What Does 116 Mean In The Bible? A Comprehensive Look At The Significance And Meaning
The number 116 holds special significance in the Bible. But what does 116 mean in the Bible exactly? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the meaning and symbolism of 116 in the Bible.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: 116 is connected to the themes of deliverance, restoration, wholeness, and new life in the Bible.
In this roughly 3000 word guide, we’ll look at the significance of the numbers 1, 16, 116, and 1116 in the Bible. We’ll explore relevant Bible verses and passages across both the Old and New Testaments that shed light on the biblical meaning and symbolism of 116.
The Significance of the Number 1 in the Bible
Oneness and Unity
The number one represents oneness, unity, and primacy in the Bible. As the first number, it signals the uniqueness and sovereignty of God who stands alone as the supreme being (Deuteronomy 6:4). Thisaffirmation of God’s oneness is a core belief in biblical theology.
The number one also symbolizes the unity of believers who come together as “one body” in Christ (Romans 12:5). Though diverse, Christians are bound together by one faith, one baptism, and one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4-6).
This spiritual unity was Jesus’ fervent prayer for His followers before going to the cross (John 17:20-23).
New Beginnings and God’s Sovereignty
As the initial number, one represents new beginnings in Scripture. God created the heavens and earth on the first day, initiating the whole work of creation (Genesis 1:1-5). Centuries later, Moses led the exodus of Israelites out of Egypt on the first month of their new year (Exodus 12:1-2).
This signified a fresh start for God’s people.
Being first also conveys preeminence and authority. God declares “I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6). As the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8), Christ holds first place overall. His sovereignty permeates all of history from beginning to end.
The Significance of the Number 16 in the Bible
Love and Sacrifice
The number 116 is connected to love and sacrifice in the Bible. Jesus demonstrates the ultimate love and sacrifice by dying on the cross for our sins. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This powerful verse highlights God’s incredible love and Christ’s sacrificial death so that we may have life.
1 John 4:16 also features the number 116 and says, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” Living in God’s love requires sacrifice on our part.
We must lay down our lives, our plans, and our desires in order to follow God’s will. Although sacrifice is difficult, the rewards are eternal.
Wholeness and Completion
The number 116 points to wholeness and completion in Scripture. According to Genesis 1, God created the heavens, earth, and everything in them in 6 days. On the 7th day, God rested, signaling the completion of his creation.
The pattern of 7 days in a week and the 7th day as a Sabbath of rest and wholeness is established in Genesis 1. The number 116 represents two complete cycles of God’s perfect 7-day creation model. It points symbolically to a sense of wholeness, fulfillment, and blessing from the Lord.
Revelation 1:16 describes Christ with flames of fire in his eyes and a sharp two-edged sword coming from his mouth. The verse number 116 coincides nicely with this description of Christ coming in full power, authority, and judgment to complete his purposes on the earth.
He will make all things right and new again.
The Significance of 116 in the Bible
Deliverance and Salvation
The number 116 is connected to deliverance and salvation in the Bible. It’s made up of multiples of 7 – an important symbolic number representing completion and spiritual perfection. With 1 representing unity and oneness with God, 16 (7+7+2) suggests deliverance to spiritual fulfillment and eternity.
There are 116 chapters from Genesis to 2 Kings in the Bible which tell the history of humanity’s fall into sin and God’s plan for salvation. From Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, the judges, and kings, God set the stage for the coming Messiah – Jesus.
So 116 chapters cover a complete storyline of God’s deliverance and salvation revealed over time. The 116th Psalm is also one of praise to God for salvation from distress.
Restoration and Healing
The number 116 points to wholeness and restoration in the Bible. 1 suggests unity, 16 represents 4 (universal whole) times 4 (universal whole). Combined they symbolize complete restoration. There were 116 years from the laying of the foundation of Solomon’s temple (God’s presence with humanity) to its completion (2 Chron 3:1-2) – reflecting a process of restoration.
116 is also connected with body, mind, and spirit healing. Psalm 116:1-2 says: “I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” Here, calling on God’s name brought healing.
Jesus also healed and restored people body, mind and spirit during his earthly ministry. One meaning of his name (Yeshua) is “the Lord saves/restores.”
The Significance of 1116 in the Bible
New Life in Christ
The number 1116 holds deep symbolic meaning in the Bible, representing new life in Christ. The number 1 signifies unity, while 116 references Romans 1:16 which says “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes”.
This powerful verse encapsulates the new life offered through faith in Jesus.
When broken down, the numbers give us a beautiful picture of redemption:
- 1 – Unity, new beginnings
- 1 – Unity, new beginnings
- 6 – Man/humanity, created on the 6th day
Together, 1116 represents humanity unified and reborn in Christ. Jesus said “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Through him, God makes all things new (Revelation 21:5). What an incredible promise!
Unity and Redemption
The number 1116 also symbolizes the unity and redemption found in Christ. Ephesians 1:10 speaks of God’s plan to “bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” Through his sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus brought unity between God and man, redeeming us from sin.
The two 1’s at the start of 1116 emphasize the unity we gain in Christ. Jesus prayed in John 17:21 that his followers “may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me.” The oneness we have in him erases divisions.
Paul writes in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
The number 6 again represents humanity. God’s redemption plan through Jesus brings unity and oneness to all people who put their faith in him. What an amazing promise that brings hope!
Conclusion
In summary, the numbers 1, 16, 116, and 1116 hold deep symbolic meaning in the Bible that point to themes of unity, new beginnings, love, deliverance, restoration, and new life. By looking at relevant Bible passages, we see how God uses certain numbers like 116 to convey spiritual truths and principles.
Understanding the meaning of numbers in the Bible provides a deeper appreciation for God’s design and patterns woven throughout Scripture. We hope this guide gave you insight into the biblical significance of 116 in the Bible.
