The number 40 holds deep spiritual symbolism across many faiths. But what does it really mean, and why does this number keep appearing throughout religious texts and traditions?
We’ll uncover the hidden meanings and messages that make 40 such a spiritually powerful number.
Forty in the Bible and Christian Tradition
The number 40 appears repeatedly throughout the Bible, often representing a time of testing, trial, or transition. For instance, during the Great Flood recounted in Genesis, rain fell for “forty days and forty nights” as God purified the Earth. Noah waited another 40 days after the tops of mountains were first seen before releasing a raven to check for dry land.
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years after fleeing Egypt before God allowed them to enter the Promised Land. Moses fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai as he received the 10 Commandments. Elijah traveled 40 days to reach the mountain where he heard the voice of God. And most significantly, Jesus fasted and endured temptation in the Judaean Desert for 40 days before launching his ministry.
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and others for 40 days before ascending to Heaven. This reinforced the theme of transition and bridging the material world with the realm of God. The 40 days of Lent mirror Jesus’ period of intense prayer, fasting, and resistance to the devil’s seductions as a time of purification.
Forty as Preparation and Testing
Clearly, the symbolic themes of spiritual development and overcoming evil are embedded in many cardinal stories of the Bible. The 40 days and nights of rain represent a baptism of the Earth through water just as Jesus brings spiritual baptism. The 40 years in the wilderness prepared a new generation to enter the Promised Land, just as Jesus prepared himself through 40 days of solitude.
Forty is universally seen as a time of probation, trial, and hardship in Christianity and the events of Christ’s life. Lent continues this tradition even today as believers reflect and purify themselves through abstinence, repentance, and deepened spirituality.
Forty in Judaism
The significance of 40 begins in the Hebrew Bible, which Christians know as the Old Testament. Beyond the Exodus story, the number 40 appears in various prophecies and traditions.
Moses lived 40 years in Egypt and 40 years in Midian before God chose him to lead his people out of slavery. Some Jewish scholars believed 40 years was the age when prophets received their divine calling, as exemplified later by Muhammad receiving his first revelation from the angel Gabriel at 40.
The 40 days from the start of Rosh Hashanah to the end of Yom Kippur represent the period given for repentance and atonement. Just as rain cleansed the Earth in 40 days during Noah’s time, spiritual cleansing happens during these high holy days.
Forty as Transition and Spiritual Growth
As in the New Testament, numbers had symbolic meanings in Jewish tradition. Forty signifies transition, testing, purification, and maturation. The 40 years in the desert proved the Israelites’ faith and prepared them for entry into Canaan. Likewise, 40 days of repentance each year renew and strengthen the covenant between God and his chosen people.
Forty in Islam
Islam shares the story of the 40 years of exodus and wandering as God tested the Israelites’ obedience. The Quran also upholds the 40-day fasts undertaken by Moses and Jesus, affirming this period’s role as one of spiritual preparation and growth.
Muhammad, like Moses, retreated alone to meditate and pray for 40 days during which he received the first revelations of the Quran from the archangel Gabriel in a cave on Mount Hira.
Some Muslims also observe a 40-day fast to honor the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. However, the prescribed fasting period of Ramadan lasts 30 days based on the lunar calendar. Optional fasts may total 40 days over this month when including the 3 days before and after Ramadan and the 6 days of Shawwal.
Forty in the Prophet’s Life
By emulating the experiences of Moses and Jesus, the 40 days that Muhammad spent meditating honors earlier prophets while also preparing for his own sacred ministry. The angel Gabriel purified Muhammad’s heart through solitary reflection and prayer so he could become the Messenger of God.
Forty in Eastern Traditions
Hinduism and Buddhism similarly view 40 as a spiritually significant number. In the Yoga Sutras, the sage Patanjali prescribes 40 days of constant practice to master each asana or yoga posture. Observing 40 days of intense focus conquers restlessness and wavering attention for inner stillness.
Tibetan Buddhists undertake 40 days of meditative absorption in mystical practices like chod to vanquish fears and illusions. Zen Buddhists remain in isolation and silence for 40 days to realize inner enlightenment. These traditions see 40 days as sufficient time to overcome any negative thoughts, habits, or temptations and reach a deeper state of awareness.
Reaching Spiritual Completion
Forty represents the completion of spiritual practice in Eastern faiths. Yogis attain a purified mind after 40 days conquering an asana. Buddhists signifying 40 days in retreat to meditate upon death and impermanence denotes the completion of their ritual. Forty days fulfills a period of intense dedication to reach enlightenment.
So why does 40 retain such symbolic power across faiths and cultures? On one hand, 40 days or years marks an ample period of transition and preparation. Forty signifies moving from bondage to freedom, ignorance to enlightenment, old ways to new life. This threshold offers adequate time for dramatic transformation.
The number 40 also connects the material world with the divine. The biblical flood lasted 40 days of cleansing rain. Prophets fasted and prayed for 40 days to grow closer to God. Jesus spent 40 days readying himself for ministry after baptism. Forty bridges humanity and the spiritual realm.
Ultimately, 40 represents a complete period of testing, trial, initiation, purification, and renewal across religious traditions. Whether 40 days, years, or myriad other uses, this symbolic number stands at the threshold between worlds. By knowing the spiritual meanings of 40, we can cross over to wisdom, enlightenment, freedom, and rebirth.