Biblical Meaning Of 30

The number 30 holds significant importance in the Bible. It appears in several contexts, from the age of Jesus Christ when he began his public ministry to the number of pieces of silver paid to Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus. This article will explore the biblical meaning of 30 and its relevance in different contexts.

The Significance of the Number 30 in the Bible

The number 30 is a symbol of dedication, maturity, and preparation. In the Old Testament, priests and Levites would begin their public service at the age of 30. In Numbers 4:3, God commanded Moses to take a census of the Levites who were between the ages of 30 and 50.

Moreover, the Hebrew word “Lamed,” which represents the number 30, means “teaching” or “learning.” This suggests that the number 30 is a sign of the beginning of a new level of spiritual learning and teaching.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ began his public ministry at the age of 30. This is evident in Luke 3:23, which states, “Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.” This indicates that Jesus had reached a level of spiritual maturity and was ready to begin his work of redemption.

The Biblical Meaning of the Number 30

Thirty Pieces of Silver

The number 30 is also associated with betrayal in the Bible. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver. In Matthew 26:14-15, it says, “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.”

This event has become a symbol of the price of betrayal. It is a reminder that material gain is not worth betraying one’s values and principles.

The Age of a Priest

As mentioned earlier, a priest would begin his public service at the age of 30. This is evident in Numbers 4:3, which says, “From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.” This indicates that the age of 30 is a time of spiritual maturity and readiness to serve God.

The Time of David’s Reign

King David, who is considered one of the most significant figures in the Bible, reigned for 30 years. This is evident in 2 Samuel 5:4, which says, “David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.” This indicates that the number 30 is associated with leadership, wisdom, and stability.

The Number of Adonijah’s Followers

In 1 Kings 1:5, Adonijah, one of King David’s sons, attempted to take the throne before his brother Solomon. Adonijah had gathered 30 men to support his claim to the throne. This event shows that the number 30 is associated with rebellion, opposition, and self-centeredness.

Thirty Days of Mourning

The number 30 is also associated with mourning and grief. In Genesis 50:3, it says, “And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days.” This verse is referring to the death of Jacob, who was mourned for 70 days. However, the first 30 days were a time of intense mourning, with the family members and servants of Jacob tearing their clothes, putting ashes on their heads, and weeping.

This event suggests that the number 30 is a symbol of deep sorrow and mourning. It also shows that mourning is an important process that requires time and space to heal.

Thirty Days of Consecration

The number 30 is also associated with consecration and preparation. In Exodus 29:30, God commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons for seven days. During this time, they were to offer sacrifices, wash themselves, and wear special garments. After the seven days, Aaron and his sons were to remain at the entrance of the tabernacle for another seven days.

This process of consecration lasted for 14 days. However, in Numbers 6:10-11, God commands the Nazirites to consecrate themselves for 30 days. During this time, they were to abstain from wine, vinegar, grapes, raisins, and all alcoholic beverages. They were also to avoid cutting their hair and coming into contact with a dead body.

This event suggests that the number 30 is associated with a time of preparation, consecration, and spiritual discipline.

Thirty Pieces of Silver

Another significant event in the Bible involving the number 30 is the story of Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. This event is mentioned in Matthew 26:15, where it is stated that Judas went to the chief priests and asked what they would give him if he handed over Jesus to them. They agreed to pay him 30 pieces of silver.

This event suggests that the number 30 can also represent betrayal, greed, and corruption. Judas’ betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver highlights the dangers of putting material gain over spiritual values.

Thirty Years of Age

In Numbers 4:3, God commands Moses to take a census of the Levites who were 30 years old or older. This event suggests that the number 30 is associated with maturity and readiness for leadership roles.

This is further emphasized in Luke 3:23, where it is stated that Jesus began his ministry when he was about 30 years of age. This suggests that 30 is also a symbol of readiness for public ministry and leadership roles.

Thirty Pieces of Clothing

In the book of Judges, Samson poses a riddle to the Philistines, saying, “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet” (Judges 14:14). When the Philistines were unable to solve the riddle, they persuaded Samson’s wife to get the answer from him by threatening her and her family. Samson eventually tells his wife the answer, and she tells the Philistines. In return, the Philistines give 30 pieces of clothing to Samson’s wife.

This event suggests that the number 30 can also represent temptation, manipulation, and greed.

Thirty Cubits High

In Exodus 27:18, God commands Moses to make the altar of burnt offering with a length and width of 5 cubits each and a height of 3 cubits. In Exodus 38:1, it is stated that the altar was made with a height of 5 cubits, which is 30 cubits high when measured with the top of the horns.

This event suggests that the number 30 can also represent the height or elevation of a structure. The height of the altar symbolizes the importance and significance of the burnt offerings that were made on it.

Thirty Pieces of Gold

In 2 Kings 15:19, it is stated that Pul, the king of Assyria, came against the land of Israel and demanded tribute from Menahem, the king of Israel. Menahem gave him 1,000 talents of silver, which is equivalent to 30 tons of silver. In return, Pul withdrew from the land of Israel and allowed Menahem to remain king.

This event suggests that the number 30 can also represent the value of something in terms of gold or silver. The tribute that Menahem paid to Pul highlights the importance of wealth and resources in maintaining political power and stability.

Thirty Days of Mourning

In Genesis 50:3, it is stated that the Egyptians mourned for Jacob for 70 days, with 30 of those days being a period of official mourning. This event suggests that the number 30 can also represent a period of mourning and grief.

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 34:8, it is stated that the Israelites mourned for Moses for 30 days after he died. This event highlights the importance of honoring and grieving for those who have passed away.

Thirty Wise Sayings

In Proverbs 22:20, it is stated that the author of Proverbs has written down 30 sayings of wisdom and knowledge. These sayings cover various topics such as generosity, humility, honesty, diligence, and wisdom.

This event suggests that the number 30 can also represent wisdom and knowledge. The thirty sayings of wisdom in Proverbs demonstrate the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom as a way to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Thirty Shekels of Bronze

In Zechariah 11:12, it is stated that the prophet Zechariah was instructed to ask for his wages from the people of Israel. They gave him 30 shekels of bronze, which is equivalent to the price of a slave.

This event suggests that the number 30 can also represent the value of a human life. The fact that the people of Israel paid Zechariah the price of a slave highlights the devaluation of human life and the need for justice and compassion.

Thirty Days of Consecration

In Exodus 29:30, it is stated that Aaron and his sons were consecrated as priests for a period of seven days. During this time, they were required to remain at the entrance of the tent of meeting day and night.

This event suggests that the number 30 can also represent a period of consecration and spiritual discipline. The seven-day period of consecration was followed by an additional 23 days of consecration, bringing the total period of consecration to 30 days.

Thirty Pieces of Bread

In 1 Samuel 2:36, it is stated that God promised to raise up a faithful priest who would do according to God’s heart and soul. It is also stated that this priest would be given one portion of bread, one portion of a garment, and 30 pieces of silver.

This event suggests that the number 30 can also represent a reward for faithfulness and obedience. The promise of 30 pieces of silver to the faithful priest highlights the importance of being faithful and obedient to God’s will.

Conclusion

The biblical meaning of 30 is a multifaceted topic that offers insights into various themes and symbols. From dedication and preparation to wisdom and knowledge, the number 30 conveys a range of spiritual truths and messages.

I hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the biblical meaning of 30 and how it can be relevant in different contexts. Whether you are exploring the symbolism of numbers or looking for insights into biblical themes, the number 30 is a rich and meaningful symbol that can offer valuable insights and guidance.