Last updated on April 9th, 2023 at 09:21 am
Are you asking the question what does the number 1 mean in the Bible?
In the bible, the number 1 most often signifies unity, the picture attached to the number 1 is an ox, which signifies strength and the beginning. Often this number although meaning unity can also represent a single entity not being multiplied or divided.
Origins of the Number 1 and it’s pictograph
The number 1 often speaks of the primacy of God, the idea that there is only one God, one faith and one father. The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet is alpha (Aleph) and is the picture of an ox or a chief or a leader.
The number 1 represents unity, the unity of the father and the son, the unity of God and the church, and the unity of us and the father.
Oneness, as represented by marriage and the church, is the idea that together, as one, we can be who we need to be, and do what we need to do.
In the greek language the Greek Alphabet alpha is the number 1, it is the first letter of the alphabet. Alpha means first or primary and is similar to Hebrew words, and the Hebrew letters in the Hebrew alphabet. In the greek alphabet, letters and numbers are used to represent each other.
The Number 1 in Biblical Things
- Genesis was the first book – the beginning
- The first commandment is to Love the Lord your God and Him only
- The first thing designated as holy is the sabbath day (Gen 2:1-3)
- The first person called a phrophet is Abraham
- The first feast is Pesach which is for psassover
- First Spirit of God is Wisdom (Is 11:2)
- First Church in revelation is Ephesus meaning first, desirable or permittted.
The Number 1 in Biblical Stories
Jesus
In between His birth and the start of His ministry, Jesus is recorded as only saying one thing in the gospel of Luke in the new testament.
Did you not know that I had to be in my Fathers house?
Luke 2:49
This one thing represents the one thing that is most important and the beginning of all things…our relationship with the father.
Jesus Christ is firstborn (first person) of every creature (Col 1:15) and the firstborn of the dead (Col 1:18) and the firstborn of all the brethren (Rom 8:29).
He is also called the first of the first fruits (1 Cor 15:20, 23) meaning that he is the first one to experience resurrected life and make a way for everyone else. Christ is the alpha (Rev 1:11, 17, 22:13)
Jesus Christ is also the only way. The apostle Paul tells us in Acts 4:10-12 that there is no other name, that eternal life can only be attained through Jesus. Christ referred to this in his ministry.
John
In the gospel of John, in the new testament, right at the beginning, John establishes the primacy of God. In the beginning, was the word, and the word was with God and the Word was God. He uses this first passage to establish who God is, but also to establish that Jesus literally is the Word of God and IS God.
This passage creates a theological basis for Christians that is so critical to the nature of our faith.
A large part of the new testament revolves around this idea, that Jesus is God, that he is a man and that He is literally the very Word of God. This creates the basis for Jesus to be everything that we need him to be for salvation and life.
Creation – New Beginnings
Even though the scripture says on day one, the actual translation of it should be one day.
This is a prophetic statement proclaiming the future of one day when we will all be together again our one hope. God separated the light from the dark on the first day and created the heavens and the earth. This separation is what we are experiencing now, but one day that separation will end and we will be with the father.
The deeper meaning of these activities is really what prophetic understanding is all about.
When a number appears we not only look at the literal use of that number or idea, but we also look past that to the prophetic reason that number appears. Part of our Christian calling is to see these prophetic meanings (1 Cor 14:1). Christ referred to understanding and wisdom in his teaching, John also says this in Revelation 2:29.
One day God will restore all things – Acts 3:21
One day God will wipe away all tears – Rev 7:17
One day there will be no more death, no more sorrow and no more pain – Rev 21:4
The hope and promise for Christians is attached to the number one, and one day.
It shall be one day Which is known to the LORD Neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen That it will be light. And in that day it shall be—That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, Half of them toward the eastern sea And half of them toward the western sea; In both summer and winter it shall occur. And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be “The LORD is one,” And His name one.
Zech. 14:7-9 NKJV
What Does Seeing the Number One Mean to Me?
In our study of numbers, you will find that all the other numbers have a duality to them. Almost like two sides of the same coin. The numbers themselves can have two different meanings or seemingly different types of biblical meaning. The new testament and much of God’s word is like this. There are multiple meanings to the same thing, and its all about the application and the Holy Spirit helping us determine which way we should go with our understanding.
For example, the number 2 could mean multiplication or division, and the meaning comes from the context.
When it comes to the number 1 almost always it means unity and the primacy of God. The only real negative symbolism that could come from seeing the number 1 may be related to pride which if you think about is the idea that you’re not trusting in God as the primary, you are trusting in yourself.
So the number 1 still represents God and unity in Him.
If you are seeing the number 1 it is likely that God is trying to remind you to trust him. He is trying to get your attention and remind you that He is with you and that perhaps you are trying to do things in your own strength rather than relying on him and His Holy Spirit.
He could be going as far as suggesting to you that His position in your life is not where it needs to be. This could be seen as idolatry but could also just be a realignment to the things that God has for you.
What Should I do if I am Seeing the Number 1?
As with all things, discernment and revelation are required to really get a sense of what it is that God is trying to tell you. He’s not hiding but often uses symbols and pictures to convey meaning and to guide us on our path.
Ask for confirmation. Often when thinking about numbers for myself I wait until I see it three times before I really start digging in to find out what is being said. This isn’t a trust issue, it’s just a simple methodology. You need to have your own method of hearing from God.
If you are seeing the number 1 in your life, ask God what it is specifically that He is trying to say to you. The context around the number at the time you are seeing it will give you great insight into what He is trying to say.
He may be trying to remind you that He is number 1.
What Does the Number 1 Mean in a Dream?
In a dream, the number one means the same thing that the number one means outside of a dream. If you are seeing the number one in dreams, it is usually just God using that method of communication to speak to you. The meaning of the number doesn’t change just because you saw it in a dream.
It is important however to place the number inside the context and story of the dream. Don’t take it out and give it meaning on its own. What is happening in the dream when you see number one? Is it with other people? Other symbols? These are all great indicators as to what God is trying to tell you.
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What Does the Bible Say about the Number 1
The biblical meaning of the number 1 is all about unity and God the father. Number one is about beginnings and firsts, God is first, God is the original.
Number one is also about unity in the sense that things come together to be united as one. Eternity and eternal life with the father was always the goal, and the number 1 is a representation of this unity and this one hope.
Biblical and prophetic meanings are not always spelt out in black and white. Sometimes we have to listen to the Holy Spirit to get to the real prophetic meaning of something, and the application of that meaning in real-time.
What is Gods Holy Number?
True Christianity entails a number of different things. Numbers and symbols are definitely a part of that because they are part of the prophetic language.
It’s only a matter of time before these symbols and ideas will enter your life and discipleship is part of the process to not only understanding what they mean in general but also how to apply those meanings to your life.
What does this mean and what should I do?
God’s holy number is mostly known as 777, but that is also tied directly to Jesus. When it comes to God the father the number 1 is more closely associated with God because of the meaning this number has, meanings like first, primary, origin and principle.
