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Not only the number 40, but sometimes other multiples of 20 were quite common in some of the older, legendary stories in the New Testament. This appears to be because 40 and other round numbers were easy for the tradents to remember when they recited the traditions and passed them down orally to succeeding generations.

The New Testament takes up the use of the number 40 in order to draw parallels with the Old Testament. For example, when Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness tended by angels, this brings to mind the story of Elijah tended by an angel and then spending 40 days in the wilderness. The parallel is also drawn to Moses who fasted for 40 days when he was writing the Ten Commandments.

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Q: Why is 40 a significant number in the Bible?
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