Meaning of Numbers: The Number 250
The English phrase "two hundred and fifty," used for the number 250, is recorded 12 times in 8 King James Bible verses.
The possible meaning of the number 250 is derived primarily from Korah's rebellion, a unique recipe for anointing oil and the preservation of Scripture.
The Greek word apokrinomai, Strong's Concordance #G611, is the sole original language Bible word that is recorded 250 times. It occurs the most in John's gospel (78 times) followed by Matthew (55), Luke (49) and Mark (45). The word itself means to conclude for oneself, to give an answer to a question or to begin to speak but only after something has preceded it. Its first use takes place when Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist.
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
And Jesus answering (apokrinomai) said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him (Matthew 3:13 - 15, KJV).
And one of the elders answered (apokrinomai), saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? (Revelation 7;13, KJV).
Appearances of Number Two Hundred Fifty
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 25 in 249 A.D. This special year ended on September 14 in 250 A.D.
God commanded Moses to make a special holy anointing oil. This sacred mixture contained 500 shekels (roughly 12.5 U.S. pounds or 5.67 kilograms) each of pure myrrh and cassia, 250 shekels (6.25 U.S. pounds or 2.83 kilograms) each of sweet cinnamon and calamus (aromatic cane), and a Hin (1 U.S. gallon or 3.7 liters) of olive oil.
"Take also to you the finest spices: five hundred shekels of pure myrrh, and half as much of sweet cinnamon, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and two hundred and fifty shekels of aromatic cane,
"And five hundred of cassia, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make of these an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil . . . " (Exodus 30:23 - 25, HBFV).
King Solomon wisely appointed 250 Israelites as "chiefs of the officials" who ruled over the people.
But of the children of Israel, Solomon did not make any servants for his work, for they were men of war, and commanders of his officers, and commanders of his chariots, and his horsemen.
And these were the chiefs of King Solomon’s officers, two hundred and fifty (250) who bore rule over the people . . . (2Chronicles 8:9 - 10, HBFV).
Preservation and the Number 250
Many people played a vital role in preserving the text of the Old Testament for future generations. One such group that helped preserve the text was the Sepphoris Academy. The academy, which was led by Rabbi Hanina b. Hama, existed from 220 to 250 A.D. (Holy Bible, a Faithful Version, Second Edition, Chronology IV).
From 250 to 375 A.D., then again from 780 to 930, a group known as the Tiberian Academy played their part in preserving the text of the Old Testament manuscripts. The academy was part of the Amoraim or group of Jewish scholars who lived during these periods.
Korah's Rebellion
Korah's rebellion was led by a Levite named Korah and three men from the tribe of Reuben (Numbers 16:1). An additional 250 prominent Israelite leaders also joined the uprising. One of their complaints concerned the authority of Moses and Aaron over the people (verse 3).
Korah and the Levites involved in the rebellion also demanded the same priestly rights and privileges as Aaron (Numbers 16:8 - 11). God's judgment of this unrighteous group first fell on Korah, the three Reubenites and their families.
And the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who were for Korah, and all their goods (Num. 16:32, HBFV).
The Lord then punished the 250 Israelites, who were offering incense at the time, with fire.
And there came out a fire from the Lord and burned up the two hundred and fifty (250) men who offered incense (Num. 16:35, HBFV).
Korah's children, however, were spared the wrath of God (Num. 26:11).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 250
The English phrase "two hundred and fifty," used for the number 250, is found in the books of Numbers and Ezekiel (four each) followed by Exodus (twice) and both 1Chronicles and 2Chronicles (once each).
The name Joseph is found in 250 times in 229 King James Bible verses. It is recorded the most in Genesis (157 times) followed by Numbers and Joshua (12 each). Joseph's name means "let him add" or "Jehovah has added." There are at least five people given this name in Scripture, the two most well-known are Jacob's seconde-youngest son and the stepfather of Jesus Christ.
And she (Rachel) called his name Joseph; and said, The Lord shall add to me another son (Genesis 30:24, KJV).
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ (Matthew 1:16, KJV).
Abraham's name is also recorded 250 times in 230 King James translation verses. It is written, by far the most, in Genesis (134 times) followed by the gospel of Luke (15) then the book of Romans (9). Out of its 250 occurrences his name appears 74 times in the New Testament. Abraham's name means "father of a multitude."
And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood (Genesis 22:9, KJV).
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went (Hebrews 11:8, KJV).
The book of Exodus is referred to 250 times in nineteen New Testament books. This makes it the fourth most referenced Old Testament book in the New Testament.
The King James translation records the word "fruit" (or its plural) two hundred and fifty times. The word is found the most in Deuteronomy (25 times) followed by Matthew (21) then Luke (16).
250 is the product of 2 x 5 x 5 x 5 (or 5 cubed). Both 2 and 5 are prime numbers.