The Bible’s Number 11– Warnings, judgments, confusion, notices, and information – It is no coincidence that the number of 11 is a number associated with different types of information code numbers we began using with our telephone systems years ago. The most often used of these numbers is 411 for general information; 611 for service or questions; and 911 for emergency information and calling for help. We find the number 11 in the Bible used for some of the same reasons and it is often used for the purpose of God warning us in various ways not to turn from him, and if we do, the consequences that may happen.
We also find the number of 11 associated with things that are not right and which need to be corrected – a good example of this is the 11 disciples who are missing the 12th because one has fallen away. You will find the number 11 in the Bible’s text associated with statements of concern or announcement or warning. In Matthew 20:6 it says “And about the eleventh hour went out and found others standing around; and he *said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’. Mrk 16:14 Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart…”.
Genesis 11, the 11th chapter of the Bible tells us the story of the Tower of Babel and in verse 11:9 (related to 911) we find God created a calamity because the people were turning from him – Genesis 11:9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of the whole earth.
Other chapter 11s follow the same pattern as we can see in Leviticus chapter 11 which appears to have been placed intentionally as the 101st (11) chapter of the Bible. This entire chapter is that of both a warning and instructions to live by regarding the separation of the clean from the unclean. Verse two summarizes the chapter: Lev 11:2 “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘These are the creatures which you may eat from all the animals that are on the earth.