The Numerical Symbolism of the Number 6 in the Bible
Throughout the Bible, numbers are often imbued with meaning and symbolism. While the number 7 is frequently portrayed as a symbol of perfection and completion, the number 6 is often associated with imperfection or incompleteness. This article explores the significance of the number 6 in the Holy Scriptures and its interpretations through the ages.
General Interpretation of Number 6 in the Bible
In many traditions, the number 7 is considered perfect, representing completion and divine harmony. Conversely, the number 6 is often seen as the antithesis, symbolizing imperfection or incompleteness. For instance, in the Book of Revelation, the number 666 is used to describe the antichrist, indicating a force of evil and chaos. The inclusion of 666 underscores the idea that this number represents something less than perfect, barely missing the mark of divine perfection.
The Meaning of 6 in Relation to Creation and God
The Mosaic understanding of the number 6 is closely tied to the creation narrative in the Book of Genesis. According to the biblical account, God created the world in six days, and on the seventh day, He rested. This creates a pattern where six represents the days of human labor and activity, while seven represents rest and divine perfection. Consequently, the number 6 is often interpreted as symbolizing man's imperfection and dependency on divine intervention for true completion.
For example: In the famous line from the Book of Exodus: "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made," the number 7 is associated with completion, whereas the number 6 is linked to the human effort and the imperfection of humanity.
Additional Context and Interpretations
While biblical scholars provide a general understanding of the number 6, there is also a more metaphorical interpretation that adds depth to its meaning. Three sevens (3×7) are often seen as a complete period, representing a cycle of divine provision and protection. In contrast, three sixes (3×6) can be interpreted as a period of difficulty or testing, indicating the struggle to achieve and maintain perfection. For example, three sixes can signify the constant battle against imperfection.
Origins and Cultural Significance
The concept of the number 6 as a symbol of imperfection has deep cultural and religious roots. During the time of the early Christian Church, when the Hebrew and Aramaic languages were gradually being replaced by Greek, the number 6 was written in a Roman numerals style (VI). This change was not just a linguistic shift but also had symbolic significance. The use of Roman numerals VI helped reinforce the idea that 6 was inherently less perfect than 7.
Beyond the Bible: The cultural impact of this numerical symbolism is also seen in modern programming. In the context of early computing, the Unix operating system (vi) was crucial. The command "vi" is often associated with imperfection, reflecting a view of technology as a tool that requires constant improvement. This parallels the biblical interpretation of 6 as representing human effort.
Conclusion
The number 6 in the Bible carries significant symbolic meaning, primarily representing imperfection or incompleteness. This interpretation aligns with the broader concept of numbers in biblical symbolism, where 7 is perfection and 6 is its imperfect counterpart. Understanding the significance of 6 helps in a deeper comprehension of the text and the broader themes of divine perfection and human imperfection.