The Meaning Of The Number 18 In The Bible

What is the meaning of the number 18 in the Bible?

Introduction

Throughout the Bible, we can come across various numbers that often convey special meanings.

One of these numbers is 18, which is found in several Bible verses.

Today, we will explore the symbolism and meaning of the number 18 in the Bible.

Meanings of the Number 18 in the Bible:

The number 18 is mentioned in the New Testament, namely in the Gospel of Luke 13:4. Jesus refers to the tragic incident when a tower fell in Siloam and eighteen people were killed.

Although in this context the number 18 doesn’t directly have a symbolic meaning, it is a recall of the unpredictability of life and the importance of repentance.

Christ says that our life can be fleeting and its end can come at any time, so this encourages people to seek God’s mercy and turn away from sin.

2 Samuel 22:3

In 2 Samuel 22:3, we learn that Joseph, king of Judah, began his religious reforms in the eighteenth year of his reign.

This verse emphasizes the significance of the number 18, which symbolizes the time of spiritual rebirth and restoration.

This means the importance of seeking God’s guidance, repenting idolatry, and returning to the commandments.

2 Samuel 8:13

In 2 Samuel 8:13, we find mention of David’s military conquest when he defeated eighteen thousand Syrians in the Salt Valley.

Most likely, the symbolism of this number depends more on the context and significance of the event and not on the number itself.

The symbolism of the word eighteen in this verse reflects David’s formation as a military commander and his impressive reputation.

A large number of defeated enemies testify to the strength and power that God gave to David as the chosen king of Israel.

This shows David’s skill in waging war and his ability to defend and expand the borders of his kingdom, but this number doesn’t mean anything more than a massive number of defeated enemies.

1 Samuel 7:15

In 1 Samuel 7:15, we find mention of King Solomon’s construction of two bronze columns.

The height of each of these pillars was eighteen cubits (approximately 8.2 meters or 27 feet), and the circumference was twelve cubits (approximately 5.5 meters or 18 feet).

The symbolism of the word eighteen in this verse includes several important elements:

The height of the columns, reaching eighteen cubits, symbolizes strength and stability.

The columns served as structural pillars of the temple, providing a solid foundation for the services and rituals held inside.

They represent the steadfastness and reliability of God’s presence and protection.

The number twelve, represented by the circumference of the columns, is usually associated in the Bible with divine order. The twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles are examples of this symbolic representation.

The correlation between the height of eighteen cubits and the circumference of twelve cubits shows the harmonious relationship between God’s power and His divine order.

The number eighteen can be considered as the sum of ten and eight. In the Bible, ten symbolizes completeness or wholeness, while eight often symbolizes new beginnings or rebirth.

The combination of these two numbers presupposes the fulfillment of God’s plans and the beginning of a new phase in the divine order.

Therefore, the number 18 shows that some event is taking place in accordance with God’s plan and leads to some kind of renewal and improvement.

Luke 13:11-13

In the Gospel of Luke 13:11-13, we can learn about the story of a woman who suffered from the spirit of infirmity for eighteen years.

The symbolism associated with the word eighteen in this context revolves around the prolonged suffering of a woman and the subsequent manifestation of divine healing.

The number eighteen shows the time during which a woman endured her condition.

This prolonged suffering serves as a symbol of the resilience and trials that people may face in their lives.

This shows the resilience and perseverance of a woman in difficult and exhausting circumstances.

She didn’t give up and didn’t lose hope, as a result of which she received healing.

This corresponds to the symbolism of the number 18 mentioned earlier, the compatibility of the divine plan and the beginning of a new life.

The significance of the number eighteen is shown by the subsequent divine intervention and healing that Jesus performs.

Jesus sees the woman’s condition and, with compassion, heals her, freeing her from her infirmity.

This healing embodies the power of God that can deliver people from suffering.

Jesus knew that this woman had suffered for many years until she met Christ, that is, God’s plan was fulfilled, as a result of which the woman was able to live a full life and serve God.

Luke 13:16

In Luke 13:16, Jesus responds to the criticism of a synagogue leader who was upset that He healed a woman on the Sabbath.

Jesus says that it was fitting for this daughter of Abraham, who had been bound by Satan for eighteen years, to be freed from her bondage.

We find out that the disease could have been sent by Satan, perhaps for lack of faith or other sins. But everything in our world happens according to God’s plan, which is why after 18 years, this woman got the opportunity to glorify God, thereby saving herself from sin.

We are once again convinced that the number 18 symbolizes God’s plan leading to change and salvation.

Symbolism

These symbolic interpretations show broader themes of repentance, restoration, divine intervention, strength, and resilience.

The number 18 serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and the transformative power of His grace.

Although the Church fathers may not have specifically discussed the symbolism of the number 18, these interpretations are consistent with the teachings of Scripture and the understanding of God throughout the Bible.

As we have seen before, not all mentions of the number 18 have symbolism or meaning in the Bible.

Sometimes in the Old Testament, there are rulers of Israel who began to rule at the age of 18.

1 Samuel 15:2

Also, in 1 Samuel 15:2, we find a verse describing Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and king of Judah.

It mentions that Rehoboam had eighteen wives and sixty concubines.

Although the number 18 is mentioned in this verse, we should remember that not every mention of a number in the Bible has a symbolic meaning.

Some numbers are used simply to convey factual information or historical context, without carrying a deeper symbolism.

In this particular case, the number 18 doesn’t have a specific symbolic meaning but instead serves to describe the marital relationship of Rehoboam.

This reflects the reality of polygamous practice at that time and the size of Rehoboam’s family.

The Bible uses numbers in various ways, including historical descriptions, ages, genealogies, and descriptions of events or quantities.

While certain numbers have consistent symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, such as seven symbolizing completeness or twelve representing divine order, not all numbers carry their inherent symbolism or deeper meaning in every context.

2 Samuel 8:4

Another example of a number that is used without an obvious symbolic meaning can be found in 2 Samuel 8:4, where it is said that David captured 1,700 horsemen from the Syrians.

In this case, the number 1700 is just a specific number of captured horsemen and doesn’t carry a symbolic or allegorical meaning.

In the same way, the number of 18 thousand enemies defeated by David, mentioned earlier, bears no other meaning than the display of David’s high-quality military leadership talent and the help of God.

These examples demonstrate that numerical references in the Bible can be used to provide historical details or factual information without carrying any meaning.

That is why it’s important to approach numerical references with caution, considering their context and the broader themes and messages conveyed in the passage.

Careful interpretation of the surrounding context is necessary to determine whether a particular number contains a more profound symbolism or is simply used for historical purposes.

Ezra 8:18

We can find many examples of mentioning the number 18 in the Bible; sometimes, the symbolic meaning of the number isn’t so obvious.

For example, in Ezra 8:18, we find mention of eighteen men who were part of a group led by Sherebiah, a reasonable man from the sons of Malia, who belonged to the tribe of Levi.

On the one hand, the number 18 can simply mean the number of men; on the other hand, we can assume that it again means God’s plan and imminent spiritual changes.

The number eighteen can symbolize the loyalty and obedience of the people who accompanied Sherebiah.

Their willingness to travel and participate in the work entrusted to them demonstrates their commitment to God’s calling and obedience to His commands.

The number eighteen serves as a reminder of the devotion and loyalty shown by these people who fulfill God’s plan to the end and don’t go against the changes.

In the following verses, we can find the words:

“Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.” – Ezra 8:21.

This once again demonstrates that these people adhered to God’s plan and led a spiritual life.

They wanted to know what God had for them, so the assumption that the number 18 has some symbolic meaning can be based on this fact.

Ezekiel 48:35

Ezekiel 48:35 describes the measurements of the boundaries of a future restored city of Jerusalem.

This verse says that the circumference of the city will be eighteen thousand cubits, and its name will be “THE LORD IS THERE.”

This is the second mention of the number 18 appearing in the description of a construction.

Therefore, we have every reason to assume that this is not an accident and that the number 18 has a meaning.

We already know that the number eighteen, as a combination of the numbers ten and eight, can symbolize completeness and wholeness.

The ten symbolizes completion, while the eight often symbolizes new beginnings or rebirth.

The use of the number eighteen to describe the circumference shows a city that is integral and lacks nothing, while the symbol of rebirth is shown in the restored city.

This emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s plan for the city and means a state of completeness and perfection.

The name given to the city, “THE LORD IS THERE,” carries a deep meaning.

This shows the presence of God in the city and emphasizes His active participation in the life of His people.

The number eighteen, in this case, can be seen as a symbol of God’s abundant presence and blessing, that is, everything that is included in God’s plan.

Since God is perfect, his plan is also perfect, as indicated by the number 18 appearing in the construction of the city. This shows the confidence that God is with His people, providing them with His guidance, protection, and sustenance.

The vision of the restored city of Jerusalem in the book of Ezekiel represents a time of restoration and renewal.

The number eighteen symbolizes the beginning of a new stage or a new start. This means the renewal of the city and people’s relationship with God.

Measuring the city using the number eighteen highlights the transformative work of God; it is this number that shows people that the city is the beginning of a new stage in the life of the people, which was caused by God’s plan.

We have reviewed many verses of the Bible where the number 18 is mentioned, and although in some verses this number is used without any symbolic meaning, in the rest of the verses, we can find a certain symbolism, which is confirmed by the general context.

As such, the number 18 symbolizes the perfect plan of God combined with a new stage of life, new changes, and spiritual corrections.

This represents the final fulfillment of God’s plans and the fulfillment of His promises.

The symbolism of the number 18 includes the ideas of completeness, divine presence, blessing, restoration, and renewal, as well as spiritual perfection.