In biblical numerology, numbers are often believed to carry deeper meanings and symbolic significance. While the number 46 is not as commonly referenced in Scripture as some other numbers like 7, 12, or 40, it still holds important connotations in both the Old and New Testaments. This page explores the meaning of the number 46 in the Bible, drawing insights from both its numerical value and its biblical context.
Understanding Biblical Numerology
Before diving into the specifics of the number 46, it’s essential to grasp the concept of biblical numerology. Biblical numerology is the study of numbers and their meanings within the context of the Bible. Many numbers in the Bible are symbolic, representing divine truths, events, or spiritual principles. The interpretation of these numbers often depends on the context in which they appear and how they relate to God‘s plan for humanity.
The Number 46 in the Bible
1. A Unique Connection with the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1-6)
The most notable reference to the number 46 in the Bible can be found in the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable place of worship the Israelites built during their Exodus from Egypt. In Exodus 26, the Bible provides a detailed account of how the Tabernacle was to be constructed. The tabernacle consisted of 46 boards of acacia wood (Exodus 26:15), each representing a different aspect of God’s presence and power.
The significance of these 46 boards lies in their structure and symbolism:
Unity in Diversity: The 46 boards were arranged in a way that symbolized unity. Despite being made of individual pieces, they were meant to come together to form one complete and holy space. This can be seen as a metaphor for the unity of the body of Christ (the Church), where believers, though many, are united in Christ.
God’s Dwelling Among His People: The Tabernacle was symbolic of God’s desire to dwell with His people. The number 46 may represent God’s covenant and presence among the Israelites, pointing forward to the coming of Christ, who would dwell among His people in the New Testament.
2. Jesus Heals a Lame Man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9)
In the New Testament, there is a passage in John 5:1-9 that also indirectly connects to the number 46. This passage describes Jesus healing a man who had been lame for 38 years. While the specific number 46 is not directly mentioned in this context, it is interesting to note that 38 years + 8 years = 46. The number 46 can be symbolically related to divine intervention and healing, representing the completion of God’s work in restoring individuals to wholeness.
3. The Length of Time for the Israelites in Egypt (Genesis 15:13-16)
Another important connection to the number 46 can be found in Genesis 15, where God tells Abraham that his descendants will be strangers in a land that is not their own for 400 years (Genesis 15:13). While the number 46 itself is not directly mentioned, some scholars interpret the period of exile and suffering as being broken down into smaller, more manageable time periods. This adds another layer of symbolic significance to the number 46, implying a period of time in which God’s work was being done quietly before the ultimate deliverance.
Symbolic Meanings of the Number 46
1. Completion and Fulfillment
In the context of biblical events and structures, the number 46 often symbolizes a process of completion and fulfillment. In the case of the Tabernacle, the 46 boards represented the full structure of God’s presence. Similarly, the healing of the man at the Pool of Bethesda illustrates the completion of a divine act of mercy. The number 46, in this sense, can be seen as symbolic of God’s work being completed in a specific time frame.
2. God’s Presence Among His People
Throughout Scripture, God’s presence is seen as central to the life of His people. The number 46, as referenced in the Tabernacle, points to God’s desire to dwell with His people. The physical structure of the Tabernacle, made up of 46 boards, served as a reminder that God was with the Israelites. In the New Testament, Christ’s ministry similarly pointed to the truth that God’s presence among His people had been made manifest in the flesh (John 1:14).
3. Divine Intervention and Healing
When connected to the healing of the lame man in John 5, the number 46 can be seen as a reminder of God’s healing power. The divine intervention of Jesus in healing a man who had been waiting for healing for many years aligns with the notion that God’s timing is perfect, and His intervention brings wholeness and restoration.
Conclusion
While the number 46 is not as prominent as some other numbers in the Bible, its appearances are still meaningful and rich in spiritual symbolism. From the Tabernacle’s construction to healing miracles, the number 46 points to the themes of completion, divine presence, and healing.
In biblical numerology, the significance of numbers often deepens as one reflects on the spiritual implications within the larger context of Scripture. By understanding the symbolism of the number 46, believers can gain a greater appreciation for God’s meticulous attention to detail and His desire to be intimately involved in the lives of His people.
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