Brief Overview of δεκατέσσαρες (G1180: dekatéssares)

Dekatéssares (pronounced deh-kah-TEH-sah-rees) is a Greek numeral meaning “fourteen.” It is derived from the combination of δέκα (déka), which means “ten,” and τέσσαρες (téssares), meaning “four.” As an adjective, it is used to denote the quantity fourteen.

Primary Meanings:

• Fourteen: This numeral is used to indicate the number fourteen, particularly in contexts where counting or grouping is involved, such as genealogical lists or chronological sequences.

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Scripture References

1. Matthew 1:17: “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen (δεκατέσσαρες) generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen (δεκατέσσαρες) generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen (δεκατέσσαρες) generations.” In this verse, δεκατέσσαρες is used to organize the genealogy of Jesus into three sets of fourteen generations, highlighting its symbolic and structural significance.
2. Revelation 21:20: “The twelfth (δεκατέσσαρες) gate was a pearl. Each gate made of a single pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” In this context, δεκατέσσαρες is used to describe the number of gates of the New Jerusalem, indicating the completeness and perfection of the city’s design.

Detailed Description

According to BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Early Christian Literature), δεκατέσσαρες specifically denotes the number fourteen and is used in contexts to signify precise counts, often in genealogies or measurements.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon aligns with BDAG, emphasizing that δεκατέσσαρες is a numeral used to specify the quantity fourteen. Thayer’s notes that it is used in biblical genealogies to symbolize completeness.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance confirms the meaning as “fourteen” and provides similar usage examples, especially in genealogical lists.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary supports the usage of δεκατέσσαρες in similar contexts, highlighting its role in organizing information into sets of fourteen for structural clarity.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics”: In this work, Aristotle uses numerals, including fourteen, to discuss various forms of measurement and categorization, illustrating the practical use of such numbers in philosophical contexts.
2. Plato’s “Republic”: Plato uses numerals in his discussions on ideal societies and their structures. Although not always specifically fourteen, the concept of using exact numbers is present in his ideal societal models.
3. Homer’s “Iliad”: While Homer’s epic does not use fourteen directly, it exemplifies the use of numbers for categorization and grouping, setting a precedent for later uses of specific numerals in literature.

Summary

Dekatéssares (G1180) is a Greek numeral meaning “fourteen,” derived from combining δέκα (ten) and τέσσαρες (four). It primarily denotes the number fourteen and is used to structure genealogical and other lists into groups of fourteen. In the New Testament, it appears in the context of organizing generations and describing the dimensions of heavenly entities, emphasizing its symbolic and structural importance. Classical Greek literature also reflects the practical use of numerals, including fourteen, for categorization and measurement.