Lots of numbers in the bible have meanings. For example:
2 signifies solidly confirming a matter,
3 denotes emphasis and intensity
4 signifies universalness or foursquareness in symmetry,
6 signifies imperfection, something not normal, monstrous (i.e 666 ties up with the number 3....3x6)
7 signifies divinely determined completeness as to God's purposes or Satans,
10 signifies allness or completeness in a physical way as to things on the earth,
12 signifies a divinely constituted organization either in the heavens or on the earth,
24 signifies Gods abundant organizational arrangement
No where do I have any info re the number 40. Some numbers in the bible are literal and I think the number 40 is one of them.
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