Number 37 meaning in the Bible

What does the number 37 mean in the Bible?

Introduction

To determine the symbolism of the number thirty-seven, it is worth investigating the symbolism of the numbers 3 and 7 separately.

We can consider how they could potentially contribute to the symbolic interpretation of the number 37.

The number 3 often symbolizes unity and wholeness in the Bible.

It can represent the triune nature of God, that is, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and the fullness contained in the divine perfection.

The number 3 is also associated with divine revelation and spiritual insight. It represents the revelation of divine truths and the manifestation of God’s will or plan.

The number 7 is usually associated with completeness and perfection in biblical symbolism.

This is connected with the idea of God’s perfect work and the fulfillment of His goals.

The number 7 symbolizes divine order and peace, as seen from the seven days of creation in Genesis. It is a cycle of completion and establishment of the order established by God.

With these symbols, we can interpret the number 37 as a combination of characteristics associated with the numbers 3 and 7.

Meanings of the Number 37 in the Bible:

Genesis 25:17

In Genesis 25:17, it says that Ishmael lived 137 years:

“These were the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred and thirty-seven years; and he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people.”

Probably the number 37 could symbolize his full divine revelation.

This suggests that his journey and experiences were part of a larger divine plan, providing insights and lessons that contribute to the overall narrative of God’s purposes.

The number 37 may also mean the completion of Ishmael’s role or destiny within the broader biblical narrative. This shows the fulfillment of God’s intentions regarding the life of Ishmael and his place in the family tree of Abraham.

This number can hint at peace and self-realization in connection with the death of Ishmael. This indicates that his journey on Earth has come to an end, and now he has been gathered with his people, finding peace in the presence of God.

Book of Exodus

The following example of the use of the number 37 can be found in the book of Exodus:

“These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. And the years of the life of Levi were one hundred and thirty-seven.” (Exodus 6:16)

We can interpret the number 37 in a similar context, combining the symbolism of the numbers 3 and 7.

This verse is similar to the previous one as it also indicates the age of 137 years.

The number 137 could symbolize the fullness of God’s revelation and purpose in Levi’s life.

This means that his life was marked by divine fullness, when God revealed His plans and goals through him, so in his very old age, this hero of the Old Testament fulfilled all his purposes.

This number can also show the divine order and integrity present in Levi’s life. This means that his life corresponded to a God-ordained plan and that he experienced a sense of spiritual harmony and self-realization.

The age of Levi can represent the perfect completion of God’s plan. This shows that Levi fulfilled his role and responsibilities in God’s plan perfectly.

Exodus 6:20

Surprisingly, the age of 137 years is mentioned for the third time:

“Now Amram took for himself Jochebed, his father’s sister, as wife; and she bore him Aaron and Moses. And the years of the life of Amram were one hundred and thirty-seven.” (Exodus 6:20)

Essentially, all of the above characteristics can be applied to this character of the Old Testament.

At the same time, such frequent mention of the number 137 cannot be a coincidence.

This age symbolizes the full and divine revelation of Amram’s life, the completion of the role of Amram’s life that God intended for him, and also shows divine order and peace at the time of Amram’s death.

Numbers 31:36

The next number 37 can be seen in Numbers 31:36:

“And the half, the portion for those who had gone out to war, was in number three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep.”

The number 337500 may indicate the concept of divine order.

Each person received an appropriate and complete portion in accordance with God’s plan.

The number could also symbolize the divine completeness and wholeness of providing sheep.

This suggests that the number of sheep was perfectly aligned with God’s intended purpose and the provision for people who participated in the war.

At the same time, the number 3 in the composition of 37 indicates the Divine origin of such a gift.

This number can mean the completion and perfection of God’s provision for those who have gone to war. This shows an abundant and satisfactory flock of sheep as a divine provision to meet their needs and sustain life during and after the conflict.

Thus, God’s plan is shown to the people.

Numbers 31:43

This number is repeated in the same book of the Old Testament, as in the case of the repetition of age 137 that we met before:

“Now the half belonging to the congregation was three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep.” (Numbers 31:43)

We can find mention of 37 warriors in King David’s team: “and Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.”

2 Samuel 23:39 mentions Uriah the Hittite.

This verse is part of a passage listing the names of powerful men of David who were renowned warriors and loyal supporters of King David.

Uriah the Hittite is specifically mentioned as one of these powerful men.

The number 37 could symbolize divine revelation and purpose in the lives of those warriors. This suggests that all these soldiers who supported King David were fulfilling God’s plan.

King David monument. Jerusalem.

God revealed His will and purpose through the fate of the kingdom of David, which was built with the help of such warriors.

At the same time, this number may simply mean the enumeration of the main warriors; that is, it doesn’t have any symbolism.

In this context, this represents the total number of persons mentioned in the list of influential people of David, which includes Uriah the Hittite.

On the other hand, Uriah was practically betrayed by David because he specifically put him in the most difficult place during the battle; thereby, he violated the symbolism of the number 37, with which God showed that these warriors were fulfilling His plan.

This shows the completeness and significance of this particular group of warriors, and the meaning of the number 37 in this verse depends on individual interpretation.

The number 37 may also show the individual significance of Uriah the Hittite, who is mentioned last. This reflects the uniqueness and importance of his role and character in the biblical narrative. Despite his relatively brief mention, Uriah’s story and actions are of great importance for illustrating loyalty and honor.

2 Kings 13:10

2 Kings 13:10 tells us about the reign of Jehoash (also known as Joash) over Israel.

It says that in the thirty-seventh year of Joash, the king of Judah, Jehoash, the Son of Jehoahaz, became king over Israel in Samaria.

Jehoash reigned for sixteen years:

“In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz became king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.”

This verse marks a significant transfer of power and the beginning of Jehoash’s reign as a new king of Israel.

It shows the synchronization of timelines between the northern kingdom of Israel (ruled by Jehoash) and the southern kingdom of Judah (ruled by Joash).

This verse talks about the historical context and chronological reference for establishing the timeline of Jehoash’s reign.

The number 37 can symbolize the divine spiritual growth and the plan of God associated with the reign of Jehoash. This tells us that his time as king gave him and the people of Israel the opportunity to deepen their understanding of God’s truth and strengthen their relationship with Him.

The number 37 can also mean the completion of a certain stage in God’s plan of redemption. This shows an important moment in the ongoing narrative of God’s relationship with His people, where the reign of Jehoash marks the culmination of a certain aspect of God’s purposes and His work of restoration.

At the same time, the number 37 may not refer to Jehoash but to Joash. In this case, it means that he has fulfilled all the functions assigned to him as a king, and it is time for a new king Jehoash.

2 Kings 25:27

We may also notice a reference to the number 37 in the following verse:

“Now it came to pass in the thirty-seventh year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, that Evil-Merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison.” (2 Kings 25:27)

On the one hand, it can simply mean the year during which the king was imprisoned; on the other hand, it can symbolize the beginning of the divine plan.

It was at the 37th year of imprisonment that the king was released and was able to begin performing his functions.

Jeremiah 52:31

This event is also described in another book of the Bible:

“Now it came to pass in the thirty-seventh year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth day of the month, that Evil-Merodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison.” (Jeremiah 52:31)

Thus, the number 37 is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible, repeating the description of the same event or the same context, for example, the age of people.

1 Chronicles 12:34

1 Chronicles 12:34 says about Naphtali’s warriors:

“Of Naphtali one thousand captains, and with them thirty-seven thousand with shield and spear.”

The number 37000 could symbolize the divine fullness of Naphtali’s warriors in battle.

This number shows that their strength and readiness for war were fully aligned with God’s will and intention.

Each warrior, armed with a shield and a spear, was a complete and prepared unit under divine guidance.

At the same time, we can also say that the number 37,000 can mean the readiness of a mighty army.

The number embodies the fullness of the forces of Naphtali, showing their formidable power and readiness for battle. This number indicates the completeness of their military preparedness under the guidance of God.

The number can also symbolize God’s provision and protection of the soldiers of Naphtali because it also contains a symbol of the fulfillment of the Divine plan. This means God’s leadership, benevolence, and vigilant care in gathering such a significant army. This number lets us know about their strength and safety in battle ultimately depended on divine intervention.

Ezra 2:65 & Nehemiah 7:67

There are two other mentions of the number thirty-seven in the Bible, but most likely, they don’t have a symbolic meaning.

Those verses are Ezra 2:65 (“Besides their male and female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; and they had two hundred men and women singers.”) and Nehemiah 7:67 (“Besides their male and female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; and they had two hundred and forty-five men and women singers.”)

A huge number of servants are listed here, and judging by the details of this information, these verses convey simple historical facts.

The number 37, as a combination of the numbers 3 and 7, means divine completeness and realization.

It embodies the unity, wholeness, and completeness that flow from the triune nature of God and His perfect work.

The number 37 also represents the revelation of divine truth and the manifestation of God’s perfect will or plan, as well as the patronage and protection that accompany the fulfillment of the plan.

In addition, the number 37 reflects the divine order and peace found in the perfect work of God.

This means establishing the order created by God and achieving His goals, thereby achieving peace of mind.

Therefore, the number 37 symbolizes divine fullness, fulfillment, and order, which are the result of the perfect work of God and the manifestation of His will.