IN THE BIBLE, THE NUMBER 40 SIGNIFIES A PERIOD OF TESTING OR PREPARATION, OFTEN PRECEDING A NEW BEGINNING OR SIGNIFICANT DIVING ACTION. IT FREQUENTLY REPRESENTS A FULL GENERATION OR A COMPLETE SPAN OF TIME NECESSARY FOR SPIRITUAL MATURATION, REPENTANCE, OR TRAINING BEFORE A MAJOR TRANSITION.
“AFTER HIS SUFFERING, HE PRESENTED HIMSELF TO THEM AND GAVE MANY CONVINCING PROOFS THAT HE WAS ALIVE. HE APPREARED TO THEM OVER A PERIOD OF FORTY DAYS AND SPOKE ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” ACTS 1:3 NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV)