10257. Two hundred and fifty. That this signifies the corresponding quantity and quality, is evident from what was shown just above (n. 10255).

10255. The half thereof, two hundred and fifty. That this signifies the corresponding quantity, is evident from the signification of a number which is the half of a preceding one, as being somewhat, and as much as is sufficient, or as much as is for use, thus also as much as corresponds. Hence it is that “two hundred and fifty,” being the half of the previous number “five hundred,” signifies the corresponding quantity. How the case herein is can be seen from examples. Take for example the number “ten.” When this number signifies all, then the half of it, or “five,” signifies some; when “ten” signifies what is full, then “five” signifies as much as is sufficient; but when “ten” signifies much, “five” signifies somewhat; and so on. The case is the same with all other numbers when halved. (That “five” signifies some, also somewhat, and likewise as much as is sufficient, and as much as is for use, see n. 4638, 5708, 5956, 9102, 9689), thus with variety relatively to the number “ten,” when this signifies all, what is full, or much. It is similar with the signification of “fifty” relatively to a “hundred,” and of “two hundred and fifty” relatively to “five hundred;” it does not matter whether a number is greater or less, seeing that the greater numbers have a like signification with the less from which they are composed (see n. 5335, 5708, 7973; and that numbers in the Word signify real things, see the places cited in n. 9488, 10127). From all this it can be seen that the present number, which is half of the previous one, does not signify half the perception of interior truth relatively to the perception of exterior truth; but a corresponding quantity. For things in the heavens are not measured and numbered as are things on earth, because in the heavens there are no spaces, or times, but instead thereof states, which are perceived in respect to their quality and quantity, without regard to any numbering. For numbering and measurement involve such things as belong to space and time, thus which are proper to nature in its ultimates.