In the Bible, numbers often hold deep symbolic meaning, representing more than just their numerical value. The number 11 is no exception, and it is associated with themes such as disorder, incompletion, and the grace of God. While it does not appear as frequently as some other numbers like 7 or 12, the biblical significance of 11 can still be found in various scriptures, offering insight into its symbolic importance.
Let’s dive into the biblical meaning of the number 11 and explore its symbolic significance in both the Old and New Testaments.
1. The Number 11: Incompletion and Disorder
In biblical numerology, the number 10 often represents completeness or wholeness—as seen in the Ten Commandments or the Ten Plagues of Egypt. 11, however, is viewed as one number short of 12, which symbolizes divine order, authority, and government (as seen in the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles). Therefore, 11 is sometimes interpreted as a number representing incompletion, disorder, or a state of unfulfilled potential.
The Twelve Apostles and the Number 11
One notable biblical instance where the number 11 is associated with disorder and incompletion is in the account of the apostles in the New Testament. After the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, the remaining eleven apostles were in a state of incompletion, lacking a full 12th member. This vacancy in the number of apostles represented a period of disorder until the appointment of Matthias to restore the number of apostles to 12.
- Acts 1:15-26 – “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… Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us… So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.'”
Here, the number 11 reflects a state of unfulfilled completeness. The apostles were not yet fully restored to their perfect number, which symbolized the completion of God’s plan for His kingdom.
2. The Number 11 and the Rise of Antichrist
The number 11 can also be associated with disorder and rebellion in relation to the Antichrist and the end times. The book of Daniel and the Revelation of John describe figures and events related to the rise of the man of lawlessness—the Antichrist—who will bring about chaos and deception during the final days of the world.
In Daniel 7:7, the 10 horns on the fourth beast are described as representing ten kings or rulers, and a little horn (often interpreted as the Antichrist) rises among them. This little horn represents a power that will cause disorder and tribulation in the last days.
- Daniel 7:8 – “While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a human being and a mouth that spoke boastfully.”
The number 11 here, symbolized by the little horn, suggests the beginning of the end, when rebellion against God reaches its height in the person of the Antichrist, bringing about chaos and opposition to God’s authority.
3. The Number 11 and God’s Grace
While 11 often represents incompletion or disorder, it can also symbolize grace in certain contexts. As the number that comes just before 12, the number 11 can represent a transition period or a moment just before completion. In this sense, it can be seen as a symbol of God’s grace, which fills the gap between imperfection and completion.
God’s Grace for the Incomplete
The biblical story of the apostles shows us how God’s grace can restore what is incomplete. After the loss of Judas, God’s grace worked to restore the number of the apostles, and the mission of spreading the gospel continued without interruption. Matthias was chosen, not by human standards, but by God’s grace, which overcomes disorder and completes His plan.
- Acts 1:24-26 – “Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.’ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”
The selection of Matthias symbolizes how God’s grace works to restore order even in times of disorder or incompletion.
4. The Number 11 in the Context of Judgment and Mercy
The number 11 can also be seen as representing a time of grace and judgment—when God extends His mercy before His final judgment is brought to completion. The gap between 10 (complete) and 12 (divine authority and government) represents a period of opportunity to repent and turn to God, before the final, complete judgment arrives.
In the Bible, there are moments where God’s judgment is delayed or extended, providing space for repentance. This can be understood as a symbolic grace period, where mercy is extended before divine action reaches its final form. The number 11 represents this period of waiting, where God’s grace is evident, but the final judgment is still to come.
5. The Twelve Tribes and the Symbolism of Twelve in the Bible
One way to further understand the significance of 11 is to look at how it relates to 12, a number that symbolizes completeness and divine governance. For example, the 12 tribes of Israel represented the full unity and organization of God’s people, and the 12 apostles represent the fullness of the church in the New Testament. 11 represents a partial state—not yet complete, but moving toward fulfillment.
- Revelation 21:12 – “It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.”
In contrast to the number 12, which signifies God’s plan of completion and order, 11 can symbolize the unfinished, incomplete, or transitional state of God’s work. It’s a reminder that God is still at work in our lives, bringing order and completion out of the chaos of sin and imperfection.
6. Conclusion: The Dual Nature of the Number 11
The biblical meaning of the number 11 is a mix of incompletion, disorder, judgment, and grace. While it is one number short of the divinely ordered and complete number 12, it can represent a period of transition, where God’s work is still unfolding. The number 11 is associated with moments of grace—where God provides opportunity for repentance and restoration—but it also points to a time when disorder and temptation prevail.
In your life, if you encounter the number 11, consider it a reminder that while there may be imperfection or chaos in certain areas, God’s grace is available to bring order, restoration, and completion. It’s a call to remain faithful and trust in God’s plan, knowing that He is working to bring about His perfect will in your life.