Numerology in the Book of Revelation

(It should be noted that every time a number is used does not mean it is being used symbolically!)

One = Unity and independent existence, that which is unique. This number does not appear
symbolically in the Book of Revelation.

Two = This number stands for strength, confirmation and companionship. In Revelation the truth is
confirmed by the “two witnesses,” and the two beasts represent a formidable foe.

Three = The number of perfection. The Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) are an example of this
(see Revelation 1:4b-5).

Four = This number represents the natural realm, e.g., “…I saw four angels standing at the four corners
of the earth, holding back the four winds,” (7:1).

Five = This number and its multiples stand for human completeness (e.g., a complete man has five
fingers on one hand and a total of ten). The beast coming out of the sea has “ten horns” (horns
are symbolic of power). Thus, this beast has complete human power.

Seven = The number of completeness (e.g., a complete week has seven days). When seven is broken in
half this always came to symbolize incompleteness. This is seen in Revelation by such things
as; “42 months” (i.e., 11/2 of seven years, Revelation 11:2. The time given to the
Gentiles/unbelievers to tread underfoot God’s temple – His people, I Cor. 3:16. Therefore,
persecution will not completely wipe out the saints. It is an incomplete time to get the job
done.), “1,260 days” (i.e., the time given to the 2 witnesses to prophesy. Thus, while
persecution is occurring God’s people will still be proclaiming! So God’s people are persecuted
but protected, they suffer but are sustained, they are victimized yet victorious!), “…time, times
and a half time” (“time” = 1, “times” = 2, “a half time” = ½. This equals 1 + 2 + ½ = 3 ½.
This is found in Revelation 12:13-17. Again it is seen as a time when Satan is not going to
be able to completely eradicate the people of God).

Six = This number almost makes it to 7 but fails. It had success within its grasp but didn’t quite
measure up. No wonder “666” is seen as a perfect failure, (Rev. 13:18)!!!

Twelve= This number and its multiples are a picture of the people of God. There were 12 tribes in Israel
and our Lord appointed 12 apostles. In Revelation we find “24 elders” (4:4), “…those who were
sealed, 144,000” (7:4), “a woman … and on her head a crown of 12 stars” (12:1), etc.

Key Terms in Revelation

1. He that overcomes The faithful (including Jesus, 5:5) – 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 12:11; 15:2; 21:7

2. They that dwell upon the earth The enemies of God’s people – 3:10; 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 13:8, 12, 14; 17:2

3. The Beast The first beast is seen as an oppressive world power – Rome (ch. 13). 11:7; 13:1-
4, 12, 14-15, 17-18; 14:9, 11; 15:2; 16:2, 10, 13; 17:3, 7-8, 11-13, 16-17; 19:19-
20; 20:4, 10. The second beast (later identified as the “false prophet”) seeks to
deceive people into worshiping the great ruling power in a false religion. 13:11;
16:13; 19:20; 20:10.

4. The kings of the earth The wicked rulers of this world who are allied with Rome. – 6:15; 16:14; 17:2,
18; 18:3, 9; 19:16, 18-19; 21:24

5. The Dragon Satan. 12:3-4, 7, 9, 13, 16-17; 13:2, 4, 11; 16:13; 20:2

6. 144,000 God’s people. These are the righteous of all ages. 7:4-9; 14:1-3

7. White robes The dress of the righteous who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. 3:4-5, 18; 4:4; 6:11; 7:9, 13; 19:14; 22:14

8. Beautiful woman God’s people, the bride of the Lamb. 12:1, 4, 6, 13-17; 19:7; 21:9

9. Great harlot The great ruling power to whom the kings of the earth committed fornication (i.e., gave their allegiance). The persecutor of the saints – Rome. 17:1, 5, 15-16; 19:2

10. The Alpha & Omega God. Alpha = 1st letter in Greek alphabet, and Omega = last letter. Thus, God is
before all things and will continue to exist when all else is destroyed. 1:8; 21:6;
22:13

11. The Lamb Jesus. 5:6, 8, 12-13; 6:1, 16; 7:9-10, 14, 17; 12:11; 13:8; 14:1, 4, 10; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7, 9; 231:9, 14, 22-23, 27; 22:1, 3

12. Gog & Magog The enemies of God’s people. 20:8; Ezekiel 38 (esp. v. 22)

13. Four living creatures The cherubim, heavenly servants of God. 4:6-9; 5:6, 8, 11, 14; 6:1, 3, 5-7; 7:11;
14:3; 15:7; 19:4; (compare Ezekiel 1:10; 10:20; Isaiah 6:2-3).

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