Eight
8

Jesus Christ (as Mediator)

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”
1 Timothy 2:5

Mediation

See “Renewal”

Rebirth

“Eight-niched soars this temple for sacred rites
Eight corners has its font
Right to build this baptismal hall about the sacred number eight
For here the people are reborn.”
Interior inscription for the baptistry of Milan

Renewal

“[Eight] is a starting-over number and is pervasive throughout scripture…”
Val Brinkerhoff, “The Day Star: Reading Sacred Architecture” (Book 2), 68

“The octagon draws on the symbolism of the number eight, emblematic of renewal. Eight-sided forms were felt to mediate between the symbolism of the square, representing earthly existence, and the circle (standing for heaven or eternity).”
Jack Tresidder, “Symbols and Their Meanings,” 154

Sacred Space

Discovering sacred teachings in LDS Chapel architecture

Early Analysis of the Potential Symbolism of a New South Jordan Meetinghouse

See “Rebirth”

Structure

“…3 and 4 and 6 and 8 and 12 are considered structural numbers, the numbers nature builds with.”
(Michael Schneider, Oral Interview, via YouTube)

Transition (Earthly to Heavenly)

See “Jesus Christ (as Mediator)”

Scripture, History, and Practice

  • 8 souls were saved by the ark of Noah.
  • Israels solemn assemblies were on the 8th day.
  • The High Priest of the temple wore 8 different articles of clothing: 1 crown, 2 breastplate, 3 robe, 4 apron, 5 white undergarments, 6 belt, 7 turban, 8 pants.
  • Circumcision was done on the 8th day.
  • Christ was resurrected on the 8th day.
  • The shape of the New Jerusalem, as described in the Book of Revelation, is described as an 8-sided cube.
  • The 8th millennium will be the beginning of the new age of our eternity.
  • The resurrection of some will be in the 2nd resurrection in the 8th millennium before the final judgment.
  • The Brother of Jared built 8 barges.
  • Nephi and his family spent 8 years wandering in the wilderness.
  • Alma and his people traveled 8 days to escape King Noah and his army.
  • The Book of Mormon golden plates had 3 as well as 8 other witnesses and were 8 inches long.
  • The Interpreters or Urim and Thummim that Joseph Smith had were 8 inches long and the silver bow was bent into a figure 8 shape.
  • In LDS theology, a person must be a minimum of 8 years old to be baptized.
  • Many LDS chapels feature 8 lights, 8 pillars (4 on each side of the entrances), octagon-shaped clocks, and other 8-sided architectural motifs.
  • LDS temples commonly feature 8-sided motifs.

Additional References

  1. Discovering sacred teachings in LDS Chapel architecture
  2. An LDS Meetinghouse in American Fork, UT Emphasizes 8
  3. Early Analysis of the Potential Symbolism of a New South Jordan Meetinghouse