answersLogoWhite

0

A:In the Old Testament, 40 days was not so much significant as convenient. Many of the Old Testament stories were handed down orally by storytellers, until finally written down during the first millennium BCE, and the number 40 was easy to remember. In Noah's Flood, it rained for forty days and forty nights, Moses spent 40 days on the mountain and Elijah also spent 40 days in the wilderness.

The forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness can be seen as significant at both a theological and a literary level.

Mark 1:13 tells the story of Jesus going into the wilderness for forty days immediately after his baptism by John. He was ministered by angels, an allusion to Elijah (1 Kings 19:5-7) who was ministered by an angel and in the wilderness forty days. There is no actual suggestion that Jesus fasted for this time, but those familiar with the story of Elijah are likely to have assumed he did do so. This brings into play another allusion, to Moses when (Exodus 34:28) he fasted for 40 days while he wrote the words of the Ten Commandments on tablets. Matthew and Lukefollow the allusion to Elijah in a subtly different way, taking the angel out of the gospel story and instead having Jesus fast for forty days, just as Elijah did after the angel ministered to him. In this version, the further allusion to Exodus 34:28 is more readily recognised.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the significance of the 40 days mentioned in the Bible?

In the Bible, the number 40 is often used to symbolize a period of testing, preparation, or transition. It is associated with important events such as the 40 days and nights of rain during the Great Flood, Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, and the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the desert. This period of 40 days is seen as a time of spiritual growth, purification, and transformation.


What is the significance of the number 40 in the Bible?

The number 40 is significant in the Bible as it represents a period of testing, preparation, or transition. It is often associated with important events or periods of time, such as the 40 days and nights of rain during the Great Flood, the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert, and Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the wilderness.


Why is 40 special in the Bible?

40 is special in the bible as there was a flood for 40 days, Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. After Jesus arose from the grave he stayed for 40 days on earth.


Did God fast for 40 days in the Bible?

Yes, according to the Bible, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness.


What is Significance number 30 bible?

it is because number of days in a month.


What is the significance of the number 40 in spiritual contexts?

In spiritual contexts, the number 40 often symbolizes a period of testing, preparation, or transformation. It is frequently associated with important events or journeys in religious texts and traditions, such as the 40 days and nights of rain during the Great Flood in the Bible or the 40 days of fasting and temptation of Jesus in the desert.


Where in the bible does it say how many days moses was on the mountain?

40


Who fasted the longest in the bible?

According to the Bible, Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights on two occasions while he was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God.


What significance do the days of the week hold in the Bible?

In the Bible, the days of the week hold significance as they are associated with important events in the creation story and the life of Jesus. For example, Sunday is considered the day of rest and worship, as it is the day of Jesus' resurrection. Saturday, known as the Sabbath, is a day of rest and reflection in Jewish tradition. The other days of the week are not specifically mentioned in the Bible, but their significance is often interpreted in relation to these key days.


How did Jesus endure fasting for 40 days in the wilderness according to the Bible?

According to the Bible, Jesus endured fasting for 40 days in the wilderness by relying on his faith in God and resisting temptation from the devil.


What scripture in the Bible mentions that Jesus fasted for 40 days?

The scripture in the Bible that mentions Jesus fasting for 40 days is found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4, verses 1-2.


How many days did water flood the earth?

According to the Bible, the flood lasted 40 days and 40 nights.