Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Math, in the context of the Bible, is not directly referenced as a subject or discipline as understood in modern terms. However, mathematical concepts and principles are implicitly present throughout the Scriptures. These include numbers, measurements, and calculations, which are integral to various narratives, laws, and prophecies.
Biblical References and Usage:1.
Numbers and Counting: Numbers play a significant role in the Bible, often carrying symbolic meanings. For instance, the number seven is frequently associated with completeness or perfection, as seen in the creation account where God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh (
Genesis 2:2-3). The Israelites' journey in the wilderness lasted 40 years, a number symbolizing a period of testing or trial (
Numbers 14:33-34).
2.
Measurements and Construction: The Bible contains detailed descriptions of measurements, particularly in the construction of sacred spaces. In
Exodus 25-27, God provides Moses with precise dimensions for the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table, and the lampstand. Similarly,
1 Kings 6 details the measurements of Solomon's Temple, emphasizing the importance of order and precision in worship.
3.
Genealogies and Chronologies: Genealogies in the Bible often involve mathematical calculations to trace lineage and fulfill prophecies. For example, the genealogy of Jesus in
Matthew 1:1-17 is structured to highlight three sets of fourteen generations, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promises through history.
4.
Census and Population Counts: The practice of taking a census is recorded in several instances, such as in
Numbers 1, where God commands Moses to count the Israelite men able to serve in the army. This reflects the importance of organization and preparation for the community's needs.
5.
Financial Transactions and Tithing: Mathematical principles are evident in financial dealings and religious obligations. The concept of tithing, giving one-tenth of one's income, is a mathematical expression of faith and obedience (
Leviticus 27:30-32). Jesus also addresses financial stewardship in parables, such as the Parable of the Talents (
Matthew 25:14-30).
6.
Prophetic Numbers: Prophetic literature often uses numbers symbolically. The book of Daniel and Revelation contain visions with specific numbers, such as the seventy weeks in
Daniel 9:24-27 and the 144,000 sealed servants in
Revelation 7:4, which convey deeper theological truths.
Theological Implications:Mathematical concepts in the Bible underscore God's orderliness and sovereignty. The precise use of numbers and measurements reflects the divine nature of creation and the meticulous care with which God governs the universe. The symbolic use of numbers often points to spiritual truths and divine promises, inviting believers to trust in God's perfect plan.
Conclusion:While the Bible does not explicitly teach mathematics as a subject, its narratives and laws are replete with mathematical elements that reveal God's character and His orderly design for creation. These elements serve as a reminder of the harmony between faith and reason, encouraging believers to appreciate the divine wisdom inherent in the world.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Kings 7:23And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
Topicalbible.org
Greek
3103. Mathousala -- Matthat, an Israelite... Matthat, an Israelite. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration:
Mathousala Phonetic Spelling: (
math-oo-sal'-ah) Short Definition: Methuselah
...707. Harimathaia -- Arimathea, probably a city near Jer.
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Harimathaia Phonetic Spelling:
(ar-ee-math-ah'-ee-ah) Short Definition: Arimathea Definition: Arimathea, a...
4827. summathetes -- a fellow disciple
... a fellow disciple. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: summathetes
Phonetic Spelling: (soom-math-ay-tace') Short Definition: a fellow-disciple...
3102. mathetria -- a female disciple
... a female disciple. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: mathetria Phonetic
Spelling: (math-ay'-tree-ah) Short Definition: a female disciple Definition...
3100. matheteuo -- to be a disciple, to make a disciple
... to be a disciple, to make a disciple. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: matheteuo
Phonetic Spelling: (math-ayt-yoo'-o) Short Definition: I make disciples...
3101. mathetes -- a disciple
... a disciple. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: mathetes Phonetic Spelling:
(math-ay-tes') Short Definition: a learner, disciple, pupil Definition...
3129. manthano -- to learn
... Word Origin from the rootmath- Definition to learn NASB Word Usage educated (1),
find (1), learn (12), learned (9), learning (1), receive instruction (1)....
Strong's Hebrew
4962.math -- male, man... 4961, 4962.
math. 4963 . male, man. Transliteration:
math Phonetic Spelling:
(
math) Short Definition: men. Word Origin a prim.
... 4961, 4962.
math. 4963 .
...4971. mathkoneth -- measurement, tally, proportion
... measurement, tally, proportion. Transliteration: mathkoneth or mathkuneth Phonetic
Spelling: (math-ko'-neth) Short Definition: proportions....
1315. Basemath -- "perfume," a wife of Esau (or perhaps two wives...
... also a daughter of Solomon. Transliteration: Basemath Phonetic Spelling:
(bos-math') Short Definition: Basemath. Word Origin from the...
4967. Methushael -- "man of God," a descendant of Cain
... Word Origin frommath and el Definition "man of God," a desc. of Cain NASB Word
Usage Methushael (2). Methusael.... see HEBREWmath. see HEBREW 'el. 4966, 4967....
4963. mathben -- a straw heap
... 4962, 4963. mathben. 4964 . a straw heap. Transliteration: mathben Phonetic
Spelling: (math-bane') Short Definition: straw. Word...
6789. tsamath -- to put an end to, exterminate
... tsamath. 6790 . to put an end to, exterminate. Transliteration: tsamath Phonetic
Spelling: (tsaw-math') Short Definition: destroy. Word Origin a prim....
7437. Ramath Lechiy -- "height of a jawbone," a city in Judah
... "height of a jawbone," a city in Judah. Transliteration: Ramath Lechiy Phonetic
Spelling: (raw'-math lekh'-ee) Short Definition: Ramath-lehi. Ramath-lehi...
4974. methom -- soundness
... wholesomeness, soundness. From tamam; wholesomeness; also (adverb) completely --
men (by readingmath), soundness.... see HEBREWmath. 4973, 4974. methom. 4975 >...
4968. Methushelach -- perhaps "man of the dart," a descendant of...
... Word Origin perhaps frommath and shelach Definition perhaps "man of the dart,"
a desc. of Seth NASB Word Usage Methuselah (6). Methuselah.... see HEBREWmath....
7418. Ramoth-negeb -- "height of the south," a place in Simeon
... Or Ramath Negeb {raw'-math neh'-gheb}; from the plural or construct form of ramah
and negeb; heights (or height) of the South; Ramoth-Negeb or Ramath-Negeb, a...
Library
Of the Distribution of the Keys, and their Power, or of the...
... subjection. This key when it was promised to Peter,Math.16.19. and given
to him with the rest of the Apostles,. Joh.20.23. they...
Footnotes.
... c Job 4:3,"5. d Job 15:11. e Isaiah 10:18. f Hebrews 12:9. g Leviticus 10:3. h Job
1:21. iMath. xxi.16. k Luke 1:18. l Luke 1:38. m Jonah 2:2. n Jonah 4:9....
Appendix I.
... He employs them all.Math He a message of Love? He employs a St. John to
utter it, and to prolong the delightful note. Hath He a...
The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions.
... For the meaning and use of the term see Lev.25:4;Math.28:1; Lu.24:1; Acts 25:7.
The first mention is Gen.2:2-3 and the first mention of the weekly Sabbath is...
List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings...
... Besides, the Tractate Aboth de Rabbi Nathan (Ab. de. R.Math.), and the smaller
Tractates, Sopherim (Sopher), Semachoth (Semach.), Kallah (Kall....
An Account of the System of Heraclitus.
... [974] Compare Aristotle's Rhet., iii. 5, and Sextus Empiricus, Adv.Math., lib.
vii. p. 152, ed. Aurel, 1621. [975] See Lucian, Vit. Auct., vol....
Of the Subject to whom the Key of Authority is Committed.
... Hence when the offence of a brother is (according to the rule inMath.18.17.) to
be brought to the Church, they are beforehand to consider and enquire whether...
Literature on the Gospels.
... hesitates. III. Commentaries. 1. Ancient Works: Origen (inMath., Luc., etc.,
fragmentary); Chrysostom (Hom. in Matth., ed. Fr. Field...
Acts ix. 26, 27
... on, kai oumath., where Henten.... hoste deixai hoti en ktl and mathetria gar en before
proeg. OEcum, en taxei gar par. touto etoun,math. gar en, omitting....
Hebrews x. 26, 27
... figurative way of speaking, as to say, It is easier for a Camel to go through the
Eye of a Needle, than for a rich Man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven,Math...
Resources
What is the biblical significance of the number seven/7? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should we want God to teach us to number our days (Psalm 90:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of 666? | GotQuestions.orgNumber: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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