Symbolism of the number ten in the Apokalypse of John

Authors

  • Paweł Podeszwa Wydział Teologiczny Uniwersytetu im. Adama Mickiewicza, Poznań

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/BPTh.2012.004

Keywords

St. John’s Apocalypse, symbolism of numbers, number ten, evil, dragon, beast, horns, diadems

Abstract

The Apocalypse, as the last book of the New Testament, is known of its symbolism, where symbolism of numbers plays an important role amongst other categories. The article addresses the symbolism of number ten in that Book.

Beginning with the Old Testament, number ten symbolizes certain completeness, and often is part of elements’ listing of ten. This fact alone shows its symbolic meaning, indicating fullness, greatness and completeness. The New Testament continues that symbolism. In the Apocalypse, number ten appears 9 times, always in the context of opposition to God and to the Son of God.  It embraces certain negative aspect of completeness, yet it remains limited.

Letter to the Church in Smyrna, includes the prophecy of persecution, which as being devil’s creation will last ten days (2,10), symbolizing a short and limited trial period, after which there will be victory of those faithful to Christ. Further, in 12,3, a ten horned Dragon / Devil appears, symbolizing his great strength and power, but also remaining limited. Likewise, the Beast emerging from the sea, has ten horns and ten diadems (13,1; 17,3.7; 12[x2].16). Again, it symbolizes Beast’s great royal powers (diadems). Further, an angel explains that ten horns represent ten kings (17,12.16). Symbolically speaking, this represents all powers, which throughout history have served the Beast, realizing its goals in opposition to God, Christ, and His followers. Even though, the power of the Beast and its servants seems to be great and limitless, it is in fact limited by the symbolism of number ten, so frequently used in the Beast’s description. The Beast gets defeated by the Lamb, having fullness of power, expressed by seven horns (5,6) and being a victorious Rider, with multiple diadems on His head. The powers of the Dragon, the Beast and their followers get defeated and limited by paschal mystery of Jesus Christ.

References

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Biblica et Patristica Thoruniensia

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Published

2012-12-01

How to Cite

1.
PODESZWA, Paweł. Symbolism of the number ten in the Apokalypse of John. Biblica et Patristica Thoruniensia. Online. 1 December 2012. Vol. 5, pp. 85-102. [Accessed 30 May 2026]. DOI 10.12775/BPTh.2012.004.

Issue

Vol. 5 (2012): Apokalipsa św. Jana

Section

Biblica

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