Brief Overview of ἑξήκοντα (Strong’s G1835: hexēkonta)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for uncovering the original meanings and nuances that may be lost in translation. The Greek word ἑξήκοντα (hexēkonta) is particularly significant because it is the number sixty, which appears in various contexts in the New Testament. Knowing the precise use and connotation of numbers like ἑξήκοντα helps in interpreting texts with numerical references, providing deeper insights into both Biblical numerology and ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἑξήκοντα, transliterated as hexēkonta [hek-SAY-kon-tah]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek root ἕξ (hex), meaning “six,” combined with a form that indicates multiplication by ten, resulting in “sixty.”
• Part of Speech: Numeral (Cardinal)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Sixty (60) – a cardinal number used in counting or denoting quantity.

Similar Words: πεντήκοντα (pentēkonta) [pen-TAY-kon-tah] – This is the number fifty (50) in Greek, which is close to sixty but numerically distinct. Both are cardinal numbers used in counting but may appear in different contexts, affecting the interpretation of Biblical passages.

Further Insights: The word ἑξήκοντα is an indeclinable numeral, meaning it does not change form according to case, gender, or number. This stability in form is common in Greek cardinal numbers. The word’s composition reflects ancient Greek numerical patterns, where numbers were often formed by combining smaller units, such as six (hex) multiplied by ten.
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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Notes that ἑξήκοντα simply denotes the number sixty and is used in various contexts where this precise quantity is mentioned, whether in terms of age, quantity, or other numerical references.

Thayers: Defines ἑξήκοντα as the cardinal number sixty, explaining its use in enumerative contexts without additional connotations.

Vines: Focuses on the specific Biblical usage of ἑξήκοντα, highlighting its mention in contexts like genealogies and numerical groupings that carry significance in scriptural narratives.

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LSJ: Lists ἑξήκοντα in its basic form as the number sixty, used in both everyday and formal writings of ancient Greek literature, and provides examples of its usage in various classical works.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἑξήκοντα as “sixty,” noting its appearance in New Testament texts to indicate this specific number, which might appear in contexts such as time, measurements, or group sizes.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 24:13: “And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about sixty [ἑξήκοντα] stadia from Jerusalem.”
• Mark 4:8: “And other seed fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty [ἑξήκοντα], and a hundredfold.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἑξήκοντα (G1835: hexēkonta)

The Greek word ἑξήκοντα (Strong’s G1835) is the cardinal number for sixty. Used in Biblical and classical contexts, it denotes the exact number without any additional grammatical or contextual modifications. In Biblical passages, it often appears in references to distances, ages, or quantities, emphasizing specific numerical values that carry narrative or symbolic significance. Understanding this numeral in its original Greek context allows for a more precise interpretation of texts where numbers play a critical role in meaning and understanding.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, numbers like ἑξήκοντα were often used not just for counting but also for symbolic purposes. For example, in ancient numerology, the number sixty could be associated with completeness or cycles, depending on the cultural or philosophical context. This kind of numerological insight provides additional layers of interpretation for ancient texts.