What Is the Significance of the Number 40 in the Bible?
What Is the Significance of the Number 40 in the Bible? The number 40 appears repeatedly in Scripture as a period of testing, preparation, and transformation.
Key verse: Matthew 4:2 (KJV)
The number 40 appears repeatedly in Scripture as a period of testing, preparation, and transformation.
The number 40 appears repeatedly in Scripture as a period of testing, preparation, and transformation.
"And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred." — Matthew 4:2 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The number 40 carries remarkable significance throughout the Bible. It rained for 40 days during the flood. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai receiving the Law. Israel wandered 40 years in the wilderness. The spies explored Canaan for 40 days. Goliath challenged Israel for 40 days before David defeated him. Elijah traveled 40 days to Mount Horeb. Nineveh was given 40 days to repent. Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His ministry, and He appeared to His disciples for 40 days after His resurrection. In each case, 40 represents a divinely appointed period of testing, preparation, or probation before a significant new beginning or transition.
Key Scripture References
"And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred."
"To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God."
"After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
How Many Books Are in the Bible?
The Bible contains 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
What Is the Oldest Book in the Bible?
Most scholars believe the Book of Job is the oldest book in the Bible, predating even Genesis in composition.
What Is the Creation Story in Genesis?
Genesis 1-2 describes God creating the universe, earth, and all life in six days, resting on the seventh — establishing His sovereignty over all things.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Significance of the Number 40 in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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