Mysticism and Spirituality

The Secret of the Number 8: Transcending the Natural Order

When the Biblical text specifically mentions the number 8, it may be communicating more than an ordinal sequence, but a hidden meaning. In this article, we'll explore the hidden meaning of the number 8.

The Hidden Orchard

26 May 2025 — 7 min read

The number 7 is so prolific throughout the Bible, many readers easily recognize its symbolism. In the Jewish tradition, the number seven is associated with the natural order. This pattern repeats throughout the Bible, therefore, it's not surprising that we see this echoed in nature—7 days of the week, 7 continents, 7 oceans, and 7 classical celestial bodies.

A few of the Biblical examples include:

Seven Noahide Laws¹
Seven Species of Israel²
Seven Branches of the Menorah
Seven Weeks between Passover and Shavuot (Counting the Omer)³
Seven Blessings in a Jewish Wedding, known as Sheva Brachot
Seven Days of Mourning, known as Shiva⁴
Counting Seven weeks of Seven days during the Omer
and many more!

But what comes after seven?

The Number 8

Beyond the natural order lies the infinite. This is the place from which miracles come, and this is represented by the number 8—a number that symbolizes eternity, restoration, and is also connected to Messiah.

Beyond simply being the number after the seventh, the Biblical appearances of eight hint at a pattern of renewal and transcendence. Here are a few examples.

1. Circumcision on the Eighth Day: A Covenant Beyond Nature

“And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.” — Leviticus 12:3

In Jewish tradition, circumcision is more than a physical ritual—and the Hebrew words reflect its significance. Known as Brit milah, the phrase includes the word "covenant" (brit), mentioned in Genesis.

This is My covenant, which you shall keep... every male among you shall be circumcised... it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.” — Genesis 17:10–11

Performed specifically on the eighth day of a newborn boy’s life, brit milah ingrafts him into an eternal covenant with the Creator. This is why the New Testament writers were careful to mention this detail at Jesus's circumcision.⁵

The eighth day here signifies the soul's connection to the transcendent and eternal dimension that exists beyond creation.

On the spiritual dimension, circumcision reflects the work of Messiah, and the removal of the forces of evil⁶. Everyone is encouraged to take part in this work through obedience, and particularly, the study of Mussar (character refinement). In Rabbinic vernacular, this is the circumcision of the heart.

Expanding upon this idea, Rabbi Eliyahu Munk says:

On the eighth day... the baby is to have its foreskin removed - i.e. the concept of a foreskin which acts as a barrier between man and G_D will be removed from the universe. We read in Zachariah (13:2) that G_D will destroy the spirit of impurity from the earth.

... It is well known that conceptually the foreskin is identical with the forces of the klippa, the spiritually negative emanations. When the Torah wrote the word "unclean", describing the state of the mother, this is a simile for the afflictions experienced during the birth pangs of the Mashiach. (Chabad.org)

Thus, the eighth day connects us with the covenant, the Messianic future, and the hope for restoration when evil is finally removed from the created world.

2. The Tabernacle and the Eighth Day Inauguration

“And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons...” — Leviticus 9:1

Another eighth-day example occurs in the transition between Exodus and Leviticus—the inauguration of the Tabernacle. After seven days of consecration, the Tabernacle (Mishkan) became functional. It was on the eighth day.

The Tabernacle was no longer a structure made of coarse materials—something changed. It became a spiritual dwelling place for the Creator.

Jewish tradition teaches that G_D's presence did not completely inhabit the structure until the eighth day. Thus, the seven previous days served as preparation, while the eighth represents transcendence, the connection point between Heaven and Earth.

3. The Messianic Kingdom and the Eighth Millennium

Time and history are mapped onto a seven-day model⁷. The Sages taught, just as there are six days of creation and a day of rest—so too will the world exist for 6,000 years before 1,000 years of rest—the seventh millennium.

The seventh millennium is generally known as the Messianic Kingdom, and is still part of the paradigm of seven. But what comes after is, naturally, the eighth millennium—the dimension beyond time. This is commonly called the World to Come (Olam HaBa), or the Resurrection of the Dead⁸.

This is why Messiah is often linked to the number 8–functioning as a conduit to this new reality.

Interestingly, the Gospel of Luke includes an eighth-day reference at the Transfiguration. (Luke 9:28)

4. Shemini Atzeret: Eighth Day Assembly

There is another important eighth day in the fall holidays. After seven days of Sukkot (Tabernacles), we celebrate the holiday known as Shemini Atzeret, the Eighth Day Assembly.

Shemini Atzeret honors the timeless essence of the Torah, and the natural cycle of time coming to an end. It is a joyous day where communities get the unique opportunity to dance with the Torah—a reflection of the World to Come.

A notable feature of this celebration is to walk with the scroll in the symbol of infinity—an eight.

The Jewish tradition teaches that this will be a time when the hidden essence of the Creator is no longer hidden. As hinted above, evil will be removed, the soul's blemishes will be repaired, and unity with G_D will be possible once more.

5. Restoration of the Leper

“On the eighth day, he shall take two male lambs without blemish… and the priest who cleanses him shall present the man who is to be cleansed… before the LORD at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.”
- Leviticus 14:10-11

Another hint can be found in the restoration of the leper (metzorah) on the eighth day, following seven days of purification. Tza'arat, often translated as leprosy is actually more of a supernatural affliction.

The seven days of separation and purification represent the natural process of healing. The 8th day marks a moment of transcendence—a return to physical and spiritual wholeness.

Midrash Tanchuma connects leprosy with the exile of humanity, and its healing process to the final redemption. In this way, the leper’s journey mirrors humanity’s exile through brokenness, purification, and ultimate redemption on the eighth day—the World to Come, when healing and holiness are fully revealed.

6. Shavuot and the Eighth Week

Leviticus 23 explicitly commands the counting of the Omer¹⁰ for 49 days and 7 full weeks. This means the Holiday of Shavuot is the first day of the eighth week. Of course, this marked a historical event for the nation of Israel—and the world—the giving of the Torah.

7. Binah, the 8th Sefirot

Lastly, the eighth Sefirot¹¹, when counting upward, is known as Binah. Binah means understanding, and represents the first level of infinitude that exists outside of creation.

This is a topic we will explore further, but know that Binah is associated with the soul level of Neshamah, the World to Come⁸, and the spiritual world of Beriah. This gives us further insight into the importance of the number eight.

Conclusion

We live in a world locked into the rhythm of seven. But the Torah tells us that this is temporary. One day, the cycle of seven will be elevated to perfection and renewed. The Bible contains numerous scattered hints to remind us, we just have to be attuned.

The number 8 always points forward—toward redemption, toward reunion with those who have already transcended, and the World to Come.