What Numbers Are Considered Cursed in the Bible?
Quick Summary
While Scripture highlights several sacred numbers—such as 3, 7, 12, 40, and 70—it also contains numbers associated with judgment, rebellion, or sorrow. Biblical writers never describe numbers as "magically cursed," yet certain numbers become linked with sin, failure, idolatry, or divine judgment through the stories in which they appear. The most commonly recognized "cursed" or ominous numbers in Scripture are 6, 13, 40 (in its negative uses), 666, and several numbers tied to death or rebellion.
Introduction
The Bible does not teach numerology in the superstitious sense. It does not claim that numbers themselves carry inherent blessing or curse. Yet the stories of Scripture shape our imagination, and in those stories, some numbers repeatedly appear in moments of rebellion, judgment, or catastrophe. Over time, those numbers take on a certain weight.
Understanding these "cursed" numbers helps readers appreciate how Scripture uses patterns, symbols, and narrative echoes to communicate both warning and wisdom.
The Number 6: Falling Short of Completion
Six is not inherently cursed, but it symbolizes incompletion and human limitation.
Creation reaches its completion on the seventh day; six is the day before rest.
In biblical symbolism, seven represents wholeness; six falls short.
Goliath’s height is described with sixes in some textual traditions.
The number 6 becomes a sign of what is almost, but not yet whole—human striving without divine rest.
The Number 13: Rare but Often Associated With Rebellion
The Bible does not treat 13 as an unlucky number in the later Western sense, yet it appears in contexts of rebellion and disorder.
In Genesis 14, the kings rebel in the thirteenth year.
Ishmael is circumcised at 13, which later Jewish tradition sometimes noted as a separation from Isaac’s covenant line (though Scripture does not moralize this number).
While the Bible never explicitly assigns "bad luck" to 13, its narrative associations lean toward conflict.
The Number 40: When Testing Becomes Judgment
Forty is primarily a sacred number of testing, preparation, and transition. But some of its uses take on a darker tone.
The flood rains fall for forty days and forty nights.
Israel wanders for forty years due to unbelief.
Ezekiel lies on his side for forty days symbolizing Judah’s sin.
Forty itself is not cursed, but in its negative uses, it becomes a number of divine rebuke, reckoning, or discipline.
The Number 3 in Moments of Judgment
Three is normally a sacred number of divine action, but it occasionally marks judgment.
David must choose a judgment lasting three days (2 Samuel 24).
Amos speaks of “for three sins… and for four” as a formula of indictment.
Again, the number is not cursed, but its pattern in prophetic judgment is marked.
The Number 2: Division and Conflict
Two is often a number of witness in Scripture, but it also signals division.
Two kingdoms emerge after Solomon: Israel and Judah.
Two bears come from the woods to judge the mockers of Elisha.
Two thieves are crucified with Jesus—one mocking, one repenting.
Two becomes the number of choice, conflict, contrast, and division.
The Symbolic Weight of 666: The Number of the Beast
No number in Scripture carries more ominous weight than 666.
Revelation 13:18 names it explicitly: “the number of the beast.”
Several interpretations exist:
Falling short: 777 symbolizes complete divine perfection; 666 falls short three times.
Gematria: In Hebrew numerical calculation, "Nero Caesar" adds up to 666.
Humanity without God: Six is human incompletion; triple repetition represents absolute human rebellion.
Regardless of interpretation, 666 symbolizes organized, systemic, defiant evil.
Numbers Associated With Death or Catastrophe
Some numbers become tied to tragedy through narrative, not symbolism.
70,000 — Judgment After David’s Census
In 2 Samuel 24, seventy thousand die as judgment for David’s pride. The number is not cursed, but the memory of that judgment lingers.
3,000 — Death at Sinai
When Israel worships the golden calf, about three thousand die. In a narrative twist, three thousand are converted at Pentecost—a reversal rather than a curse.
14 — Double Seven, But in Grief
Fourteen is linked with Passover (fourteenth day of the month), yet also appears in genealogies emphasizing brokenness and exile.
10 — Judgment in Egypt
The ten plagues are acts of judgment on Egypt and its gods.
Ten itself is sacred, but in this story, ten becomes the rhythm of catastrophe.
Numbers Marking Rebellion or Disorder
Some numbers occur in decisive moments of failure.
250 — The Leaders Who Join Korah
In Numbers 16, 250 men join Korah in rebellion and perish in divine judgment.
42 — The Youths Who Mock Elisha
Forty-two youths die when they mock the prophet Elisha.
50 — Captains Consumed by Fire
In 2 Kings 1, two groups of fifty soldiers are destroyed when they challenge Elijah.
These numbers are not symbolic in a mystical sense but carry heavy narrative associations.
Why the Bible Uses Certain Numbers in Dark Moments
Numbers in Scripture are narrative tools. They help structure stories, mark patterns, and reinforce themes.
Sacred numbers—like 3, 7, 10, and 12—point upward to God’s work.
Numbers associated with judgment—like 6, 13, 40-in-judgment, and 666—point downward to human failure.
But Scripture avoids superstition. A number is never cursed on its own. It becomes ominous through:
the story it appears in
the patterns it forms
the contrast with sacred numbers
Biblical numbers deepen meaning; they do not dictate fate.
The Theological Purpose of “Cursed” Numbers
These numbers highlight:
the reality of sin
the consequences of rebellion
the contrast between God’s completeness and human incompleteness
the seriousness of covenant
the call to return to God
Every difficult number in Scripture ultimately points toward mercy, restoration, and completeness in God.
FAQ
Does the Bible actually teach that numbers can be cursed?
No. Scripture uses numbers symbolically, but it never treats them as magical or inherently cursed.
Why is 666 considered an evil number?
Because Revelation identifies it as the number of the beast, symbolizing human rebellion and worldly empire.
Is 13 considered unlucky in the Bible?
Not explicitly, though it appears in contexts of rebellion.
Is the number 6 evil?
No, but it symbolizes incompletion and falling short of God's design.
What is the purpose of negative or ominous numbers in Scripture?
To highlight moments of judgment, rebellion, or human frailty.
