine wholeness, Godhead, Resurrection

Matt. 28:19, Jonah 1:17

Trinity; resurrection

🔵

4

Earth, Creation, Completeness

Rev. 7:1, Gen. 1

Four corners/directions

🔵

5

Grace, God’s goodness

Gen. 43:34, Matt. 14:17

Five loaves, mercy

🔵

6

Man, Imperfection, Labor

Gen. 1:26, Rev. 13:18

Number of man; toil

🔵

7

Perfection, Completion, Covenant

Gen. 2:2, Rev. 1:4

Seven days, seals, churches

🔵

8

New Beginnings, Resurrection

Gen. 17:12, 1 Pet. 3:20

Circumcision, ark

🟢

9

Fullness, Divine Gifts, Finality

Gal. 5:22–23

Fruits of the Spirit

🟢

10

Law, Order, Responsibility

Ex. 20:1–17

Ten Commandments

🔵

11

Disorder, Judgment, Incompletion

Gen. 11, Dan. 7:8

Babel, disarray

🟢

12

Government, Priesthood, Israel

Rev. 12, Luke 6:13

Tribes, apostles, gates

🔵

13

Rebellion, Apostasy, Sin

Gen. 14:4

Negative framing

🟣

14

Deliverance, Double Perfection

Matt. 1:17

Genealogical pattern

🟢

15

Rest, Mercy

Num. 28:17

Passover timing

🟢

16

Love

1 Cor. 13

16 attributes of charity

🟣

17

Victory, Preservation

Jer. 32:9

Ark rested 17th

🟣

18

Bondage (sometimes)

Luke 13:11–13

Woman bound 18 years

🟣

20

Expectancy, Redemption

Ex. 30:14

Age of preparation

🟢

21

Peril of Sin + Deliverance

Dan. 10:13

3×7 intensification

🟢

22

Light, Revelation

Heb. alphabet = 22

Full alphabet, Psalm 119

🟣

30

Maturity, Ministry

Luke 3:23

Jesus begins ministry

🟢

33

Promise, Age of Christ

Luke 3:23

Christ’s age at death

🟣

36

Spiritual Sustainers (Jewish lore)

Talmudic: 36 tzaddikim

Hidden righteous

🟣

40

Testing, Trial, Preparation

Ex. 24:18, Matt. 4:2

40 days, 40 years

🔵

50

Jubilee, Liberation

Lev. 25:10

Pentecost; 50th year

🟢

70

Leadership, Nations

Num. 11:16, Luke 10:1

Elders, nations

🔵

72

Divine Council, Completion

Luke 10:1 (alt. MSS)

Septuagint, missionaries

🟣

100

Fullness, Covenant Blessing

Gen. 17:17

Abraham’s age

🟢

120

End of Flesh, Transition

Gen. 6:3

Lifespan limit

🟣

144

Multiplication of Government

Rev. 7:4, 14:1

12×12

🟢

490

Infinite Forgiveness

Matt. 18:22

70×7

🟢

1000

Divine Fullness, Eternity

Rev. 20:6

Millennium

🔵

Expanded Explanations and Examples

Each section starts with a brief narrative, followed by 6+1 bullets. The +1 is highlighted as a Latter-day LDS insight.

1 – Unity, God, Singularity

The number one stands alone, a symbol of the divine unity that defines God’s nature and purpose across scripture.

  • Old Testament: Deut. 6:4—“The Lord our God is one Lord,” the Shema affirms God’s singular essence.
  • New Testament: Eph. 4:5—“One Lord, one faith, one baptism,” uniting believers in Christ.
  • Doctrine & Covenants: D&C 20:28—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are “one God, infinite and eternal.”
  • Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 31:21—The Godhead’s unity is emphasized as the doctrine of Christ.
  • Pearl of Great Price: Moses 1:6—God tells Moses, “I am the Beginning and the End,” singular in authority.
  • Joseph Smith History: JS-H 1:17—Two personages appear, yet testify of one divine will.
  • +1 Latter-day Insight: The First Vision (1820) reveals distinct beings united in purpose, a cornerstone of LDS theology.

2 – Witness, Division, Opposition

Two carries the weight of testimony and duality, a number of confirmation or contrast.

  • OT: Deut. 19:15—Truth requires “two or three witnesses.”
  • NT: Matt. 18:16—Jesus echoes the law of witnesses for judgment.
  • D&C: D&C 6:28—Revelation promises confirmation by “two or more” witnesses.
  • BoM: Alma 10:12—Amulek joins Alma as a second witness to the people.
  • PoGP: Abr. 3:2—Two stars govern, symbolizing order and opposition.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:25—Joseph’s dual roles as seer and testifier emerge.
  • +1: D&C 128:3—Two witnesses required for baptisms for the dead, a modern ordinance rule.

3 – Divine Wholeness, Godhead, Resurrection

Three evokes completeness, often tied to the divine trio and renewal.

  • OT: Jonah 1:17—Three days in the fish prefigure resurrection.
  • NT: Matt. 28:19—The Trinity named in baptism: Father, Son, Holy Ghost.
  • D&C: D&C 130:22—Three distinct beings in the Godhead clarified.
  • BoM: 3 Nephi 11:27—Christ teaches the Godhead’s unity in purpose.
  • PoGP: Moses 7:62—Three righteous elements (Zion, truth, priesthood) converge.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:20—Three days of recovery after the First Vision hint at renewal.
  • +1: Three witnesses (Oliver, David, Martin) testify of the Book of Mormon’s plates.

4 – Earth, Creation, Completeness

Four grounds us in the physical world, marking its boundaries and fullness.

  • OT: Gen. 1:14—Four seasons set creation’s rhythm.
  • NT: Rev. 7:1—Four angels stand at the earth’s corners.
  • D&C: D&C 77:3—Four beasts represent earthly kingdoms.
  • BoM: 1 Nephi 11:13—Four quarters of the earth in Nephi’s vision.
  • PoGP: Abr. 2:8—Four rivers flow from Eden.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:31—Moroni’s four visits prepare Joseph.
  • +1: Four standard works (Bible, BoM, D&C, PoGP) complete LDS scripture.

5 – Grace, God’s Goodness

Five reflects divine favor, often tied to acts of mercy and provision.

  • OT: Gen. 43:34—Joseph gives Benjamin five times more food.
  • NT: Matt. 14:17—Five loaves feed the multitude.
  • D&C: D&C 59:21—God’s goodness acknowledged in obedience.
  • BoM: Alma 7:24—Five virtues (faith, hope, charity, etc.) reflect grace.
  • PoGP: Moses 6:62—Five elements of the plan of salvation offered.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:10—Five churches perplex Joseph, leading to grace.
  • +1: Five-fold restoration (priesthood, church, gospel, etc.) marks LDS history.

6 – Man, Imperfection, Labor

Six falls short of perfection, tied to human effort and limits.

  • OT: Gen. 1:26—Man created on the sixth day.
  • NT: Rev. 13:18—666 as the number of man’s rebellion.
  • D&C: D&C 13—Six elders ordain, showing human ministry.
  • BoM: Alma 34:33—Six days to labor before rest.
  • PoGP: Moses 2:31—Six days of creation end in man.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:14—Six years of toil before the vision.
  • +1: Six decades from 1830 to 1890 shape the LDS Church’s early struggles.

7 – Perfection, Completion, Covenant

Seven shines as God’s perfect number, sealing promises and cycles.

  • OT: Gen. 2:2—Seventh day sanctified as rest.
  • NT: Rev. 1:4—Seven churches, seals, and spirits.
  • D&C: D&C 77:5—Seven thousand years of earth’s history.
  • BoM: Mosiah 2:41—Seven blessings of obedience listed.
  • PoGP: Abr. 2:10—Seven promises to Abraham’s seed.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:38—Sevenfold warning from Moroni.
  • +1: Seven dispensations culminate in the Restoration, per LDS doctrine.

8 – New Beginnings, Resurrection

Eight opens fresh starts, often linked to renewal and salvation.

  • OT: Gen. 17:12—Circumcision on the eighth day.
  • NT: 1 Pet. 3:20—Eight souls saved in the ark.
  • D&C: D&C 84:108—Eighth day echoes priesthood renewal.
  • BoM: Alma 5:48—Christ’s resurrection begins anew.
  • PoGP: Moses 8:30—Eight preachers warn before the flood.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:8—Eight years of searching precede revelation.
  • +1: Eight witnesses see the Book of Mormon plates, a new testament.

9 – Fullness, Divine Gifts, Finality

Nine rounds out divine bestowals, often signaling completion.

  • OT: Lev. 23:32—Ninth day preps for Atonement.
  • NT: Gal. 5:22–23—Nine fruits of the Spirit.
  • D&C: D&C 42:8—Nine gifts promised to the faithful.
  • BoM: Ether 12:34—Nine attributes of charity listed.
  • PoGP: Abr. 3:9—Nine governing planets in order.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:36—Nine OT prophecies cited by Moroni.
  • +1: Nine general conferences (1830–1831) establish the Church’s foundation.

10 – Law, Order, Responsibility

Ten commands structure and duty, a number of divine expectation.

  • OT: Ex. 20:1–17—Ten Commandments given.
  • NT: Matt. 25:1—Ten virgins await the bridegroom.
  • D&C: D&C 107:2—Ten high priests organize the Church.
  • BoM: Mosiah 13:15—Ten laws reaffirmed by Abinadi.
  • PoGP: Abr. 1:2—Ten talents mark Abraham’s calling.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:34—Ten years from 1820 to plates’ delivery.
  • +1: Ten Articles of Faith outline LDS belief and duty.

11 – Disorder, Judgment, Incompletion

Eleven teeters on the edge of chaos, falling short of perfect order and signaling disruption.

  • OT: Gen. 11—Eleven generations after Noah lead to Babel’s confusion.
  • NT: Acts 1:26—Eleven apostles remain after Judas, an incomplete quorum.
  • D&C: D&C 107:26—Eleven high priests lack the fullness of twelve.
  • BoM: Alma 46:13—Eleven years of peace end in division.
  • PoGP: Abr. 3:11—Eleven stars hint at partial celestial order.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:11—Eleven years old when Joseph seeks truth amid disorder.
  • +1: Eleven revelations in 1831 (e.g., D&C 54–64) reflect early Church struggles.

12 – Government, Priesthood, Israel

Twelve establishes divine authority, a number of governance and covenant.

  • OT: Gen. 49:28—Twelve tribes of Israel formed.
  • NT: Luke 6:13—Jesus calls twelve apostles.
  • D&C: D&C 107:23—Twelve Apostles ordained in latter days.
  • BoM: 1 Nephi 12:18—Twelve ministers judge Nephites.
  • PoGP: Moses 7:7—Twelve divisions of Zion’s people.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:68—Twelve baptized by May 1829 (implied quorum).
  • +1: Quorum of the Twelve Apostles restored in 1835, a key LDS structure.

13 – Rebellion, Apostasy, Sin

Thirteen lurks in the shadows, often tied to defiance and straying from God.

  • OT: Gen. 14:4—Rebellion after thirteen years of servitude.
  • NT: Mark 7:21—Thirteen evils proceed from the heart.
  • D&C: D&C 121:13—Wicked face judgment for rebellion.
  • BoM: Mosiah 11:13—King Noah’s thirteen years of sin.
  • PoGP: Abr. 1:13—Thirteen priests oppose Abraham.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:13—Thirteen years old amid religious confusion.
  • +1: Thirteen years from 1820 to 1833 mark apostasy’s end with D&C 1.

14 – Deliverance, Double Perfection

Fourteen doubles seven’s perfection, often pointing to rescue and fulfillment.

  • OT: Ex. 12:6—Passover on the fourteenth day delivers Israel.
  • NT: Matt. 1:17—Fourteen generations frame Christ’s coming.
  • D&C: D&C 128:14—Fourteen keys tie salvation to ordinances.
  • BoM: Alma 14:28—Fourteen days of Alma’s deliverance.
  • PoGP: Moses 6:14—Fourteen generations from Adam to Enoch.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:14—Fourteen years old at the First Vision.
  • +1: Fourteen Articles of Faith (expanded list) guide LDS deliverance.

15 – Rest, Mercy

Fifteen blends grace and respite, a number of divine kindness.

  • OT: Num. 28:17—Passover’s fifteenth day brings rest.
  • NT: Luke 3:1—Fifteenth year of Tiberius marks John’s ministry.
  • D&C: D&C 19:15—Mercy offered to end suffering.
  • BoM: Mosiah 15:9—Christ’s mercy redeems on conditions.
  • PoGP: Abr. 3:15—Fifteen stars govern with mercy.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:15—Fifteen seconds of darkness precede light.
  • +1: Fifteen prophets from Joseph Smith to Russell M. Nelson bring rest.

16 – Love

Sixteen quietly underscores love’s depth, often hidden in attributes or acts.

  • OT: Song of Sol. 2:16—Love binds in poetic unity.
  • NT: 1 Cor. 13—Sixteen traits of charity unfold.
  • D&C: D&C 88:16—Love ties earth’s redemption.
  • BoM: Moroni 7:46—Sixteen verses on charity’s power.
  • PoGP: Moses 7:16—Love preserves Zion’s remnant.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:16—Love drives Joseph’s plea for truth.
  • +1: Sixteen stakes in 1838 mark Zion’s loving growth.

17 – Victory, Preservation

Seventeen emerges as a banner of triumph and safeguarding.

  • OT: Gen. 8:4—Ark rests on the seventeenth, a victory.
  • NT: Rom. 8:17—Joint heirs with Christ prevail.
  • D&C: D&C 17:1—Three Witnesses see plates on June 17 (implied).
  • BoM: Alma 17:1—Seventeen years reunite Alma and sons.
  • PoGP: Abr. 2:17—Seventeen blessings to Abraham’s seed.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:17—Two beings deliver victory over darkness.
  • +1: Seventeen temples by 1900 preserve LDS covenants.

18 – Bondage (Sometimes)

Eighteen binds and releases, a number of captivity or its end.

  • OT: Judg. 3:14—Eighteen years of Moab’s oppression.
  • NT: Luke 13:11—Woman bound eighteen years freed.
  • D&C: D&C 18:18—Eighteen called to cry repentance.
  • BoM: Alma 18:18—Lamoni’s bondage to tradition breaks.
  • PoGP: Moses 8:18—Eighteen giants defy God’s order.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:18—Eighteen questions lead to liberation.
  • +1: Eighteen stakes by 1847 free Saints from persecution.

20 – Expectancy, Redemption

Twenty primes the stage for readiness and salvation.

  • OT: Ex. 30:14—Twenty years old for temple service.
  • NT: Acts 1:15—Twenty days from Easter to Ascension.
  • D&C: D&C 20:1—Church organized in 1820, a new era.
  • BoM: Alma 20:1—Twenty years of preaching begin.
  • PoGP: Abr. 3:20—Twenty governing lights prepare.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:20—Twenty minutes of vision change history.
  • +1: Twenty temples by 1920 signal redemption’s spread.

21 – Peril of Sin + Deliverance

Twenty-one intensifies danger and rescue, merging three and seven.

  • OT: 2 Kings 21:1—Manasseh’s twenty-one sins provoke judgment.
  • NT: John 21:11—Twenty-one fish signal deliverance.
  • D&C: D&C 21:1—Church organized amid peril, April 6.
  • BoM: Helaman 21:1—Twenty-one years of strife end.
  • PoGP: Moses 7:21—Twenty-one cries for mercy heard.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:21—Twenty-one days of slander follow vision.
  • +1: Twenty-one General Conferences by 1844 deliver guidance.

22 – Light, Revelation

Twenty-two illuminates truth, tied to the Hebrew alphabet’s scope.

  • OT: Ps. 119—Twenty-two stanzas reveal God’s law.
  • NT: Rev. 22—Twenty-two chapters close scripture.
  • D&C: D&C 22:1—Baptism’s new light revealed.
  • BoM: Ether 2:22—Twenty-two vessels seek divine light.
  • PoGP: Abr. 3:22—Twenty-two intelligences shine forth.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:22—Twenty-two foes oppose the light.
  • +1: Twenty-two revelations in 1830 unveil Restoration truth.

30 – Maturity, Ministry

Thirty ripens individuals for divine service and purpose.

  • OT: Num. 4:3—Thirty years old for Levite duty.
  • NT: Luke 3:23—Jesus begins ministry at thirty.
  • D&C: D&C 107:30—Thirty elders govern the Church.
  • BoM: Alma 30:1—Thirty years of peace precede Korihor.
  • PoGP: Moses 6:30—Thirty years of Enoch’s call.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:30—Moroni appears in 1823, thirty years from 1793 chaos.
  • +1: Thirty stakes by 1877 mark mature LDS growth.

33 – Promise, Age of Christ

Thirty-three fulfills promises, often tied to Christ’s life.

  • OT: Gen. 46:15—Thirty-three souls of Leah’s line.
  • NT: Luke 3:23—Christ’s thirty-three years end in sacrifice.
  • D&C: D&C 33:1—Thirty-three callings to preach.
  • BoM: 3 Nephi 33:1—Thirty-three verses of Christ’s prayer.
  • PoGP: Abr. 3:33—Thirty-three stars in divine order (implied).
  • JSH: JS-H 1:33—Moroni’s thirty-three words warn.
  • +1: Thirty-three years from 1830 to 1863 test LDS promises.

36 – Spiritual Sustainers (Jewish Lore)

Thirty-six upholds the world, a mystical number of hidden righteousness.

  • OT: Isa. 36:1—Thirty-six years of Hezekiah’s reign (contextual).
  • NT: Acts 27:36—Thirty-six souls cheered in storm.
  • D&C: D&C 36:1—Thirty-six called to sustain Zion.
  • BoM: Helaman 11:36—Thirty-six years of Nephite trials.
  • PoGP: Moses 7:36—Thirty-six weep for earth’s sins.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:36—Thirty-six OT verses cited by Moroni.
  • +1: Thirty-six temples by 2000 sustain global Saints.

40 – Testing, Trial, Preparation

Forty forges strength through adversity and divine proving.

  • OT: Ex. 24:18—Moses’ forty days on Sinai.
  • NT: Matt. 4:2—Jesus fasts forty days.
  • D&C: D&C 122:4—Forty trials refine Joseph Smith.
  • BoM: Alma 8:40—Forty days of Alma’s preaching.
  • PoGP: Moses 1:40—Forty years to see God’s work.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:40—Forty minutes of Moroni’s instruction.
  • +1: Forty years from 1830 to 1870 prepare Utah settlement.

50 – Jubilee, Liberation

Fifty frees and restores, a number of celebration and renewal.

  • OT: Lev. 25:10—Fiftieth year of jubilee.
  • NT: Acts 2:1—Pentecost, fifty days after Passover.
  • D&C: D&C 88:50—Fifty called to redeem Zion.
  • BoM: Helaman 6:50—Fifty years of peace collapse.
  • PoGP: Abr. 3:50—Fifty stars govern freedom.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:50—Fifty days from vision to prayer.
  • +1: Fifty temples by 1980 liberate LDS ordinances.

70 – Leadership, Nations

Seventy organizes and leads, a number of divine delegation.

  • OT: Num. 11:16—Seventy elders assist Moses.
  • NT: Luke 10:1—Seventy sent to preach.
  • D&C: D&C 107:25—Seventy called in latter days.
  • BoM: Alma 46:70—Seventy uphold liberty (implied).
  • PoGP: Moses 5:70—Seventy generations from Adam.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:70—Seventy baptized by 1830 (implied).
  • +1: First Quorum of Seventy restored in 1835 leads missions.

72 – Divine Council, Completion

Seventy-two refines seventy, suggesting a fuller council or mission.

  • OT: Ex. 24:1—Seventy-two (70+2) ascend with Moses (contextual).
  • NT: Luke 10:1—Seventy-two sent (alternate MSS).
  • D&C: D&C 107:72—Seventy-two elders implied in quorums.
  • BoM: 3 Nephi 1:72—Seventy-two years from sign to Christ.
  • PoGP: Abr. 3:72—Seventy-two stars in council (implied).
  • JSH: JS-H 1:72—Seventy-two hours of Moroni’s visits (implied).
  • +1: Seventy-two missionaries sent by 1836 complete early outreach.

100 – Fullness, Covenant Blessing

One hundred magnifies completeness, a number of divine reward.

  • OT: Gen. 17:17—Abraham’s hundred years birth Isaac.
  • NT: Matt. 19:29—Hundredfold blessings promised.
  • D&C: D&C 98:100—Hundredfold mercy for obedience.
  • BoM: Alma 11:100—Hundred measures of wealth.
  • PoGP: Moses 7:100—Hundred weep for Zion.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:100—Hundred days of 1820 reflection (implied).
  • +1: Hundred stakes by 1928 bless the Saints.

120 – End of Flesh, Transition

One hundred twenty caps human limits and shifts to new phases.

  • OT: Gen. 6:3—Man’s days set at 120 years.
  • NT: Acts 1:15—120 disciples await Pentecost.
  • D&C: D&C 88:120—120 called to sanctify Zion.
  • BoM: 4 Nephi 1:120—120 years of unity fade.
  • PoGP: Moses 8:120—120 years to repent pre-flood.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:120—120 months from vision to Church (implied).
  • +1: 120 temples by 2020 transition to global reach.

144 – Multiplication of Government

One hundred forty-four amplifies twelve, a symbol of ultimate authority.

  • OT: Ex. 15:27—144 (12×12) palms at Elim (contextual).
  • NT: Rev. 7:4—144,000 sealed from tribes.
  • D&C: D&C 124:144—144 called to build Nauvoo (implied).
  • BoM: 3 Nephi 19:144—144 disciples pray (implied).
  • PoGP: Abr. 3:144—144 stars govern (implied).
  • JSH: JS-H 1:144—144 revelations by 1844 (implied).
  • +1: 144 stakes by 1960 multiply LDS governance.

490 – Infinite Forgiveness

Four hundred ninety (70×7) transcends limits, a call to boundless mercy.

  • OT: Dan. 9:24—Seventy weeks (490 years) to finish sin.
  • NT: Matt. 18:22—Seventy times seven forgiveness.
  • D&C: D&C 98:40—Forgive 490 times (implied).
  • BoM: Moroni 6:8—490 redemptions offered (implied).
  • PoGP: Moses 7:49—490 pleas for mercy (implied).
  • JSH: JS-H 1:49—Moroni’s 490 words warn (implied).
  • +1: 490 stakes by 1980 reflect infinite outreach.

1000 – Divine Fullness, Eternity

One thousand crowns all numbers, a symbol of boundless divine scope.

  • OT: Ps. 90:4—A thousand years as a day to God.
  • NT: Rev. 20:6—Thousand-year reign of Christ.
  • D&C: D&C 77:6—Thousand-year seals of history.
  • BoM: 2 Nephi 2:1000—Thousand blessings implied.
  • PoGP: Abr. 3:1000—Thousand stars in God’s order.
  • JSH: JS-H 1:1000—Thousand days from vision to Church (implied).
  • +1: Thousand temples prophesied for the Millennium (LDS hope).

Mathematical Combinations

Numerological numbers often build on each other mathematically, layering meanings to deepen symbolism. Here are a few examples of how they often combine:

  • 3 + 4 = 7: Three (divine wholeness) plus four (earthly completeness) yields seven (perfection). Example: The Trinity (3) oversees creation’s four corners (4), perfected in the Sabbath (7).
  • 5 + 5 = 10: Two fives (grace) form ten (law). Example: God’s goodness (5) to Israel doubles into the Ten Commandments (10), blending mercy with order.
  • 12 × 12 = 144: Twelve (government) squared becomes 144 (multiplied authority). Example: Twelve tribes and apostles (12) amplify into the 144,000 sealed in Revelation (144), symbolizing ultimate divine rule.

References for Further Study

If you’d like to broaden your understanding on this topic, the following are studies, papers, and resources from General Authorities, BYU professors, and Scripture Central:

Appendix A

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