Antioquia

Greek word · Strong G1427

What does the number 12 mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, 12 is the number of God's people. Israel is born from the twelve sons of Jacob, who give their names to the twelve tribes (Genesis 49:28), and Jesus chooses twelve apostles to begin his people (Matthew 10:2). At the end, the city of God has twelve gates and twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles (Revelation 21:14).

The number 12 in Greek

δώδεκα

dṓdeka · transliteration

In Strong’s lexicon
two and ten, i.e. a dozen
In the King James
  • twelve59
Appears in
59 verses

See the full G1427 entry →Also in the lexicon: H8147 שְׁנַיִם · H6240 עָשָׂר

What 12 stands for

12 runs through the history of Israel: twelve stones on the high priest's breastplate, twelve loaves on the table of the sanctuary, twelve stones taken from the Jordan at the entry into the promised land. Each tribe had its place, and the number was a reminder that the whole people stood before God.

When Jesus chooses twelve disciples the sign is clear: he is gathering God's people again. After Judas falls away, the apostles complete the number with Matthias (Acts 1:26). And in Revelation 12 returns in the gates, the foundations and the tree of life that bears twelve fruits — God's people gathered for ever.

Where the number 12 appears

Genesis 49:28

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.
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Matthew 10:2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
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Revelation 21:14

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
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Frequently asked questions

Why did Jesus choose 12 apostles?
To show that he was forming his people: as Israel had twelve tribes, the church begins with twelve apostles. Jesus even says they will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28).
What are the twelve tribes of Israel?
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph and Benjamin — the sons of Jacob (Genesis 49). When the land is divided, Joseph appears as two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, and Levi, which received no territory, is left out.

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