In the Bible, numbers have significant meaning, and each number has a specific symbolism associated with it. The number 20 is no exception. This number is mentioned numerous times throughout the Old and New Testaments, and it has a deep spiritual significance. In this article, we will explore the biblical meaning of 20 and its related subheadings.
The Symbolism Of 20 In The Bible
The number 20 is often associated with a period of waiting, as well as a period of probation or trial. This symbolism is evident in several biblical stories. For instance, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, which is twice the period of 20 years. The extra 20 years can be interpreted as a period of probation or trial for the Israelites before they could enter the promised land.
Another example of the symbolism of 20 in the Bible is found in the story of Jacob. Jacob worked for his uncle Laban for 20 years before he could marry his beloved Rachel. These 20 years were a period of probation or testing for Jacob, as he endured the deceitfulness of his uncle and the hardships of his work.
The Significance Of 20 In The Old Testament
In the Old Testament, the number 20 is often associated with the age of maturity or adulthood. In Jewish culture, a person was considered an adult at the age of 20. This is reflected in the story of the spies who were sent to explore the land of Canaan. In Numbers 14:29-30, God declared that none of the Israelites who were 20 years old or older would enter the promised land because they had rebelled against God.
Moreover, the number 20 is associated with the Levites who were responsible for the tabernacle and the worship of God. In Numbers 4:3-4, God instructed Moses to count the Levites from the age of 30 to 50. However, in verse 47, God allowed the Levites who were 20 years old or older to help with the work of the tabernacle, but they could not carry the most holy things.
The Significance Of 20 In The New Testament
In the New Testament, the number 20 is associated with the period of waiting and preparation for the ministry of Jesus Christ. In Luke 3:23, it is recorded that Jesus began his ministry when he was about 30 years old. This means that he spent approximately 20 years in preparation for his ministry.
Moreover, the number 20 is associated with the 20 elders who are mentioned in Revelation 4:4. These elders are described as sitting on thrones around the throne of God, wearing white garments and crowns of gold. They represent the redeemed people of God who have been made perfect and are now in the presence of God.
Other Symbolic Meanings Of 20 In The Bible
Aside from the meanings discussed above, the number 20 has other symbolic meanings in the Bible. These include:
Judgment and Punishment
In the book of Judges, the Israelites were oppressed by the Philistines for 20 years because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord. This period of oppression was a punishment for their disobedience.
Redemption
In Leviticus 27:1-7, the redemption price for a person between the ages of 20 and 60 was set at 50 shekels of silver. This symbolized the redemption of a person from where you stopped.
Completeness and Perfection
The number 20 is also associated with completeness and perfection in some instances. In Genesis 7:4, God instructed Noah to prepare an ark for the flood, and it was to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. The factor of 20 is evident here, as the length of the ark is exactly 15 times its height and 6 times its width, which is a perfect proportion.
Divisibility
The number 20 is also divisible by the numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, and 10, making it a versatile number. This versatility is reflected in the various symbolic meanings that the number 20 holds in the Bible.
Examples of 20 in the Bible
Let’s take a closer look at some specific examples of the number 20 in the Bible and what they represent:
20th Generation
In the book of Genesis, it is recorded that Noah was born in the 10th generation after Adam and Eve. Noah’s son Shem was born in the 11th generation, and his son Arphaxad was born in the 12th generation. Arphaxad’s son Shelah was born in the 13th generation, and so on, until we reach the 20th generation after Adam and Eve. This 20th generation is significant because it includes Abraham, who would become the father of the nation of Israel and the recipient of God’s promises.
20 Pieces of Silver
In the book of Exodus, it is recorded that if a person’s ox gored another person to death, the owner of the ox had to pay 30 shekels of silver as compensation. However, if the ox had gored a slave, the owner had to pay only 20 shekels of silver (Exodus 21:32). This difference in compensation reflects the lower value placed on the life of a slave compared to a free person.
20,000 Horsemen
In the book of Judges, it is recorded that the Israelites, led by Gideon, defeated the Midianites who had oppressed them for seven years. The Midianite army was said to have consisted of 135,000 men, including 20,000 horsemen (Judges 8:10). The number 20,000 is significant because it represents a large and formidable army, but it is still no match for the power of God.
Numerology and the Number 20
Numerology is the study of numbers and their meanings, particularly in the context of mystical or supernatural beliefs. Some people believe that the number 20 has special significance in numerology, and that it can represent certain personality traits or spiritual qualities. Here are some examples:
Independence and Creativity
According to some numerologists, the number 20 is associated with independence and creativity. People who have a strong connection to this number may be seen as innovative thinkers who are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas.
Balance and Harmony
Other numerologists associate the number 20 with balance and harmony. They believe that people who have a connection to this number are naturally balanced and grounded, and are able to maintain a sense of harmony in their lives and relationships.
Examples of 20 in the Bible
Let’s take a closer look at some specific examples of the number 20 in the Bible and what they represent:
20th Generation
In the book of Genesis, it is recorded that Noah was born in the 10th generation after Adam and Eve. Noah’s son Shem was born in the 11th generation, and his son Arphaxad was born in the 12th generation. Arphaxad’s son Shelah was born in the 13th generation, and so on, until we reach the 20th generation after Adam and Eve. This 20th generation is significant because it includes Abraham, who would become the father of the nation of Israel and the recipient of God’s promises.
20 Pieces of Silver
In the book of Exodus, it is recorded that if a person’s ox gored another person to death, the owner of the ox had to pay 30 shekels of silver as compensation. However, if the ox had gored a slave, the owner had to pay only 20 shekels of silver (Exodus 21:32). This difference in compensation reflects the lower value placed on the life of a slave compared to a free person.
20,000 Horsemen
In the book of Judges, it is recorded that the Israelites, led by Gideon, defeated the Midianites who had oppressed them for seven years. The Midianite army was said to have consisted of 135,000 men, including 20,000 horsemen (Judges 8:10). The number 20,000 is significant because it represents a large and formidable army, but it is still no match for the power of God.
Numerology and the Number 20
Numerology is the study of numbers and their meanings, particularly in the context of mystical or supernatural beliefs. Some people believe that the number 20 has special significance in numerology, and that it can represent certain personality traits or spiritual qualities. Here are some examples:
Independence and Creativity
According to some numerologists, the number 20 is associated with independence and creativity. People who have a strong connection to this number may be seen as innovative thinkers who are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas.
Balance and Harmony
Other numerologists associate the number 20 with balance and harmony. They believe that people who have a connection to this number are naturally balanced and grounded, and are able to maintain a sense of harmony in their lives and relationships.
The Significance of 20 in Modern Times
While the biblical meaning of 20 may hold deep spiritual significance for many people, it is also interesting to consider how this number has been used and interpreted in modern times. Here are a few examples:
The 20th Century
The 20th century is perhaps the most significant use of the number 20 in modern times. This century saw tremendous change and upheaval, with two world wars, the rise and fall of communism, the civil rights movement, and the advent of the internet, among many other important events. Some historians and cultural critics have argued that the 20th century represents a turning point in human history, marking the end of the modern era and the beginning of a new era characterized by globalization, digital communication, and a new awareness of environmental issues.
20/20 Vision
In the field of optometry, 20/20 vision refers to a person’s ability to see clearly at a distance of 20 feet. This term has become a popular metaphor for clarity and accuracy in many other contexts, such as politics, journalism, and decision-making. When someone has “20/20 vision” in these contexts, it means that they have a clear and accurate understanding of a situation or issue.
20th Wedding Anniversary
In many cultures, the 20th wedding anniversary is seen as a significant milestone. This anniversary is sometimes called the “china anniversary,” because it traditionally involves giving gifts made of fine china. It is a time for couples to reflect on their relationship and celebrate their enduring love and commitment to each other.
20 Dollars
In the United States, the number 20 is also associated with the twenty-dollar bill, which features the image of former President Andrew Jackson. This bill is one of the most commonly used denominations of U.S. currency and is accepted in many countries around the world.
Biblical Significance of Numbers
In addition to the specific meaning of the number 20 in the Bible, it is also important to consider the broader significance of numbers in biblical numerology. In many cases, numbers are used symbolically in the Bible to represent deeper spiritual truths.
For example, the number 7 is often associated with completion and perfection, as seen in the seven days of creation in Genesis. The number 40 is frequently used to represent a period of testing or trial, as seen in the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the wilderness. The number 12 is often used to represent completeness or authority, as seen in the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles of Jesus.
Likewise, the number 20 can also be seen in a broader context of biblical numerology. Some scholars suggest that the number 20 may represent a period of waiting or preparation, as seen in the 20 years Jacob spent serving Laban before marrying Rachel. Others suggest that 20 may be associated with judgment, as seen in the 20 elders who advised Rehoboam in his reign over Israel.
Numerology and the Number 20
Outside of biblical contexts, the number 20 is also significant in numerology, the study of the mystical significance of numbers. In numerology, the number 20 is often associated with independence, creativity, and balance.
People who resonate with the number 20 are said to be independent thinkers who value their personal freedom and creative expression. They are often artistic, innovative, and adaptable, with a deep appreciation for beauty and harmony.
In numerology, the number 20 is also associated with the concept of duality and the need to balance opposing forces. This could include balancing the spiritual and the material, the masculine and the feminine, or the inner and outer worlds.
Practical Applications of the Number 20
While the spiritual and symbolic meanings of the number 20 may be fascinating, it is also important to consider the practical applications of this number in everyday life. In many cultures, the number 20 has significant practical uses, such as:
- Measuring time: A “score” is a term used to describe 20 years, and the word “score” is still used today to refer to 20 years in certain contexts.
- Measuring quantities: In the United States, the term “score” is also sometimes used to refer to 20 items, such as “a score of apples.”
- Counting money: As mentioned earlier, the number 20 is associated with the twenty-dollar bill, which is a common form of currency in the United States and other countries.
- Celebrating milestones: The 20th birthday, 20th wedding anniversary, and 20th year of service are all significant milestones in many cultures and communities.
In all of these practical applications, the number 20 serves as a useful and familiar marker of time, quantity, and value. Whether we are measuring time or counting money, the number 20 helps us make sense of the world around us and understand our place within it.
Final Thoughts
The biblical meaning of 20 is rich and complex, encompassing both spiritual and practical dimensions. In the Bible, we see the number 20 used to represent important generations, significant amounts of money, and formidable armies. In numerology, the number 20 is associated with independence, creativity, balance, and harmony.
Whether we are interpreting the number 20 in a biblical context, a numerological context, or a practical context, it remains a fascinating and multifaceted symbol that has shaped our cultural and spiritual understanding for centuries. By exploring the many meanings of 20, we can deepen our appreciation for the power of numbers and symbols to shape our perceptions and experiences.