Topical Encyclopedia
Mathematics, while not explicitly mentioned as a discipline in the Bible, is an inherent part of God's creation and order. The Scriptures reflect mathematical concepts through numbers, measurements, and patterns, which reveal the divine nature of God's design and the precision of His creation.
Numbers and SymbolismNumbers hold significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible. For instance, the number seven often represents 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 number twelve is frequently associated with God's people, such as the twelve tribes of Israel (
Genesis 49:28) and the twelve apostles (
Matthew 10:2-4).
Measurements and ProportionsThe Bible contains numerous references to measurements and proportions, which underscore the importance of precision and order. In the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, specific dimensions and materials were commanded by God, reflecting His attention to detail and the significance of sacred spaces (Exodus 25-27;
1 Kings 6). The precise measurements of Noah's Ark (
Genesis 6:15) and the New Jerusalem (
Revelation 21:16) further illustrate the use of mathematics in God's plans.
Patterns and SequencesMathematical patterns and sequences are evident in biblical texts, often used to convey deeper spiritual truths. The genealogies in Genesis and the Gospels follow structured patterns that highlight God's providential plan through history (Genesis 5;
Matthew 1:1-17). The book of Proverbs frequently employs parallelism, a form of Hebrew poetry that uses balanced and symmetrical structures to convey wisdom (
Proverbs 3:1-2).
Wisdom and UnderstandingThe pursuit of wisdom and understanding, which includes mathematical knowledge, is encouraged in Scripture. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, is said to have spoken of trees, animals, and other aspects of creation, which implies a deep understanding of the natural world (
1 Kings 4:33). The book of Job also reflects on the order and complexity of creation, pointing to God's wisdom in establishing the earth's foundations (
Job 38:4-7).
Divine Order and CreationMathematics is a reflection of the divine order inherent in creation. The psalmist declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" (
Psalm 19:1). This verse suggests that the universe operates according to a divine mathematical order, which reveals God's glory and majesty.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly teach mathematics as a subject, it is clear that mathematical principles are woven throughout the Scriptures. These principles reveal the order, precision, and beauty of God's creation, encouraging believers to appreciate the divine wisdom and understanding that underpin the universe.
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.
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Library
Fragments of the Books on Arithmetic.
... Fragments of the Books on Arithmetic. What ismathematics?... And thus very clearly
and skilfully he shows thatmathematics is (a branch of) philosophy....
Introduction.
... botanist. Ray held in the next year several college offices; was made in
1651 lecturer in Greek, and in 1653 lecturer inMathematics....
We Will Now Begin a Careful Consideration of Each Several Point...
... belief about it. Speculative Science may he divided into three kinds:
[11] Physics,Mathematics, and Theology. Physics deals with...
Test of Astrology.
... Then I:answered: "I shall therefore tell you, my father, what is the nature
ofmathematics, and do you act according to what I tell you....
Whether it is Necessary that Every Being be Created by God?
... that cause. But inmathematics demonstration is not made by the efficient
cause, as appears from the Philosopher (Metaph. iii, text...
Whether Every Being is Good?
... iii) that "inmathematics goodness does not exist." Butmathematics are entities;
otherwise there would be no science ofmathematics....
The Trinity is one God
... belief about it. Speculative Science may be divided into three kinds [9] :
Physics,Mathematics, and Theology. Physics deals with...
Thoughts on Mind and on Style
... incorrectly from principles known to them; and intuitive minds would be mathematical
if they could turn their eyes to the principles ofmathematics to which...
Objections Considered.
... at one and the same time, the great reformer resisted the objection as an infringement
of the divine sovereignty: "God is abovemathematics," he exclaimed: "I...
A Prefatory Letter.
... But I submit, that the dictum of a mathematical athlete upon a difficult problem
whichmathematics offers to philosophy, has no more special weight, than the...
Resources
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