Double perfection and the name David
The number fourteen is twice seven and represents double divine perfection. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus' genealogy is structured into three groups of fourteen generations, a division likely intentionally linked to the fact that the Hebrew name David (דוד) has the numerical value 14. Thus, the number unites double perfection with the messianic line of David, emphasizing that Jesus is the promised son of David. Through gematria, the letters in David (דוד) have the numerical value 14: dalet (ד) = 4, vav (ו) = 6, dalet (д) = 4, that is, 4+6+4 = 14. Matthew 1:17 explicitly summarizes the genealogy in three groups of fourteen: from Abraham to David, from David to the exile to Babylon, and from the exile to Christ. Many scholars believe this structure is motivated by theology rather than strict chronology, as some generations appear to be omitted to achieve symmetry. The fourteenth day of the first month (Nisan) is the date for the Passover celebration (Exod 12:6), which further links the number 14 to salvation and divine intervention in Israel's history.*