The term "The Eight" is not a direct biblical phrase but can be associated with various groups or individuals in the Bible that are counted as eight. In biblical numerology, the number eight often signifies new beginnings, resurrection, or a new order of creation, as it follows the number seven, which symbolizes completion or perfection.

1. Noah and His Family:

One of the most significant references to the number eight in the Bible is Noah and his family. After the flood, eight people were saved in the ark: Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives. This event marked a new beginning for humanity. In 1 Peter 3:20 , it is written, "who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water."

2. David's Mighty Men:

While not explicitly referred to as "The Eight," David's mighty men include a notable group of warriors. Among them, there is a mention of a group of three and another of thirty, but the list of names in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11 includes various individuals who performed great feats. The number eight can be seen in the context of the broader group of warriors who supported David, though the text does not specifically isolate eight individuals as a distinct group.

3. The Eight Sons of Jesse:

Jesse, the father of David, had eight sons. David, the youngest, was chosen by God to be king over Israel. This selection marked a new beginning for the nation of Israel under David's leadership. In 1 Samuel 16:10-11 , it is recorded, "Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, 'The LORD has not chosen any of these.' And Samuel asked him, 'Are these all the sons you have?' 'There is still the youngest,' Jesse replied, 'but he is tending the sheep.' 'Send for him,' Samuel replied, 'for we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.'"

4. The Eight Days of Circumcision:

In Jewish tradition, circumcision is performed on the eighth day after a male child's birth, as commanded in the Law of Moses. This practice signifies the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants. In Leviticus 12:3 , it is stated, "On the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised." This act represents a new beginning for the child as part of God's covenant people.

5. The Eight Beatitudes:

In the New Testament, Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, which includes the Beatitudes. While traditionally counted as nine or ten, some interpretations consider the first eight as a distinct set, each beginning with "Blessed are..." These teachings in Matthew 5:3-10 outline the attitudes and characteristics of those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven, marking a new way of life for believers.

6. The Feast of Tabernacles:

The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is celebrated for seven days, with an additional eighth day known as Shemini Atzeret. This festival is a time of rejoicing and marks the completion of the agricultural year. In Leviticus 23:36 , it is written, "For seven days you are to present an offering by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day, you are to hold a sacred assembly and present an offering by fire to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you must not do any regular work."

The number eight, therefore, holds significant theological and symbolic meaning throughout the biblical narrative, often associated with new beginnings, covenant, and divine intervention.