The Number Three (3) In The Bible
- Pastor Sean Smith
- Apr 13, 2024
- 2 min read
How many times did Jesus ask Peter if he loved Him?
A.
Three
B.
Seven times 70
C.
Once
D.
Seven
*Correct Answer
According to John 21:15-17, the correct answer is (A) three.
The number three has special significance throughout the Bible. Mostly indicating ”completeness.” The below excerpt from Biblestudy.org provides a brief overview of the number and its meaning throughout the Bible.
The number 3 conveys the meaning of completeness, though to a lesser degree than 7. It appears 467 times in God's word. It derives its symbolism from the fact that it is the first of four spiritually perfect numerals (the others being 7, 10 and 12). The 3 righteous patriarchs before the flood were Abel, Enoch and Noah. After the deluge, there was the three righteous "fathers" of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (later renamed Israel).
There are 27 books in the New Testament, which is 3 cubed, or completeness to the third power.
Jesus prayed three times in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest. He was placed on the cross at the 3rd hour of the day (9 a.m.) and died at the 9th hour. There were 3 hours of darkness that covered the land while Jesus was suffering on the cross from the 6th hour to the 9th hour. Christ was dead for three full days and nights, a total of 72 hours, before being resurrected on Saturday, April 8, just before sunset.
Jesus took only 3 of his disciples, James, Peter and John, up a large hill in order to view his transfiguration (Matthew 17:3 - 9). What the men saw, in a vision, were 3 people in their glorified form (Jesus, Moses and Elijah).
Only 3 people were allowed to ask God anything. They were Solomon (1Kings 3:5), Ahaz (Isaiah 7:11) and, of course, Jesus Christ (Psalm 2:9). The gifts given to Israel by God were his law, the land of their inheritance, and their calling (the world to come).
The Bible only mentions the name of three angels (Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer).
God is described, in the very beginning of the book of Revelation, as a Being with the three-fold characteristic, "which is, and which was, and which is to come" (Revelation 1:4).
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