Overview
The Bible addresses seventy across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Luke, Numbers and Exodus. Closely related themes include Minister (1), Missionary Work By Ministers, Responsibility and Judgment. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu.
Key Bible verses about seventy
Old Testament
Exodus
Numbers
And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.
And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle.
And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.
New Testament
Luke
After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.
And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.
He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
People in the Bible and seventy
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying seventy for yourself
- Begin with Exodus 24:1, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Luke, Numbers and Exodus each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Moses, Aaron and Nadab and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Minister (1), Missionary Work By Ministers, Responsibility and Judgment.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about seventy?
The Bible addresses seventy across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Luke, Numbers and Exodus. Closely related themes include Minister (1), Missionary Work By Ministers, Responsibility and Judgment. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu.
How many Bible verses are about seventy?
The Bible references seventy in 23 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention seventy?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 24:1: “And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with seventy?
Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu.
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