Meaning of Numbers: The Number 143
The English phrase "hundred and forty and three," used for the number 143, is recorded 1 time in 1 King James Bible verse. It is found in the book of Ezra.
The possible meaning of the number 143 is derived primarily from the occurrence of certain words in Scripture's original languages.
Jonathan Apphus (Maccabee), in 161 B.C., assumes the position of High Priest at Jerusalem's temple. He is one of the leaders of the Hasmonean dynasty of rule in Judea. In 143, he is taken prisoner by General Diodotus Tryphon of the Seleucid Empire and is soon murdered. Jonathan is replaced as High Priest by his brother Simon Thassi.
The only Bible chapter that has more than 100 verses is Psalm 119. Verse 143 of the Psalm declares that God's commandments are worth keeping.
Trouble and anguish have taken hold upon me, yet Your commandments are my delight (verse 143 of Psalm 119, HBFV).
Appearances of Number One Hundred Forty Three
God commanded ancient Israel to keep a Sabbatical year, also known as the land sabbath (Leviticus 25:2 - 6) or year of release (Deuteronomy 31:10). This year was the seventh in every seven-year cycle. It began (likely) on Tishri 1 on the Hebrew calendar (Feast of Trumpets aka Rosh Hashanah).
A Sabbatical year began on September 10 in 144 B.C. This special year ended on September 28 in 143 B.C.
The Hebrew word chanah, Strong's #H2583, is written 143 times in 135 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is recorded the most in the book of Numbers (74) followed by 1Samuel (13) and the Judges (12). The word means to decline, lay siege against, encamp or to pitch a tent.
And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent (chanah) before the city (Genesis 33:18, KJV).
And so when the cloud remained a number of days upon the tabernacle (representing God's presence amongst his people), according to the command of the Lord they remained in camp (chanah), and according to the command of the Lord they pulled up stakes (Num. 9:20, HBFV).
The Hebrew word pathach, Strong's #H6605, is written 143 times in 132 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is found the most in Isaiah (21 times) followed by the Psalms (18) and Ezekiel (15).
Pathach usually refers to opening something wide (literally or figuratively) or to loosen or free something. The word was sometimes used to denote God healing a woman's womb so that she could produce children.
And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened (pathach) her womb: but Rachel was barren . . . And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened (pathach) her womb (Genesis 29:31, 30:22, KJV).
And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened (pathach) the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision (1Samuel 3:15, KJV).
The Hebrew word radaph, Strong's #H7291, is written 143 times in 135 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is recorded the most in the Psalms (20 times) followed by the book of Joshua (19).
Radaph is utilized to refer to someone pursuing, chasing down or following someone or something. Its first use reveals Abraham's response to Lot, his brother's son, being taken captive in the first war in the Bible.
And when Abram heard that his brother (his kinsman Lot) was taken captive (by the forces of Chedorlaomer), he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued (radaph) them unto Dan (Genesis 14:14, KJV).
And I (God) will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow (radaph) after them; and I will be honored upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord . . . (Exodus 14:4, KJV).
Number 143 and Jesus' Birth
The Greek word laos, Strong's Concordance #G2992, is recorded 143 times 139 Greek New Testament verses. It is recorded the most in the book of Acts (48 times) followed by Luke (36) then Matthew (15).
Laos is translated "people" in the King James New Testament. Its first use occurs when the angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream to admonish him to take Mary as his wife.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit).
And she (Mary) shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people (laos) from their sins (Matthew 1:20 - 21, KJV).
The Nicolaitans were a group whose teachings, in the first century church of God, were hated by Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:5 - 6, 14). The word "Nicolaitans" is derived from the compound Greek word Nikolaites (Strong's #G3531).
The Niko of Nikolaites means "conquest, victory or destruction," lai (laos) used above means "people," and tes is the word "the." Putting it all together, the word refers to the conquest or victory OVER the people (the church) by those who form a church hierarchy which God does not endorse!
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 143
There are 4 words and phrases in the Bible's original languages that are recorded exactly 143 times.
All of Apostle Paul's books, as well as the epistles penned by James, Peter, John and Jude, and the book of Revelation, total 143 chapters. The books from Romans to Hebrews contain 100 chapters and from James to Revelation there are 43.
143 is the sum of the seven consecutive primes 11 + 13 + 17 + 19 + 23 + 29 + 31.
143 is the product of 11 and 13. Both 11 and 13 are prime numbers.