Background Information
The number three (3) is a significant number in the Bible, appearing over four hundred times. It is often seen as a symbol of completeness, or perfection, however the actual meanings vary in different contexts. It is particularly noteworthy in its usage in referencing God, as well as reflective of God’s character, power and will. For example, God completed His work on the third day of Creation, which Christopher Wright refers to as “the perfect number,” as it would provide a model to the revelation that God works in the earthly realm. The number three can also imply the “emphasis upon the holiness and perfection of the attributes of God” Daniel Smith, assistant professor at Faith Bible Seminary, adds that “in other contexts three implies a strong emphasis on our call to join God in his work.”
God’s Authority Over Man
One major theme involving the number three in the Bible is God’s authority over man. On the first day of Creation, three divine attributes is associated with God’s order for man. In brief, “Let there be light” – reflecting God’s commanding authority, “and there was light” – demonstrating God’s power and His ability to carry out His commands, and “God saw that the light was good” – representing God’s will and His love. In this sense, the number three symbolizes God’s order, power and will, and affirms His authority over all of His Creation.
In other instances, three is used to describe blasphemous sins committed by humans. Often, it’s to indicate an intense level of sinful actions. In Habakkuk 2:12, the prophet writes, “Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed, and establishes a town by injustice!” Here, ‘bloodshed and injustice’ are linked with building a city, indicating the idea of repeating a certain sin three times. This can suggest the severity and blasphemousness of the act.
Sacrifices and Testimonies
Another purpose of the number three in the Bible is its role in sacrifices and testimonies. For example, Jacob’s altar in Genesis 31:54 can symbolize his submission to God through sacrificing. Here, four of Jacob’s family members stand in front of him, each carrying a precious offering. This displays the sanctity that comes with making an offering and testifying before God, and the four persons are a physical evidence of this. Also, in the rending of Aaron’s garments, the Levites tear off garments from shoulder to waist to symbolize respect and obedience (Exodus 4:22). This gesture can be seen as a threefold act of testifying before God, through surrendering one’s material possessions, body and soul.
God’s Selected People
The number three often appears in the Bible to symbolize God’s chosen people. In Abraham’s story (Genesis 22:1-14), he brings three stacks of wood and three of his servants along with him to bring his son up as an offering. This emphasizes the urgency of Abraham’s mission, but also his faith in God. Similarly, in Isaiah 6:13, the prophet emphasizes the number three to illustrate God’s work and point to His grace by writing, “for there is still a remnant of His people, a remnant that will be saved.” Here, the emphasis is on the three-fold selection of God’s people: those who are righteous, those who are guilty, and those who are chosen by God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number three has tremendous symbolic and spiritual significance in the Bible. It is used to represent God’s authority and holiness, as well as His power and will. It is also used to convey the seriousness and blasphemousness of certain sins. Three also points to man’s obedience to God and his selection within God’s chosen people. Ultimately, the use of the number three in the Bible underscores the inerrancy and spirit of God’s divine word.
