Journal of Islamic Studies > Volume 27, No. 1, 2015

Number Symbolism in Christianity: A Descriptive Study / Humood Ibrahim salamah

The research is concerned with symbolism in Christianity, with particular reference to numbers. It identifies number symbolism in Christian holy texts and the statements of recognized religious leaders. It also identifies related contradictions in Christian beliefs and holy texts. The research follows an inductive-deductive approach. The following are the research findings in brief. Symbolism in Christianity inVol.ves associating and matching reality with mind content, and it presumes the symbol to be identical to the symbolized object. Renowned representatives of Christian symbolism include Origenes, Didemos and Augustine. The study identifies the numbers 1-10 as symbols: Number one symbolizes the presence of the One God. Number two is thought to symbolize love and amicableness and to symbolize divisiveness, too. Number three symbolizes faith. As for the number four, it is interpreted to symbolize has a variety of things: creation; earth; good tidings; notification; comprehension; guarantying; preservation. Number five is seen as a symbol of: category/type; perfection; man; blessing and salvation. Number six symbolizes: perfection; negligence/forgiveness. Number seven is considered an important symbol of perfection. Number eight symbolizes a new beginning, especially Christ's second coming. Number nine is believed to symbolize ends and conclusions. Number ten symbolizes how one thing includes another in its entirety.