The number two holds great symbolic meaning in the Bible. It represents unity, witness, agreement, and partnership throughout Scripture. God seems to love the number two because He designed many key things specifically around this number.
Let’s explore the prominence and meaning of the number two in the Bible and how it applies to our walk with Christ today.
Introduction
In the Bible, certain numbers hold symbolic meaning. The number two represents companionship, unity, strengthening, and confirming truths. God chose two testify to the truth in the commandment for multiple witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus sent out workers two-by-two (Luke 10:1). The Holy Spirit was released on the day of Pentecost, meaning 50 days after Passover (Leviticus 23:15-16).
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Two witnesses establish a truth (Deuteronomy 17:6). The High Priest entered the Holy of Holies with two onyx stones bearing the names of the sons of Israel (Exodus 28:9-12). The Tabernacle boards were held together by two tenons (Exodus 26:17).
Here are some key Biblical examples of the significance of two:
- God created man and woman in His image as the two genders (Genesis 1:27)
- Two archangels named in Scripture: Michael and Gabriel
- The Ten Commandments were written on two tablets (Exodus 31:18)
- Two men went into the ark: Noah and one of his sons (Genesis 7:7)
- Abraham was promised he would be the father of two great nations – Jews and Arabs (Genesis 17:18-21)
- Two angels visited Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1)
- Two midwives delivered Hebrew children in defiance of Pharaoh (Exodus 1:15)
- The Tabernacle, Temple veil, and Jesus’ tunic were torn in two from top to bottom (Exodus 26:31-33, Matthew 27:51)
- Jesus sent out his disciples two-by-two (Mark 6:7)
- Two disciples on the road to Emmaus encountered the risen Christ (Luke 24)
- On two separate occasions Jesus fed thousands with a few loaves and fish (Matthew 14:17-21, Matthew 15:34-38)
As we explore the meaning of two throughout Scripture, we will gain insight into God’s design and purposes. Let’s take a deeper look at key examples of two in the Bible.
Examples of Two in Scripture
1. God Created Male and Female
Genesis 1:27 (NKJV): “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
Humanity being created male and female reflects God’s image and His intentional design for relationship, partnership, and fruitfulness. The two genders complete one another and reflect the nature of God.
Marriage brings male and female together as one flesh (Genesis 2:24). This covenant relationship between husband and wife represents Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). Marriage was the first institution God established.
2. Noah’s Ark Carried Two of Every Animal
Genesis 7:9 (NKJV): “There went into the ark to Noah two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life.”
God brought the animals to Noah two-by-two so they could reproduce after the flood and repopulate the earth (Genesis 6:19-20). This demonstrates God’s value for partnerships, teamwork, and reproduction.
3. The Ten Commandments on Two Tablets
Exodus 31:18 (NKJV): “And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.”
Some believe the two tablets represent the dual aspects of the law – loving God (tablet 1) and loving your neighbor (tablet 2). Others point to civil and moral laws. Regardless, the law required two because God desires agreement between Himself and His people.
4. Jesus Sent Out Disciples Two-by-Two
Luke 10:1 (NKJV): “After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.”
Jesus modeled team ministry by sending disciples out in pairs. They could then provide mutual support, protection, and testimony. This demonstrated the power of agreement (Matthew 18:19).
5. Two Witnesses Establish a Matter
Deuteronomy 19:15 (NKJV): “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.”
God designed the Law to require two or more witnesses to establish the truth and prevent false condemnation. Jesus adhered to this principle by sending disciples out two-by-two. Even the Trinity reflects two or more witnesses.
6. Jesus Rose on the Third Day
1 Corinthians 15:4 (NKJV): “And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
Jesus was crucified around the time of Passover and rose three days later (Matthew 16:21). He prophesied His death and resurrection, and God vindicated His words by raising Him on the third day. His resurrection defeated death and paved the way for new life (1 Corinthians 15:20-28).
The number three signals completeness, similar to two. Jesus’ resurrection on the third day confirms His identity and the truth of Scripture. God ordained this precisely.
7. Jesus Multiplied Bread and Fish Twice
The feeding of the 5000 (Mark 6:30-44) and the feeding of the 4000 (Mark 8:1-10) both reveal Jesus supernaturally multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed the crowds.
In both miracles, Jesus took the small amount of food, gave thanks, and distributed it to the disciples to serve the people. This reflects how God takes our limited resources, blesses them when we offer it to Him in faith, and uses them to serve many. God loves to partner with us.
The Meaning and Significance of Two
We’ve explored some key examples of two in Scripture. What do these instances reveal about the meaning and significance of the number two? Here are some key insights:
- Partnership: Two represents unity, coupledom and partnership. This reflects God’s relational nature.
- Agreement: There is power when two agree and come together in Jesus’ name (Matthew 18:19-20). Two witnesses establish truth.
- Strengthening: Two are better than one for support and resilience (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Pairs can encourage each other in godly pursuits.
- Bearing Fruit: It takes two to bear fruit and multiply. God’s first command was to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28).
- Double Portion: The double portion was the firstborn son’s honored inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). God loves to give His children abundant blessings.
- Duality: Creation reflects many dualities – light/dark, day/night, land/sea, male/female. There are two sides to many aspects of life.
- Completion: Three often represents completeness or fulfillment after the initiation of two. Jesus rose on the third day to fulfill His purpose.
- Balance: Two represents equilibrium and a complete whole. We walk best on two legs. Two sides of our brain bring balance.
When we understand the significance of two in Scripture, we gain insight into God’s character and purposes. He loves to partner with His children, establish His truths, strengthen and bless us abundantly.
Key Takeaways on the Meaning of Two
- God intentionally designed many things around the number two in Scripture
- Two represents unity, partnership, agreement, strengthening, and bearing fruit
- Marriage brings two genders together as one flesh in covenant
- Two witnesses establish truth according to God’s law
- Jesus sent out disciples two-by-two to minister in teams
- Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed thousands twice
- God loves to partner with us to bless and strengthen us for His purposes
- When we agree in prayer in Jesus’ name, we allow God to work powerfully
- The number three often represents completion, fulfillment and new life
- Understanding Biblical numbers gives us insight into God’s nature & purposes
Applying the Significance of Two as Christians
We’ve explored the many examples and meanings of the number two in Scripture. But what does this mean for us as Christians today? How should an understanding of two impact how we live and relate to God?
Here are some key applications for applying the significance of two in our walk with Christ:
1. Cultivate Unity and Agreement in Relationships
We should pursue unity, harmony, and being “one in spirit and purpose” with other believers (Philippians 2:2). This reflects God’s nature and brings blessing.
As Christians, we are members of one body with Christ as the head (Romans 12:5). Therefore, we should lay down selfishness and humbly agree in Christ’s purposes.
2. Participate in Accountability Partnerships
We all need godly counsel, encouragement, and keepers of our souls (Proverbs 27:17). Seek out accountability partners and friendships that strengthen your walk with Christ.
Confess sins to each other and pray together. Apply wisdom from Proverbs: “Two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).
3. Serve God as Part of a Team
Partner with other believers in ministry and avoid “lone ranger Christianity.” Serving together unifies the body, provides support, and makes us more effective (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
Jesus modeled team ministry by sending disciples out two-by-two (Luke 10:1). Look for ways to use your gifts to strengthen the church team.
4. Pray in Agreement with Other Believers
There is multiplied power when two believers agree together in prayer (Matthew 18:19-20). Seek opportunities to align with others in prayer for God’s purposes.
Pray with your spouse, family, small group, and church leadership for unity, growth, and revival. God loves answering corporate prayers.
5. Reflect Duality as Male and Female
If you’re married, embrace the complementary differences between man and woman. Reflect God’s full image together through partnership and mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21).
Honor biblical gender roles and responsibilities. But know that male and female, slave and free, are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28).
6. Lean on the Strength of Three Strands
Two are stronger than one. But three strands twisted together are even stronger and not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
The Trinity models this threefold strength. Lean upon the power of God’s triune nature – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Rely upon Him during trials.
7. Look for Completion after a Period of Two
Remember that three can represent completion after a season of two – trial, waiting, development, etc. Trust God’s timing.
Be patient if you are in a period of incompleteness. God’s purposes for two prepare us for new life at three. Jesus proved this in the resurrection.
Conclusion
We’ve explored the many meanings, examples, and applications of the number two in Scripture. God clearly uses the number two throughout the Bible strategically and purposefully. When we understand the significance of two, we gain insight into God’s character, principles, and patterns. We see His relational nature and priority for partnerships, fruitfulness, and completion.
As Christians, embracing the significance of two enables us to agree in prayer, cultivate unity, serve in teams, reflect God’s image in marriage, and rely on the strength of three. God loves to bless and strengthen us when we align with His purposes.
May we reexamine marriage, ministry, prayer and the body of Christ through the lens of two. And may we trust in the God of two witnesses, two stones, two tablets and two sticks that become one. He desires to make us fruitful, multiply our efforts, confirm His truths, and bring good work to completion.
