If you look through the Bible, certain numbers play an important role. God frequently uses the number seven, the number 40, and several other numbers to represent something important. So at first glance, one would think that the idea of angel numbers—angels or spiritual beings communicating to humans via numbers and patterns—would seem plausible, a good thing.
Far from it. Angel numbers are a New Age practice that Christians should avoid. Why? We’ll dive into all the reasons below why we should avoid this practice.
The Meaning of Angel Numbers: Table of Contents
- What Are Angel Numbers?
- Why Are Angel Numbers Bad and Unbiblical?
- What Does the Bible Say about Numerology?
- How Should Christians Respond to Angel Numbers?
What Are Angel Numbers?
First and foremost, we must identify what angel numbers are before we can discuss why we should avoid them.
Angel numbers tend to be a series of repeating numbers, such as 111, 222, 333, 444, and so on. You may have heard someone jokingly say, “It’s 11:11, make a wish.” Since 1111 would be a repeating digit, people treat it as special.
In numerology, repeating numbers tend to be in sequences of three or four. So an “angel number” would be 111 or 1111.
People who believe in angel numbers believe that if you see these types of numbers everywhere, an angel or spirit guide is supposedly trying to help or bless you.
Not only do some people believe this, but they also believe that each angel number has a specific meaning. Below are a few examples of what they think these numbers symbolize:
- 111: Represents oneness and new beginnings. Seeing 111 or 1111 means you should focus on new potential beginnings.
- 222: Represents relationships or being in the moment.
- 666: Despite its biblical connotations, some New Age practitioners claim it represents "love at its deepest level."
Messed up, right? Let’s talk about why angel numbers are not biblical.
Why Are Angel Numbers Bad and Unbiblical?
We can point to many reasons we should steer clear of angel numbers, but let’s focus on a few key points from a biblical perspective:
- They employ the use of spirit guides or angel guides: Many people who’ve dabbled in the occult have later realized these “guides” were demons in disguise (2 Corinthians 11:14).
- They are a type of fortune-telling: Angel numbers focus on what will happen in the future, which is against biblical principles (Exodus 22:18).
- They rely on communication outside of the Bible and prayer: God’s communication is confirmed through Scripture. Angel numbers do not fit this pattern.
What Does the Bible Say about Numerology?
If angel numbers are nonsense at best and dangerous at worst, how do we account for the fact that God often uses number symbolism in the Bible?
The difference lies in intention. God uses numbers like three, seven, and 40 symbolically in Scripture to teach lessons, not to convey secret messages. Gnosticism, an early heresy, sought hidden knowledge, much like numerology, which leads people away from the truth of the Gospel.
We are never encouraged in the Bible to obsess over numbers or seek hidden meanings in them.
How Should Christians Respond to Angel Numbers?
Since New Age practices can sneak into Christian circles, here are ways to respond:
- Recognize hints of it: Be aware of phrases like “11:11 make a wish,” even when used jokingly. Satan subtly introduces these practices.
- Recognize but don’t idolize numbers in the Bible: Appreciate the symbolism but do not obsess over numbers or elevate them above God.
- Recognize the roots of angel numbers: They are rooted in pride and a desire for secret knowledge, which runs contrary to the clear and open message of the Gospel.
Ultimately, angel numbers, like most New Age practices, can disguise themselves as good. But Satan loves to give us counterfeits to distract us from the one truly good thing: Christ and salvation.
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Helin Loik-Tomson
Hope Bolinger is an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, book editor for hire, and the author of almost 30 books. More than 1500 of her works have been featured in various publications. Check out her books at hopebolinger.com for clean books in most genres, great for adults and kids. Check out her editing profile at Reedsy.com to find out about hiring her for your next book project.
