What Does "Seventy Times Seven" Really Mean? A Neville Goddard Exploration

For generations, the biblical instruction to forgive "seventy times seven" has echoed through religious teachings. But what lies beneath this seemingly endless count? Neville Goddard, a profound interpreter of scripture, invites us to delve beyond the surface and uncover the rich symbolic tapestry woven into these words, drawing on the power of Hebrew numerology and the transformative potential of our own consciousness.

Unlocking the Language of Numbers

In the Hebrew tradition, numbers are not mere digits; they are vessels of deep spiritual meaning:

The Sacred Seven (7):
This number resonates with spiritual perfection, divine order, and the completion of cycles. Think of the seven days that birthed creation, culminating in a state of wholeness. Intriguingly, the Hebrew letter for seven is 'zayin' (ז), a symbol carrying the weight of "sword" or "weapon."

The Amplified Seventy (70):
Seventy acts as an intensifier of seven, signifying a full measure, a grand cycle completed, and the totality of something realized. It speaks of culmination and divine decree. The Hebrew counterpart for seventy is 'ayin' (ע), which beautifully translates to "eye" or "to see/perceive."

The Inner Eye: 'Ayin' and the Power of Perception

Goddard illuminates the phrase "seventy times" through the lens of 'ayin' – the eye. He posits that forgiving seventy times isn't about meticulously tracking offenses. Instead, it's a call for a fundamental transformation in how we perceive. It demands a conscious shift in how we see the individual who has caused us harm and the very fabric of the situation.

Imagine cultivating an "eye of love," a perspective that pierces through the surface actions and recognizes the inherent divinity residing within every being. This conscious choice to see with compassion and understanding dissolves the rigid walls of judgment, opening a pathway to true forgiveness.

The Decisive Cut: 'Zayin' and the Sword of Release

The instruction to forgive "seven times" finds its resonance in 'zayin', the Hebrew letter embodying the "sword." Goddard interprets this as the deliberate and decisive act of severing the emotional and mental chains that bind us to the transgression. Forgiveness, in this context, transcends passive acceptance; it becomes an active wielding of the "sword" to cut away the tendrils of resentment and hurt that ensnare our hearts and minds.

Like a skilled artisan, we must intentionally choose to release the pain, the anger, and the yearning for retribution. This act of conscious cutting liberates us from the shackles of the past, allowing us to step forward with renewed lightness and clarity.

Finding Inner Sabbath: Completing the Cycle of Rest

The number seven, beyond its association with the "sword," also embodies the profound concept of rest – the sacred Sabbath following the completion of creation. Goddard suggests that the journey of limitless forgiveness, guided by transformed perception ('ayin') and the decisive act of release ('zayin'), ultimately leads us to a state of profound inner peace and tranquility.

Clinging to unforgiveness creates a tempest within our inner landscape, disrupting our natural state of harmony. By consistently choosing to forgive – not as a finite act but as an enduring state of being – we bring the cycle of offense and resentment to its completion. We mirror the divine completion and discover our own inner Sabbath, a sanctuary of wholeness where the shadows of the past no longer cloud our present moment.

Embracing a Consciousness of Limitless Forgiveness

Therefore, Jesus's powerful teaching to forgive "seventy times seven" is not a call to endless record-keeping of wrongs. It is a profound invitation to cultivate a consciousness saturated with limitless forgiveness. This involves:

• Seeing with the Eyes of Love ('Ayin'/70): Consciously choosing to perceive the inherent divinity and potential within all.

• Decisively Releasing the Past ('Zayin'/7): Actively severing the emotional and mental ties to hurt and resentment.

• Attaining Inner Rest (Symbolism of 7): Discovering profound peace and wholeness by completing the cycle of offense through unwavering forgiveness.

By embracing this deeper understanding, we transcend the limitations of literal interpretation and unlock the transformative power of boundless forgiveness within our own lives, paving the path towards lasting inner peace and a more compassionate engagement with the world around us.

Forgiving Brothers: A Deeper Layer of Meaning

In Neville Goddard’s view, the call to forgive "brothers" aligns perfectly with his interpretation of "seventy times seven." The "brother," in Neville’s teachings, is not simply a physical person—it symbolizes every aspect of our own consciousness, including past hurts, judgments, and negative perceptions. To forgive your brother is not just about reconciling with others externally but about releasing internal judgments and mental attachments to old experiences.

Forgiveness, in this sense, is an act of self-liberation. It’s a mental and emotional release of the chains that bind us to negative thoughts and feelings. Just as "seventy times seven" calls for limitless forgiveness, forgiving your brother is a practice of freeing yourself from past grievances, understanding that every person—and every situation—is a reflection of your own inner state.

Neville emphasizes that forgiveness is a conscious act of changing our perception. When we forgive, we choose to see with the "eyes of love," recognizing the inherent divinity within everyone. This inner transformation is essential to both personal growth and spiritual awakening, as it enables us to break free from the cycles of resentment and judgment that limit our potential.

By forgiving our brothers (and all that they represent in our consciousness), we not only heal relationships but also heal ourselves, unlocking a deeper connection to divine love and creating the conditions for lasting peace and harmony in our lives.

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By integrating Neville’s teachings on forgiveness, we understand that "seventy times seven" and forgiving our brothers are both aspects of the same transformative process. It’s about releasing the past, altering our perceptions, and embracing the limitless power of forgiveness—not just for others, but for ourselves. This journey leads us toward inner peace, spiritual growth, and a more compassionate existence.