Biblical Meaning Of 31

In this article, we will delve into the biblical meaning of the number 31 and explore its spiritual significance. By understanding the symbolic representations and biblical references associated with the number 31, we can gain deeper insight into its divine message.

The Symbolic Meaning of 31 in the Bible

1. Completion of a Cycle: In biblical numerology, the number 31 is often associated with the completion of a cycle. It signifies the end of one phase or season and the beginning of another. This number can represent a time of transition, where the divine hand is at work, closing old chapters and opening new doors.
2. Divine Protection: The number 31 is also linked to the concept of divine protection. In Psalm 31:20, it is written, “You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.” This verse highlights God’s promise to shield and safeguard His people from harm.
3. Redemption and Restoration: The number 31 carries the symbolism of redemption and restoration. In the book of Ruth, Chapter 4, Boaz redeems Ruth and marries her, signifying the restoration of her destiny and the fulfillment of God’s plan. This biblical account showcases the transformative power of God’s redeeming love.
4. Seeking God’s Wisdom: The number 31 can also serve as a reminder to seek God’s wisdom and guidance. Proverbs 31:26 describes the virtuous woman, stating, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.” This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from God and using it to bless others.
5. Spiritual Growth: The number 31 signifies spiritual growth and maturity. It represents the journey of faith and the process of becoming more Christ-like. Just as the moon completes its cycle every 31 days, believers are called to continually grow and reflect the light of Christ in their lives.

Biblical References to the Number 31

1. The 31 Kings: In Joshua 12:9-24, the conquest of the Promised Land is described, and it mentions the defeat of 31 kings by the Israelites. This victory represents God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and delivering His people.
2. The 31st Day: The 31st day is referenced in various biblical accounts. For instance, Genesis 1:31 states, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” This verse highlights the completion of God’s creation and His satisfaction with it.
3. Days of Mourning: In the book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 34, the Israelites mourned for Moses for 30 days, and it is implied that their mourning extended to the 31st day. This period of mourning signifies the end of an era and the beginning of a new leadership under Joshua.

Applying the Biblical Meaning of 31 to Our Lives

1. Embracing Change and Transition: The biblical meaning of 31 encourages us to embrace change and transition in our lives. It reminds us that even in times of uncertainty, God is working behind the scenes to complete cycles and bring forth new beginnings.
2. Trusting in God’s Protection: The number 31 reminds us of God’s promise of protection. It encourages us to trust in His divine shelter and find refuge in His presence, knowing that He shields us from the schemes and strife of the world.
3. Seeking Wisdom and Growing Spiritually: The biblical meaning of 31 prompts us to seek wisdom from God and grow spiritually. It reminds us to open our hearts to His guidance, allowing His wisdom to shape our words and actions.
4. Embracing Redemption and Restoration: The symbolism of 31 invites us to embrace the redeeming love of God. It assures us that no matter our past mistakes or setbacks, God has the power to restore and fulfill His purposes in our lives.

Delving into the Spiritual Symbolism of 31

1. Completion and Fulfillment: The number 31 carries a profound sense of completion and fulfillment. It signifies the culmination of a journey or a task, indicating that a specific purpose or season has reached its intended outcome. This symbolism encourages us to reflect on the fulfillment of God’s promises and the manifestation of His divine plan in our lives.
2. Divine Provision and Blessings: The biblical meaning of 31 also highlights the concept of divine provision and blessings. It reminds us of God’s abundant provision and His willingness to bless His people. By recognizing and embracing the blessings bestowed upon us, we can cultivate an attitude of gratitude and develop a deeper appreciation for God’s faithfulness.
3. The Power of Prayer: The number 31 emphasizes the power of prayer and the significance of seeking God’s intervention. It encourages us to approach God with our petitions, knowing that He hears our prayers and is ready to respond. This symbolism underscores the importance of maintaining a strong prayer life and developing a closer relationship with our Creator.
4. Divine Order and Harmony: The number 31 represents divine order and harmony in the Bible. It reminds us of God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring all things into perfect alignment. This symbolism encourages us to trust in God’s divine timing and to surrender our plans and desires to His guidance.

Biblical References to the Number 31: A Closer Look

1. King David’s Reign: King David, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, reigned for a total of 40 years, with the last 7 years occurring in Hebron and the subsequent 33 years in Jerusalem. The number 31 signifies the period of stability and establishment of David’s kingdom, highlighting the divine favor and blessings upon him.
2. Tabernacle Dedication: In the book of Numbers, Chapter 7, the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel presented their offerings for the dedication of the tabernacle. The offerings were presented over a span of 12 days, with each tribe bringing its offering on a specific day. On the 31st day, Moses completed the dedication process, signifying the establishment of the tabernacle as a place of worship and communion with God.
3. Healing of the Woman with a Bleeding Issue: In the New Testament, Mark 5:25-34 recounts the healing of a woman who had been suffering from a chronic bleeding issue for 12 years. When she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, she was immediately healed. The number 31 represents the number of days in a month, underscoring the woman’s faith and perseverance in seeking healing, as well as the power of Jesus’ miraculous touch.

Applying the Spiritual Significance of 31 to Our Lives

1. Acknowledging God’s Faithfulness: The biblical meaning of 31 reminds us to acknowledge and celebrate God’s faithfulness in our lives. It prompts us to reflect on the ways in which He has brought completion, blessings, and provision into our journey. This understanding fosters a heart of gratitude and cultivates a deeper trust in God’s continued faithfulness.
2. Cultivating a Lifestyle of Prayer: The symbolism of 31 underscores the importance of maintaining a consistent and fervent prayer life. It encourages us to approach God with our needs, desires, and thanksgiving, recognizing the power of prayer to bring about transformation and alignment with God’s will.
3. Surrendering to God’s Divine Timing: The number 31 prompts us to surrender our plans and desires to God’s divine timing and order. It reminds us that His ways are higher than our ways and that His perfect timing ensures that all things work together for our good. Embracing this symbolism encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty and patiently wait for His purposes to unfold.
4. Seeking Healing and Restoration: The significance of 31 in the healing account of the woman with a bleeding issue invites us to seek healing and restoration in our own lives. It reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate source of healing and encourages us to approach Him with faith and expectation, believing in His transformative power.

Unveiling the Symbolism of 31 in Greater Detail

1. Divine Chosenness and Selection: The biblical meaning of the number 31 conveys the idea of divine chosenness and selection. It represents God’s hand in appointing and anointing individuals for specific purposes. Just as the 31st verse of certain biblical chapters reveals pivotal moments of selection, it reminds us of God’s sovereign choice in our lives.
2. Transformation and Renewal: The number 31 signifies transformation and renewal. It reminds us of the potential for personal growth and spiritual renewal through our relationship with God. By embracing His guidance and allowing Him to work in our lives, we can experience a transformative journey toward becoming more like Christ.
3. Steadfastness and Endurance: The symbolism of 31 carries a message of steadfastness and endurance. It encourages us to persevere in the face of challenges, remaining steadfast in our faith and committed to the path set before us. This symbolism reminds us that through God’s strength, we can overcome obstacles and emerge victorious.
4. Divine Order and Perfection: The number 31 represents divine order and perfection. It reflects the meticulous nature of God’s plan and His ability to bring everything into perfect alignment. This symbolism invites us to trust in God’s sovereignty and embrace His perfect order, even when circumstances may seem chaotic.

Scriptural References to the Number 31: An In-depth Examination

1. The 31st Verse in the Book of Genesis: In Genesis 1:31, the 31st verse of the creation account, it is written, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” This verse marks the completion of God’s creation and highlights His satisfaction with His work.
2. David’s Reign and Rule: King David’s reign, which lasted for 40 years, is often associated with the number 31. The final seven years of David’s reign occurred in Hebron, and the subsequent 33 years were spent ruling in Jerusalem. The number 31 represents the stability and establishment of David’s kingdom under God’s guidance.
3. The Dedication of Solomon’s Temple: In 1 Kings 6:38, it is mentioned that the dedication of Solomon’s temple took place on the 31st day of the eighth month. This event marked a significant milestone in Israel’s history, symbolizing the establishment of a sacred place of worship and the dwelling of God’s presence among His people.

Applying the Spiritual Significance of 31 to Our Spiritual Journey

1. Embracing Divine Appointments: The biblical meaning of 31 reminds us to embrace and recognize divine appointments in our lives. It encourages us to trust that God has chosen and anointed us for specific purposes. By aligning our lives with His will, we can walk confidently in the path He has set before us.
2. Embracing Transformation and Growth: The symbolism of 31 invites us to embrace transformation and growth in our spiritual journey. It encourages us to allow God to work in us, renewing our minds and conforming us to the image of Christ. By yielding to His transformative power, we can experience true spiritual growth.
3. Cultivating Steadfastness and Endurance: The significance of 31 reminds us of the importance of cultivating steadfastness and endurance in our faith. It encourages us to persevere in difficult times, relying on God’s strength and grace to carry us through. By remaining steadfast, we can witness the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives.
4. Trusting in Divine Order and Perfection: The number 31 points us to trust in God’s divine order and perfection. It reminds us that even in the midst of uncertainty, God is orchestrating every detail according to His perfect plan. By surrendering to His sovereign will, we can find peace and assurance in His guiding hand.

Conclusion

The biblical meaning of the number 31 encompasses divine chosenness, transformation, steadfastness, and divine order. By understanding the symbolism and scriptural references associated with this number, we can gain deeper insights into our spiritual journey. May the significance of 31 inspire us to embrace God’s appointments, pursue transformation and growth, cultivate steadfastness, and trust in His divine order and perfection. As we walk in alignment with His purposes, may we experience the fullness of His blessings and find fulfillment in our relationship with Him.

Evangelist Shadrach

Evangelist Shadrach is a Christian writer and Bible Scholar who is  passionate about biblical meanings and interpretations. He is very committed to researching and revealing these interpretations found in the Bible in order to spread the message of healing and redemption through his writings and online presence.