Significance of “40” in Sacred Scripture
In Sacred Scripture, the number “40” signifies new life, new growth, transformation, a change from one great task to another great task, etc. For example:
- The rain of the Great Flood – the Great Deluge – lasted 40 days and nights.
- Moses fasted for 40 days and nights to prepare himself to receive the Law.
- Moses was atop Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights receiving the Law.
- The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years after fleeing the Egyptians.
- The Manna rained down on the Israelites for 40 years.
- The Prophet Elijah walked 40 days and nights to reach the Mountain of God, Horeb.
- Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights to prepare for His public ministry.
- Jesus Ascended into Heaven 40 days after His glorious Resurrection from the dead.
- From Christmas Day to the Presentation (February 2) is 40 days.
- The human gestation period for new life is around 40 weeks.
- Even the seeking of a partial or plenary indulgence has a period of 40 days as the time allotted to make a good and holy Confession; that is, within 20 days before or 20 days after the spiritual work is sought.
Synopsis of the Significance of “40”
in Sacred Scripture…
- So it is, then, that – again, Scripturally speaking – “40 means something”, as it brings to mind such qualities as repentance, newness, preparation (say, for an important work or task), self-examination, transformation, task fulfillment, escape from bondage or slavery (such as to sin), nourishment and growth (for example, in the spiritual life), and, finally, personal fulfillment, such as with redemption and salvation, and ultimately, new generation and new life.
Lent, Regarding Lent
- The word Lent, from the Middle English word Lenten, means “Springtime.” The Lenten season lasts forty days because Jesus went into the desert for forty days of fasting, meditation and reflection before beginning His three years of public ministry. The Congregation for Divine Worship describes Lent as a time of preparation for Easter: “It is a time to hear the Word of God, to convert, to prepare for and remember Baptism, to be reconciled with God and one’s neighbor, and of more frequent recourse to the ‘arms of Christian penance’: prayer, fasting and almsgiving” – and these three things constitute what are known as the Three Eminent Good Works. Lent officially begins on Ash Wednesday, and ends at the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening. Traditionally, Sundays are excluded in Lent’s “forty day” count.
FAQs
In Sacred Scripture, the number “40” signifies new life, new growth, transformation, a change from one great task to another great task, etc. For example: The rain of the Great Flood – the Great Deluge – lasted 40 days and nights.
What is the significance of 40 in Sacred Scripture? ›
Forty, in the bible, seems to signify the end of a long period of waiting or testing. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses lived in Egypt for 40 years, and then was in the desert for another 40. The Israelites were in the wilderness for 40 years.
What is the significance of 40 in Hebrew? ›
The number 40 has great significance throughout the Torah and the Talmud. The number 40 represents transition or change; the concept of renewal; a new beginning. The number 40 has the power to lift a spiritual state.
What does age 40 represent? ›
Mastery of Self-Awareness
By the time you reach 40, you've likely become well-acquainted with your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and fears. This self-awareness is a powerful tool; it means you no longer strive to fit into someone else's mold or seek approval indiscriminately.
What is unique about the number 40? ›
1. Forty is the only number in English whose letters appear in alphabetical order. 2. Minus 40 degrees, or “40 below,” is the only temperature that is the same in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.
What does the number 40 mean in the Catholic Bible? ›
The Number 40. Forty is often used to refer to a period of time, usually a period of trial or struggle. The flood lasts 40 days, Israel is in the desert for 40 year, Elijah walks 40 days to mount Horeb, Jesus is tempted in the desert for 40 days. (Gen. 7:4; Exod.
Where did the number 40 come from? ›
At the Mesopotamian dawn of written civilization, there was the Sumerian god known as Enki, patron deity of Eridu. He was identified, also, with other regional gods including the Babylonian Nabu, and even Ea, lord of the earth in Akkadian cosmology. Enki's name, written in hieroglyphs, spells the numeral 40.
What angel is 40? ›
"To comfort another is to love them exactly as they are." Ieiazel is the Angel of consolation and comfort. He represents renewal after a difficult period and brings peace and harmony within.
What does the Bible say about 40 days after death? ›
This day is historically understood as "Ascension Day,” because it is the day that Jesus ascended back into heaven. Acts 1:1-3 tells us that from the time that Jesus rose again from the grave (Resurrection) to the time that He ascended into heaven (Ascension), it was a period of 40 days.
What is an example of the number 40 in the Bible? ›
It is often associated with the theme of testing, trials and judgment. Here are some examples: The rains fell in Noah's day for 40 days and nights (Genesis 7:4) Israel ate manna and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years (Exodus 16:35)
Mem
| ← Lamedh Mem Nun → |
|---|
| Phonemic representation | m |
| Position in alphabet | 13 |
| Numerical value | 40 |
| Alphabetic derivatives of the Phoenician |
8 more rowsThe “one hour” pronounced by a Divine Angel from God's throne might well be speaking of one hour in God's time. God's time—using a thousand years as one day— computes one hour (Divine Time) equal to 40 years (Man's Time).
What does 40 represent spiritually? ›
So it is, then, that – again, Scripturally speaking – “40 means something”, as it brings to mind such qualities as repentance, newness, preparation (say, for an important work or task), self-examination, transformation, task fulfillment, escape from bondage or slavery (such as to sin), nourishment and growth (for ...
What is the significance of 40 years in the Bible? ›
Forty years is considered a generation in the Bible (i.e. a new group of Israelites that rises up, sustains itself, then dies off). For the three kings of antiquity, this measurement of time also contains a warning — 20 years of their rule was marked by prosperity and 20 years by ruin.
Why is turning 40 so special? ›
Why is turning 40 so special? You worry less about what others think of you. You learn to say no to people and commitments. By the time you turn 40, you start to do what you want and what works for you and your family; the only opinions that truly matter are your own.
What is the significance of 40 in Hinduism? ›
In Hinduism, the festival of Chaturmas lasts for 40 days. In many cultures, 40 days is seen as a time of purification, self-reflection, and transformation. Lent is a perfect opportunity to give up an unwanted habit. Many people choose to give up things like sweets, alcohol, or social media for the 40-day period.
Where in the Bible does it talk about 40 years? ›
Numbers 14:34 in Other Translations
34 “'Because your men explored the land for forty days, you must wander in the wilderness for forty years—a year for each day, suffering the consequences of your sins. Then you will discover what it is like to have me for an enemy.
