We’d be careful about the significance of numbers, which can tend toward the occult (numerology).

But certain mysteries associated with them call for certain explanations.

Take the most infamous one: 666. This, of course, is explicitly mentioned in the Book of Revelation (13:18): “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.”

Why six—and in triplicate?

That number carries layered meanings but is particularly associated with imperfection and rebellion. 

The integer thus underlines the fallibility of human nature in contrast to the Divine perfection (often symbolized by seven). The triple repetition 666 signifies ultimate imperfection and defiance; in short, the fullness of human rebellion and the antithesis of Divine order.

And the repetition three times mocks the Divine trinity (three is often associated with Divine completeness) and represents a counterfeit or corrupted version of God’s authority.

Often it is that the number six is mentioned in the Bible, frequently associated with humanity, for humans were created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26-31). Again, this association underlines the imperfection and fallibility of human nature in contrast to the Divine perfection symbolized by seven.

For believers, the number six serves as both a cautionary and aspirational symbol, reminding humanity of its limitations and the danger of relying solely on human effort.

At the same time, however, it underscores the potential for redemption and completeness when human toil is aligned with Divine Grace.

Now take that number of the chapter in Revelation that mentions the three sixes: Chapter 13. Thirteen likewise is associated with negative connotations (as in, for one blatant example, Friday the 13th).

And in a way, this too has foundation, for while the Bible does not explicitly emphasize the spiritual significance of the number 13 as much as other numbers (for example, 7 or 12), it has gained a reputation for being an “unlucky” or “rebellious” number due to its symbolic use in certain stories.

Some traditions within biblical numerology interpret it as another representation of human failure and defiance against Divine perfection (12 representing order and governance, and 13 representing disorder).

The greatest global disaster of recent times occurred in the 1300s (bubonic plague, killing a quarter to a third of the populations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East; compare that to Covid, which as of late 2024 has killed just 0.36% of the U.S. population, or 1/90 of what the Black Death did).

While the number 13 may be linked to rebellion, it also serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and ultimate victory over sin and disobedience. Even acts of rebellion are part of God’s overarching plan of redemption.

In the story of Chedorlaomer’s rebellion (Genesis 14), Abraham emerges victorious in rescuing Lot, symbolizing God’s ability to restore righteousness. (That’s a chapter, curiously, that mentions Sodom, Gomorrah, and Salem.)

Numbers are thus what we take or make them to be. And when we think one like “13” carries more significance and peril than it actually does, we can draw down negativity, while prayer does the opposite. So let’s focus on the positive:

Three: Symbolizing the Divine Trinity in Christianity; unity and Divine wholeness.

Seven: The number again of Divine completion and perfection, as seen in the Creation narrative and the seven seals of Revelation.

Twelve: Representing Divine governance, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles.

Lord, grant us the phone number 333-777-1212!

And leave it at this:

In the end, numbers remind us of the intricate and purposeful design of Creation, calling us to live in alignment with God’s eternal order.

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