Biblical Mathematics: Keys to Scripture Numerics

by Ed F. Vallowe

Based on a tremendous amount of research, Ed Vallowe has put together a guide in studying the significance of the numbers found in Scripture. This well-documented and reasoned manuscript cites examples directly from the Bible.

Genres: Religion, Christianity

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Tobias Lansberry]

Big kudos for being the only book I've come across so far that attempts to approach Biblical numerology systematically and thoroughly.

Unfortunately, Vallowe's system has a few flaws. He will assign meaning to numbers somewhat arbitrarily - sometimes based on first appearance, sometimes context of appearance, sometimes Gematria, sometimes factorization, and sometimes addition formatted around base 10, and sometimes freeform addition and subtraction.

This somewhat subjective system, combined with a clear intention to make the numerology point to his specific doctrinal positions (premillennial dispensationalism, non culpability of infants, low Church ecclesiology, etc) makes for some arrogantly worded claims that can quite easily be refuted.

[David]

20 years ago, I would've given this book 5 trillion stars. The research and information is astounding. I got the opportunity to hear this man speak for a week and he had, hands down, a genius capacity for biblical memory and application of statistics. The point of his book: every number means something and its usage in the bible not only helps you understand the overall message of each chapter, but also proves the divine design.

My problem now with this is that it's very King James Translation biased. My problem with KJV advocates is the naivety in two parts, that the world was any more innocent when the king of a genocidal generation translated the Bible into English and that the translation exists on its own literally without consulting the nature of the original Hebrew and Greek. It also neglects to explain how the numbers were an important part of the ancient societies that wrote the books in the Bible.

Fascinating and admirable for its statistical brilliance, but unfortunately is only another misguided and utterly irresponsible example of how you can get the Bible to say anything you want if you approach it a certain way.

[Larry]

Numbers are important in the Bible...after reading this, you'll never read the Bible the same again!

[Uh Ala]

I noticed a critique from one reader who resented(?) the author's use of KJV.
KJV may not be perfect in some people's opinions but it's one of the few
versions I know of that doesn't have a "copyright" / permission from
'fallen mortal man' to reprint KJV's words. Also in 2 Peter 3:9, it's
saying....."The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some
men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not
willing that any should perish, but that all should come
to repentance."

We reason that if GOD doesn't want any to perish, then why are so many versions running around with a copyright?!? That seemeth like a bad
idea if we all must stand before the Judgement seat of Christ. We'll
just go w/versions that have no copyright even if words are old.

[Stephen Schooling]

A very helpful book and a useful quick reference tool. The author has done an incredible amount of work which saves any student of the Bible a lot of time. I agree with some of the criticisms posted by others, but nobody is perfect and we all of us need to be big enough to see through the imperfections, and benefit from the good things which are available to us in this book. I have used it many times in the course of my research, and understanding the symbolic meanings of numbers greatly enriches your study of the Scriptures.

[Sandra Cunningham-Henise]

Some of the mathematical connections were actually quite interesting. Most were clearly an unsubstantiated stretch

[Miguel Jr.]

A good resource for Bible study, I recommend this book for your collection. I have have used it multiple times to gain knowledge and understanding on Bible numbers, and it helps you grow spiritually.

[T R]

Just got a free copy of the book last Saturday ...

[Latasha]

A must read.

[Michele Miller]

I have loved this book since I was 12 years old. I have always been fascinated by numbers and their meanings. I highly recommend this book - can't say enough good things about it!

[Merko]

Very interesting!