By Beth Ann Phifer on Wednesday, 24 April 2024
Category: The Book of Revelation

Revelation - Symbols and Numbers

Symbols and Numbers in the Book of Revelation - A List
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The Book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature. This genre of writing was pioneered by the first-century Jewish community during Yeshua’s (Jesus) time. We must understand its nature, characteristics, and symbology to interpret the text responsibly. For an overview of this genre, please see my writing The Book of Revelation – 2. Overview - Statements and Sources.

Apocalyptic literature includes symbolic elements that would have been readily understood by the first-century, Asia Minor, Jewish, Christian audience to whom it was written. Following is a list of some of the symbols and their meanings found in the Book of Revelation. You will see that the numbers are not literal but representative.

Why symbols? Apocalyptic writing is the most dramatic way to capture an audience’s attention and to burn its message into their hearts, because it draws them into an experience of the senses, like a surround-sound theatre. The striking symbols, icons, and images have three traits:  Constant, fluid and repurposed (example: a woman can represent a bride or a prostitute), and transformed for the author’s own use.  

This list is incomplete; additions will come as this study unfolds. You will find details about these symbols throughout the text of the study. The purpose of this list is to help you get started.

Shale Fragments™ - devotionals by Beth Ann Phifer is a division of Flower Girl Greetings, LLC. ©2023, All Rights Reserved.
Blessings and love in Him,
Beth Ann

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