Ohhh yes, let’s not overlook Number 1—the quiet powerhouse of the biblical number family! While it may not show up with the flashiness of 7 or the structural heft of 12, the number one is foundational. It speaks of unity, singularity, primacy, and the absolute supremacy of God. If all other numbers dance in the story, one is the stage they dance on. 🎭🔥
So let’s shine a spotlight on this humble little digit—and watch how it reveals the oneness at the heart of everything.
🧡 “THE LORD IS ONE”: DIVINE UNITY AND SUPREMACY
Let’s start with Israel’s anthem of faith—the Shema:
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”
— Deuteronomy 6:4
This is the most famous declaration of monotheism in the Bible. It’s not just saying “There is one God” numerically. It’s saying:
- God is undivided.
- God is singular in essence.
- God alone is worthy of allegiance.
This kind of oneness is relational, not sterile. It’s about loyalty—there is no other. The Shema cries out, “Don’t split your heart. Don’t mix your worship. The One who made you is the One you’re made for.”
👑 FIRST = PREEMINENT
In Scripture, firsts matter—a lot.
- The firstborn gets inheritance and blessing (unless God flips the script for His purposes—looking at you, Jacob).
- The first fruits are holy to the Lord (Exodus 23:19).
- The first commandment is to love God alone.
- Jesus is called the firstborn from the dead, the firstfruits of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20, Colossians 1:18).
So “one” isn’t just about quantity. It’s about priority. What’s first? What’s ultimate? Who leads?
💍 ONE = COVENANT UNION
From the very beginning, “one” shows up in relationships:
“And the two shall become one flesh.”
— Genesis 2:24
Marriage is described not as two people coexisting but as a oneness—a bond, a union, a new identity. And guess what? That union points to Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31–32). So once again, “one” represents deep, relational unity.
🤲 “THERE IS ONE BODY…”
Paul loves the number one. Just look at this list from Ephesians 4:4–6:
“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all…”
That’s seven uses of “one” in three verses. And yes—he’s making a point. The Church is made of many members, but it is one body. There are many believers, but one faith. Many stories, but one salvation.
It’s unity without uniformity. Harmony in diversity.
🕊️ JESUS’ PRAYER FOR ONENESS
This one gives you chills:
“That they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You…”
— John 17:21
Jesus doesn’t just preach oneness—He prays for it. For you. For us. He desires that His people reflect the same kind of unity that exists within the Trinity. That’s not small. That’s cosmic.
🧠 THEOLOGICAL MEANING OF “ONE”
In biblical thought, “one” represents:
- Singularity — no division, no mixture, no competition
- Unity — things brought together in right relationship
- Supremacy — what comes first in time or rank
- Integrity — wholeness, undividedness of heart or purpose
This applies to God… but also to worship, marriage, purpose, and the Church.
✨ TL;DR
- One = unity, primacy, singularity, covenant, and completeness in God
- God is one, and there is no other
- The call is to live wholeheartedly, with undivided loyalty
- In Jesus, many become one body, joined in love and purpose
So yes—one matters! It whispers the truth that fragmentation is not your destiny, and division is not the final word. From Genesis to Revelation, God is pulling all things together into one glorious story, under one Lord, in one Spirit, through one cross.
And that is a story worth being part of. 🕊️