What does the number 3 mean in biblical terms Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

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Part of Speech

None

Definition

In the biblical context, the number 3 is often a symbol of completeness, perfection, and divine presence. It is frequently used as a numerical code to convey spiritual significance and is found in various biblical accounts, including the creation story, the Trinity, and numerological codes.

Examples

The number 3 represents the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the Trinity.
The three days and three nights in the tomb symbolize Jesus’ resurrection and renewal.
The three gifts of the Magi – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – represent the value of spiritual, temporal, and bodily gifts.

Synonyms

Trinity
Completeness

Antonyms

Additional Information

The number 3 holds significant spiritual and symbolic meaning in various cultures and faiths. In many ancient cultures, three was considered a sacred number often associated with the balance of opposites (e.g., heaven and earth, male and female, or day and night). This is because three is equidistant from both two (division and opposites) and four (chaos and disorder), thus creating a harmonious and balanced state of being.

It is essential to understand that biblical numerology is rooted in the divine works and creation stories. The numbers, therefore, carry spiritual and symbolic meanings to the people participating. This number 3, therefore, has been used as protection, blessing, and perfection.

Moreover, the divine presence in human beings symbolizes for the people the perfection of love, generosity and kindness. It helps in breaking the old systems so people need love which brings understanding and freedom.

Christ also represents completeness because through his sacrifice, people were given freedom and salvation which often represented to have been perfected.

In the New Testament, Jesus has said The number 3 signifies the state of completion after a stage of 3. E.g Adam got 3 messages by God, Adam represented the new beginning, it showed completeness of people who repented before the entire revelation.

Therefore, numbers have a significant impact on the salvation of humanity. They signify divine wisdom and perfection.

Etymology

Originated from the divine numerology of the biblical context.

Usage Notes

In biblical texts, the number 3 is often used to convey completion, perfection, and divine presence. It can be used to signify the unity of the Holy Trinity, the completion of a spiritual journey, or the perfection of a divine plan.

Cultural References

The number 3 is also used in many other cultures as a symbol of completeness, perfection, and divine presence. Examples include the three-legged stool, the three interconnected states of existence, and the three aspects of the Self.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Three’s a crowd” (implying that three people is too many for a small space)
“Third-time’s a charm” (implying that something will happen for the third time)

Related Words or Phrases

Triune

Coming from Three; the principle of there being three.
Trinity

Three in number of another, often in a divine context.
Trinity Test

Test where there were three tests conducted, therefore to signify completion.

Collocations

The number 3 is often used with the following collocations to convey its symbolic meaning: “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” “for three days and three nights,” “three gifts of the Magi,” or “the three aspects of the Self.”

Frequency of Use

The number 3 is frequently used in biblical texts and is a common numerical code used to convey spiritual significance.

Common Misspellings

Three becomes Trevie or Treo
Three becomes Threie or trei