When we delve into the Bible, numbers often carry more weight than their face value. They can be signposts, pointing us toward deeper meanings, historical contexts, or theological insights. The number 43, while not as frequently highlighted as some others, certainly has its own interesting narrative threads within scripture.
Interestingly, the phrase "forty and three" appears a handful of times in the King James Bible, specifically in the books of Numbers, Ezra, and Nehemiah. This suggests it's not just a random figure but one that marked specific points in historical accounts or prophetic declarations.
Looking at the structure of the Bible itself, the Gospel of John holds the 43rd position in many modern translations. Penned around 42 A.D., the same year Mark's Gospel was recorded, John's account offers a unique perspective. A significant portion of his writing delves into teachings reserved for Jesus' closest disciples, chapters 13 through 17, for instance. He also provides a more comprehensive timeline of Jesus' ministry, noting four distinct Passovers after his baptism.
Another significant placement is 2 Thessalonians, which is book 43 in the originally canonized Scripture. This short letter from the Apostle Paul, written in 51 A.D., is particularly noteworthy for its prophecy about an apostasy preceding the Lord's Second Coming. It's a stark reminder of the spiritual vigilance required as we approach end times.
Beyond book order, the number 43 pops up in the verse count of certain chapters. In the Old Testament, Genesis 30 and 36, Exodus 28 and 39, Joshua 10, 2 Samuel 19, 1 Kings 11 and 20, 1 Chronicles 4 and 16, and Psalm 107 all contain exactly 43 verses in the King James translation. Similarly, in the New Testament, Mark 5, Luke 18, and Acts 9 feature 43 verses.
John 5:43 is a particularly poignant verse. Jesus speaks to the Jews who prided themselves on their obedience to the law but lacked true love for God and His truth. He highlights their rejection of Him, who came in His Father's name, while being open to accepting any false prophet who comes in his own name. It's a powerful illustration of misplaced trust and spiritual blindness.
Then there's Psalm 43, penned by King David during his reign. This short psalm, though only five verses long, offers profound comfort and guidance for those experiencing spiritual depression. It's a cry for vindication and deliverance, but also a powerful reminder to "Hope in God." It speaks to the human experience of feeling cast down, yet finding strength in divine assurance.
Delving into the Hebrew, the word 'asher' (Strong's #H836), meaning "happy," appears 43 times in the Old Testament, most frequently in Numbers, Joshua, and 1 Chronicles. This word is untranslated in the King James as the name Asher, one of Jacob's sons. His tribe's inheritance in the Promised Land included prosperous cities like Tyre and Sidon.
Similarly, the Hebrew word 'yissaskar' (Strong's #H3485), meaning "He will bring a reward" or "there is recompense," is also found 43 times, primarily in Numbers, 1 Chronicles, and Joshua. This word is translated as the name Issachar, another of Jacob's sons. His tribe received significant territory, including Jezreel, a city associated with both prosperity and tragic events involving King Ahab, Queen Jezebel, and their relatives.
So, while 43 might seem like just another number, its appearances in scripture, from book order to verse counts and even the very names of Jacob's sons, invite us to look closer. It's a number that touches on themes of divine teaching, prophetic warnings, personal struggle, and the enduring promise of reward.
