Every generation has its unique culture, sayings, and idioms. I am a product of the 70s and grew up with “dude”, “far out”, “boogie down”, and some strange clothing choices by today’s standards. (See the “cat idioms” at the end of the article for examples of other idioms).
Lately, there has been a trend of using the phrase “6-7” among the youth that confuses the older and younger generation alike. While I won’t attempt to define the phrase or say young people shouldn’t use it, I will attempt to stress the importance of words and the biblical importance of numbers.
In the bible, vain (or empty speech) is commanded against. Vain repetitions in prayer are considered in Matthew 6:7 (YES, it is 6:7 😊): “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words” (ESV). God does not want insincere speech in prayer. God also warns against foolish talk or babblings (Ephesians 5:4, 2 Timothy 2:16) for the fear that they will lead to ungodliness.
But what about “6-7”? While its meaning and use is not completely known the term itself seems harmless on the surface. As with a lot of things it comes down to intent. It might be interesting to note the bible assigned meanings to numbers. This meaning has its source in the Jewish understanding of these numbers and can be found in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.
For instance, the number 1 is for unity as in one God (John 10:30). The number 3 denotes the perfect divine Godhead (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). The number 4 represents the earth as in the “four corners” (Isaiah 11:12) or “winds” (Jeremiah 49:36).
The number 7 is a number that means “completeness” or “perfection”. For instance, 7 is the number of days in a complete week. Often 3 ½ is used to denote half a time. The number 6 is the number of man as he falls short of perfection or 7 (Romans 3:23).
There are many other uses of numbers as symbolic meanings in scripture that are beyond the scope of this article but the main point remains: words and numbers mean things even though at times they may be symbolic rather than literal. God does care about vain speech when used in communication to Him and when used in an ungodly way with others.
As for “6-7”, there seems to be no meaning or harm meant but as stated, it all comes down to intent. As a short man, I sometimes wish I was 6’7” but as the bible states, we should be content in our conditions: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13, ESV). May we all have Paul’s attitude as we go through the up and downs in life. Some things are unknowable and we should be content in that as well. What we do know of God is that he loves us and gives us a way out in our situations. God is perfect (7) and loves man who falls short (6) and gives us salvation and peace (John 3:16). That is all we really need to know about “6-7”!
