The number 6 holds special meaning in the Bible as it represents humankind, imperfection, and incompletion. Understanding the symbolism of 6 deepens our comprehension of Scripture. This article explores the biblical meaning and usage of this intriguing number.
What Does the Number 6 Represent in the Bible?
Imperfection and Incompleteness
In the Bible, the number 6 conveys a sense of imperfection or incompletion. This stems from the fact that 6 falls short of 7, which is seen as the number of fullness and spiritual perfection. The number 6 is therefore symbolic of that which does not measure up to God’s perfect standards.
Humankind
The number 6 is also connected to humanity. Man was created on the 6th day, and the number of man is identified in Revelation 13:18 as being 666. So 6 is the number of man, symbolizing our frailty and flaws in contrast to God’s supremacy.
Days of Labor
God created the heavens and earth in 6 days before resting on the 7th. The 6 days are emblematic of toil and labor leading up to the Sabbath rest. So 6 carries connotations of the struggles and hard work mankind must endure.
Examples of 6 in Key Biblical Events
Six Days of Creation
As mentioned, the entire universe was created in 6 days according to the Genesis account. The 6 days highlight life’s incompleteness apart from God’s intervention. The 7th day marks a transition to wholeness through His rest.
Noah’s Ark Dimensions
Noah’s ark measured 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (Gen. 6:15). Notice the prevalence of multiples of 6, underscoring imperfection. Yet Noah’s obedience led to deliverance.
Arad Attacked Judah
In an act of judgment for Israel’s disobedience, God allowed Arad the Canaanite to attack Judah and take some of them as captives (Num. 21:1-3). Arad represents the enemies that arise when we stray from God.
Goliath’s Height
The infamous giant Goliath was 6 cubits and a span tall (1 Sam. 17:4). His imposing height symbolized the mighty enemy that Israel had to conquer with God’s help. Goliath epitomizes the threats and obstacles we face when not rooted in God.
Solomon’s Gold
In one year, Solomon collected 666 talents of gold tribute money (1 Kings 10:14). This exorbitant amount of wealth led to greed, idolatry, and a turn away from God. It’s symbolic of humanity’s tendency to become consumed by material possessions and self-ambition.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden Statue
Nebuchadnezzar created a massive golden statue, 60 cubits high and 6 cubits wide (Dan. 3:1). He demanded worship of this false idol – an affront to God. The 6 dimensions display Nebuchadnezzar’s pride, self-exaltation, and the imperfect substitutes for God that mankind creates.
Mark of the Beast
Revelation 13:16-18 describes a beast who forces all people to receive a mark – either on their foreheads or right hands. The number of this mark is identified as 666. This ominous number points clearly to the Antichrist’s satanic designs to persecute God’s people and set himself up as an object of worship in place of Christ.
Key Takeaways on the Significance of 6
- The number 6 conveys incompletion, imperfection, and the frustrations of our labors on earth in contrast to the wholeness of God’s kingdom.
- It is the number of humanity – symbolic of mankind’s weaknesses and limitations compared to our omnipotent Creator.
- When 6 or its multiples appear in Scripture, it highlights the suffering, blemishes, and failures of human endeavor apart from God’s influence and redemption.
- Utimately, 6 reminds us of our dependence on Christ to rescue us from sin, destruction, and the hostility of Satan toward those created in God’s image.
So in summary, this unique number teaches us much about man’s relationship and separation from God. It points to our need for humility and reliance on God’s grace to transcend the imperfections of this mortal sphere.