The number 8 in the Bible represents new beginnings, resurrection, and renewal. It is a powerful number that signifies God’s grace in bringing forth something new and fresh. Throughout Scripture, we see the significance of this number in relation to Jesus, covenants, and divine intervention. Below are seven biblical themes that highlight the meaning of the number 8, each supported by Bible verses . Do read on!
Also Read: Bible Verses About Math
New Beginnings and Resurrection
The number 8 often symbolizes a new beginning in the Bible. After seven days of creation, the eighth day marked the start of something new. Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week (which can also be seen as the eighth day) confirms that this number represents renewal and transformation in Christ.
Luke 24:1
“But very early on Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Romans 6:4
“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”
John 20:26
“Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. ‘Peace be with you,’ he said.”
Genesis 17:12
“From generation to generation, every male child must be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. This applies not only to members of your family but also to the servants born in your household and the foreign-born servants whom you have purchased.”
Noah and the Eight People Saved
In the story of Noah, eight people were saved in the ark, representing a new beginning for humanity. God wiped out the old and started anew with Noah and his family, showing His power to restore and renew.
1 Peter 3:20
“Those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.”
Genesis 7:13
“That very day Noah had gone into the boat with his wife and his sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and their wives.”
Genesis 8:18
“So Noah, his wife, and his sons and their wives left the boat.”
Genesis 6:18
“But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives.”
2 Peter 2:5
“And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when He destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood.”
Jesus’ Resurrection on the Eighth Day
Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, which is also the eighth day in Jewish counting. His resurrection is the ultimate new beginning, bringing eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Mark 16:9
“After Jesus rose from the dead early on Sunday morning, the first person who saw Him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom He had cast out seven demons.”
Matthew 28:1
“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.”
John 20:19
“That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! ‘Peace be with you,’ He said.”
John 20:21
“Again He said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you.'”
Acts 1:3
“During the forty days after He suffered and died, He appeared to the apostles from time to time, and He proved to them in many ways that He was actually alive. And He talked to them about the Kingdom of God.”
Circumcision on the Eighth Day
God commanded that circumcision, the sign of His covenant with Israel, should be performed on the eighth day. This marked a new identity and belonging to God’s people.
Leviticus 12:3
“On the eighth day the boy’s foreskin must be circumcised.”
Philippians 3:5
“I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one!”
Luke 1:59
“When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father.”
Luke 2:21
“Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, He was named Jesus, the name given Him by the angel even before He was conceived.”
Genesis 21:4
“Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Physics
Jesus Appearing to Thomas on the Eighth Day
Jesus appeared to Thomas on the eighth day, giving him a new beginning in faith. This encounter demonstrates God’s grace and patience in revealing Himself to those who doubt.
John 20:26
“Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. ‘Peace be with you,’ He said.”
John 20:27
“Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!'”
John 20:29
“Then Jesus told him, ‘You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.'”
2 Corinthians 4:18
“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
Hebrews 11:1
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”
Feast of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day
The Feast of Tabernacles lasted for seven days, but on the eighth day, there was a sacred assembly. This final day represented a time of completion and a new beginning, pointing to eternal life with God.
Leviticus 23:36
“For seven days you must present special gifts to the Lord. The eighth day is another holy day on which you present your special gifts to the Lord. This will be a solemn occasion, and no ordinary work may be done on that day.”
Nehemiah 8:18
“Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God on each of the seven days of the festival. Then on the eighth day, they held a solemn assembly, as was required by law.”
John 7:37-38
“On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, ‘Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”
2 Chronicles 7:9
“On the eighth day they had a closing ceremony, for they had celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days and the Festival of Shelters for seven days.”
Leviticus 23:39
“Remember that this seven-day festival to the Lord—the Festival of Shelters—begins on the fifteenth day of the appointed month, after you have harvested all the produce of the land. The first day and the eighth day of the festival will be days of complete rest.”
David, the Eighth Son, and New Leadership
David was the eighth son of Jesse, chosen by God to be king. His anointing signified a new beginning for Israel, moving from Saul’s reign to a dynasty that would lead to Jesus Christ.
1 Samuel 16:10-11
“In the same way, all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen any of these.’ Then Samuel asked, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ ‘There is still the youngest,’ Jesse replied. ‘But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.'”
1 Samuel 16:12
“So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, ‘This is the one; anoint him.'”
Psalm 89:20
“I have found my servant David. I have anointed him with my holy oil.”
2 Samuel 7:16
“Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.”
Acts 13:22
“But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’”