The numbers 1111 have become associated with making a wish or seeing it as a sign from the universe. However, the significance of 11:11 according to the Bible has a different meaning. Here is an overview of the biblical meaning and significance of 11:11:
1. The Number 11 in the Bible
The number 11 in the Bible represents disorder, imperfection, and incompletion. This comes from the fact that 11 falls short of the number 12, which represents completeness in the Bible (e.g. 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus). A few examples:
– When the people built the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9, God brought linguistic disorder and confusion through dividing their languages as judgment.
– In the book of Leviticus, chapter 11 lists out many of the animals that the Israelites considered ceremonially unclean.
– The 11th hour represents a last-minute inclusion of workers to a full number (Matthew 20:6-9).
So in the Bible, the number 11 is often associated with falling short of completeness, order, and perfection.
2. The Significance of Repeating Numbers in the Bible
In the Bible, when numbers are repeated like 11:11 it can signify an intensification or amplification of the core meaning of the number. Here are some examples:
– Genesis 41:32 when Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream, the doubling of the dream emphasizes that it is fixed and certain to happen.
– In Ezekiel 21:27, God pronounces judgment on Israel, saying he will “overturn, overturn, overturn it.” The threefold repetition highlights the certainty and severity of this judgment.
– The 6 repetitions of “Holy” in Isaiah 6:3 highlights the superlative holiness of God.
So repetition serves to intensify the core meaning. This illuminates the biblical significance of 11:11 – it amplifies the core sense of disorder, imperfection, and incompletion.
3. The Meaning of 11:11 in End Times Prophecy
There are no direct biblical passages about the specific time 11:11. However, some people draw a connection between 11:11 and verses in Revelation that point to end times disorder:
– Revelation 11:11 describes God’s two witnesses who are killed and left unburied for 3.5 days while people gloat over them. This points to a lack of order and godlessness in the end times.
– Revelation 11:11 says the witnesses come to life and terror strikes those who see them. This relates to the terror prophesied to come during the tribulation period before Christ’s return.
So while 11:11 itself is not mentioned, some tie it symbolically to prophesied end times chaos and terror in Revelation 11. But this connection is uncertain.
4. The Significance of 11:11 in Bible Numerology
Bible numerology draws symbolic meaning from numbers beyond their literal usage in text. Here are numerological views about 1111 relevant to Bible study:
– Being surrounded by 1’s represents relying fully on the one true God, not divided loyalties.
– The ascending order of the 4 digits signifies God’s creative work moving towards completion and perfection.
– Four 1’s represent God ruling over Earth’s four corners, or the four seasons and directions.
However, Christians are divided about how much numerology should influence Bible interpretation. Dependence on the Holy Spirit is needed for wise understanding.
5. Seeing 11:11 as a Sign to Pray
Assuming 1111 has a negative meaning of disorder, some Christians take it as a symbolic prompt to pray against spiritual attacks or confusion in this fallen world. Specific prayers include:
– Praying for God’s divine order to breakthrough in situations marred by sin or rebellion.
– Asking God for discernment and clarity in the midst of lies and deception in the end times.
– Seeking God’s wisdom and perfection to counteract the flawed thinking of the world.
– Calling on Jesus to bring unity and alignment through His Lordship in divided relationships and circumstances.
Rather than making a wish, Christians can see 11:11 as a reminder to turn to God in more frequent prayer for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
6. A Warning Against Numerology and Superstition
While some meanings can be drawn from numbers in Scripture, the Bible warns against trying to find omens, signs, or supernatural messages through numbers. Cautions include:
– Fortune telling, horoscopes, and omens are detestable to God (Deuteronomy 18:9-13, Isaiah 47:13-15).
– Scripture urges relying on God’s word over signs and mysteries (Daniel 4:7, Romans 11:25).
– Numerology can lead to significance being attributed to numbers and codes apart from God (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).
– The Bible prohibits adopting pagan practices of reading meaning into times (Leviticus 19:26).
So while numbers can shed light, Christians should avoid numerological obsessions, superstitions, or looking for magical meaning in numbers like 11:11 apart from God.
7. Focusing on Scriptural Teaching About God’s Providence
Rather than being distracted by the meaning of 11:11, Christians can focus on the Bible’s many direct teachings and promises related to God’s providence and care including:
– God promises to work all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
– Jesus assures believers that God knows what they need before asking (Matthew 6:8).
– God gives peace that surpasses understanding for those rooted in Christ (Philippians 4:6-7).
– Scripture says God will supply every need according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
– The Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of believers when they don’t know how to pray (Romans 8:26-27).
Reliance on these clear teachings dispels a need to find deeper meaning in numbers, codes, or mystical signs. God’s provision is already assured through faith in Christ.
8. Putting Focus on Clear Biblical Teaching
Rather than unnecessarily reading into the symbolic significance of 11:11, Christians can stay grounded in clear biblical teaching that helps them walk in wisdom, truth, and faith in God’s care. Key scriptures include:
– Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord completely rather than your own understanding.
– John 8:12 – Rely on Christ as the light of the world to illuminate truth.
– Hebrews 11:1 – Live by faith not mystical signs.
– 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture thoroughly equips people for every good work.
– James 1:5 – When lacking wisdom, ask God who provides it generously.
– Joshua 1:8 – Meditate constantly on God’s word for prosperity and success.
Keeping focus on these definitive passages keeps believers from being led astray while navigating confusing times and circumstances.
9. Putting 11:11 in Context of God’s Overall Revelation
Any meaning ascribed to 11:11 needs to align with the overall revelation of the nature and character of God throughout Scripture. Key revealed aspects of God’s character include:
– God is sovereign over all things (Psalm 103:19).
– God is perfectly loving, just, righteous, and true (1 John 4:8, Psalm 11:7, John 14:6).
– God is omniscient, knowing all things past, present and future (Psalm 147:5).
– God has a plan and purpose he carries out through His Son Jesus (Ephesians 1:9-10).
Since Scripture thoroughly reveals who God is, any speculations about 11:11 cannot contradict what is already established about God’s attributes and revelation.
10. Summary
In summary, while 11 and 1111 have symbolic significance in the Bible regarding disorder and intensifying numbers, definitive meaning of the specific time 11:11 is lacking. Christians should avoid unhealthy obsession or numerology around 1111, while praying against end times deception if sensing a prompting from God to do so. Most importantly, biblical teaching on God’s sovereignty, providence, wisdom and revelation through Christ should ground believers in living by faith rather than omens, signs or mystical codes like 11:11.