Hebrew Bible

Some numbers carry symbolic meaning in the Hebrew Bible. This would later play into the development of several forms of medieval Jewish mysticism, including Kabbalah’s systems of biblical gematria. In most cases in the Hebrew Bible, numbers simply represent quantifiable amounts, but certain numbers also bear symbolic significance: in particular, the numbers seven, 12, and 40. Seven carries a connotation of perfection or fulfillment, especially with regard to G-d’s purposes for an item or event. This connotation likely has a linguistic derivation because the consonant pattern in the word for seven is identical to the pattern in the word for “complete” or “full” (and since ancient Hebrew tended not to write out its vowels, the two words would look indistinguishable in writing). The symbolic significance of seven can be seen in the seven days of creation, the seven-year calendrical pattern leading up to the Year of Jubilee, the Israelites being told to march around the walls of Jericho seven times, and the seven major Jewish festivals. 

The number 12 is likewise significant, symbolizing perfection in authority or governance. The most prominent example of its use is with the 12 sons of Jacob, who become the patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel.