Are you curious about the number three in the Bible? This special number appears many times and carries important meanings. From the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to significant events involving three days, the number is rich with symbolism. The Bible teaches us about the importance of faith, love, and hope, especially through the lens of the number three.
Today, we will look at some powerful Bible verses that mention the number three. These verses remind us of God’s wisdom and how He uses numbers in our lives. Together, let’s uncover the lessons and inspiration that the number three offers throughout Scripture.
Bible Verses About 3
The Holy Trinity
When we think about the number three in Christianity, the Holy Trinity stands out. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit represent unity and diversity in the Godhead. Each person of the Trinity has a unique role, yet they are one God. This mystery signifies the profound love and relationship that God desires with us. We are reminded that through our faith in the Trinity, we find strength and guidance. Acknowledging the Trinity invites us to partake in a divine community, perfect and eternal. It enriches our understanding of God’s nature and teaches us how we are to love and relate to one another in our daily lives.
Matthew 28:19
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19
2 Corinthians 13:14
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” – 2 Corinthians 13:14
John 14:16-17
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” – John 14:16-17
1 John 5:7
“For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and these three are in agreement.” – 1 John 5:7
Matthew 3:16-17
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” – Matthew 3:16-17
Three Days
The number three is often associated with significant events that happen over a three-day period in the Bible. This timeframe usually symbolizes resurrection or restoration. For example, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, marking the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation. This powerful moment reminds us of the hope that is found in Christ—through Him, we can experience a spiritual rebirth. These three days can also be seen as a symbol of waiting and trusting in God’s timing. In our lives, we too might experience personal trials that seem prolonged, but we must remember that renewal often comes after a period of waiting, just like the example we see in Scripture.
Luke 24:46
“He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.'” – Luke 24:46
1 Corinthians 15:4
“That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” – 1 Corinthians 15:4
John 2:19
“Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.'” – John 2:19
Matthew 12:40
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” – Matthew 12:40
Acts 10:40
“But God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear.” – Acts 10:40
Three Gifts
The Bible teaches us about the importance of sharing and giving, and this is beautifully illustrated through the gifts of the Magi to Jesus. These three gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each carried a deep significance and purpose. The act of giving these gifts was a recognition of Jesus’s kingship, divinity, and humanity. As we reflect on this story, we see that we are also called to give in different ways—our time, resources, and love. The lesson here is about not just the physical gifts but the spirit of giving that should flow from our hearts. In our own lives, we should seek opportunities to uplift and support those around us, creating a community that reflects God’s love.
Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
Exodus 25:3
“These are the contributions you are to receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze.” – Exodus 25:3
Numbers 7:13
“His offering was one silver platter weighing 130 shekels and one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels, both of them full of fine flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering.” – Numbers 7:13
2 Samuel 8:10
“He sent his son Joram to King David to ask about his health and to bring a gift of silver, gold, and articles of clothing.” – 2 Samuel 8:10
1 Chronicles 29:7
“They gave toward the work on the temple of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze and a hundred thousand talents of iron.” – 1 Chronicles 29:7
Three Denials
As humans, we encounter moments of weakness, and Peter’s three denials of Christ serve as a powerful reminder of our flaws. Even someone as devoted as Peter—who walked and talked with Jesus—fell short. This account teaches us that everyone can stray at times. However, it also highlights God’s incredible mercy and love. After Peter’s denials, he was restored by Jesus, which shows that no matter how far we might wander, God is always ready to welcome us back. We can learn from Peter’s experience to be steadfast in our faith and to seek forgiveness when we stumble. God’s grace is always available, no matter our past mistakes.
Matthew 26:69-70
“Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. ‘You also were with Jesus of Galilee,’ she said. But he denied it before them all. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ he said.” – Matthew 26:69-70
Matthew 26:71-72
“Then he went out to the entryway, where another servant girl saw him and said to those standing there, ‘This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.’ He denied it again, with an oath: ‘I don’t know the man!'” – Matthew 26:71-72
Matthew 26:73-74
“After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, ‘Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.’ Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, ‘I don’t know the man!’ Immediately a rooster crowed.” – Matthew 26:73-74
Mark 14:30
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice, you yourself will disown me three times.” – Mark 14:30
John 21:15
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.'” – John 21:15
Three Commands
In our walk with God, we are called to live by command. Jesus summed up the law with three significant commands that guide our lives: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind; to love our neighbors as ourselves; and to go and make disciples. These commands are interconnected and emphasize the importance of love in our relationship with God and each other. They remind us of our mission in life and our responsibility toward one another. By focusing on these three commands, we can fully understand what it means to walk in faith and share God’s goodness with others.
Matthew 22:37-39
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Matthew 22:37-39
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Luke 10:27
“He answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Luke 10:27
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
Three Witnesses
The concept of three witnesses is important in the Bible and signifies affirmation and truth. When establishing facts, significant events or actions were often confirmed by the testimony of three people. This principle reflects God’s order and fairness. By maintaining a standard for truth, we can relate to one another and uphold our integrity in our faith. In our lives, we should strive to be honest and stand by our convictions. The strength in having multiple witnesses reminds us that we don’t walk our faith alone; we are part of a community that supports and strengthens each other.
Deuteronomy 19:15
“One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of a crime or offense they have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” – Deuteronomy 19:15
Matthew 18:16
“But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'” – Matthew 18:16
John 8:17
“In your own Law, it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true.” – John 8:17
1 Timothy 5:19
“Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 5:19
Acts 1:15
“In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, ‘Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus.'” – Acts 1:15
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the significance of the number three in the Bible reveals the depth of our faith. From the Holy Trinity to the three days until resurrection, we see God’s power and promises come to fruition. We have heard about gifts, commands, and witnesses that build our understanding of love and community. Every lesson learned is a step toward strengthening our relationship with God and each other. Just like Peter’s experience, we can find restoration through grace, inviting us to remain steadfast in our devotion.
As we seek inspiration, let us remember the importance of sharing with others, obeying God’s commands, and supporting one another in truth and love. The number three serves as an encouragement that God is present in our lives, and we are called to fulfill our roles within His creation.
If you want to explore topics like growth in faith or the bond of brotherhood, feel free to check out these resources: Bible Verses About Growing and Bible Verses About Brothers.