Brief Overview of ἀριθμέω (G705: arithmeō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: arithmeō

Root Words:

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• ἀριθμέω (arithmeō): Derived from the Greek word ἀριθμός (arithmos), meaning “number.” The root word ἀριθμός refers to a numerical value or quantity.

Primary Meanings:

• To Count: The primary meaning of ἀριθμέω is “to count” or “to enumerate,” involving the process of determining the number or quantity of items.
• To Number: It also means “to number” or “to calculate,” referring to the act of assigning numbers or calculating totals.
• To Record Numbers: In some contexts, it involves recording or listing numbers.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes ἀριθμέω as “to count” or “to enumerate,” with an emphasis on the numerical aspect of the term. It notes its use in both general counting and specific contexts, such as recording or tallying.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἀριθμέω as “to count” or “to enumerate,” focusing on its application in determining quantities or listing items.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights ἀριθμέω in terms of its use for “counting” or “numbering,” emphasizing its role in quantification and enumeration.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀριθμέω as “to count” or “to number,” noting its usage in various contexts where counting or numerical listing is involved.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies ἀριθμέω as “to count” or “to number,” pointing to its application in counting and listing numerical values.

Bible Verses:

• Luke 14:28 (KJV): “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?”
• Here, “counteth” translates ἀριθμέω, reflecting its use in calculating or determining costs.
• Revelation 13:18 (KJV): “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”
• “Count” in this verse corresponds to ἀριθμέω, emphasizing the process of calculating or interpreting numerical values.
• Acts 21:20 (KJV): “And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law.”
• “Many” reflects the concept of counting or enumerating in a general sense.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἀριθμέω appears in various contexts:

• Homer: Homer uses terms related to counting in epic poetry, though ἀριθμέω itself may not be directly cited, the concept of numerical recording is evident.
• Aristotle: Aristotle discusses methods of enumeration and calculation in his works, showcasing the importance of counting in philosophical and scientific contexts.
• Euclid: Euclid’s mathematical texts involve detailed enumeration and counting, reflecting the term’s use in mathematical and geometrical contexts.

4. Summary:

The term ἀριθμέω (G705: arithmeō) primarily means “to count” or “to number,” derived from ἀριθμός (arithmos), which refers to numbers. It encompasses actions such as counting, enumerating, and recording numerical values. BDAG and other lexicons agree on its core meaning, focusing on numerical processes and listing. In classic Greek literature, the concept of counting is prevalent, with references to enumeration in mathematical, scientific, and general contexts. The term reflects its broad application in both everyday and specialized numerical contexts.