Brief Overview of ἐννέα (Strong’s G1767)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words is vital to uncovering the depth and nuances within scripture. The Greek word ἐννέα (ennéa) is particularly significant because it represents the cardinal number “nine.” While it may seem like a straightforward numeric term, its use in the Bible and ancient Greek literature carries connotations that go beyond mere counting. Recognizing the importance of numbers in both the New Testament and ancient Greek culture, the study of ἐννέα helps provide insight into cultural, theological, and symbolic meanings that can deepen our understanding of the text.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐννέα (ennéa) [EN-nay-ah]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings: The word ἐννέα is of uncertain etymology, but it is universally accepted as the Greek word for “nine.” It has been used consistently across Greek literature to denote the number nine.
• Part of Speech: Numeral, cardinal. As a cardinal number, it does not have declension like nouns or adjectives, but it follows regular numeral usage in the Greek language.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Nine — the number following eight and preceding ten, used in various contexts to count or denote quantity.

Similar Words: ὀκτώ (októ) [ok-TOH] means “eight,” and δέκα (déka) [DEH-kah] means “ten.” Both are also cardinal numbers that signify a specific quantity. ἐννέα specifically denotes the number “nine” and is used in contexts that require precise numerical representation.

Further Insights: ἐννέα is a straightforward numeral that does not inflect for case, gender, or number. Unlike ordinal numbers such as ἔνατος (“ninth”), which can change form depending on grammatical agreement, ἐννέα remains the same regardless of its syntactic role. Its usage spans a variety of contexts in Greek literature, from simple counting to more symbolic or thematic uses.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐννέα is defined simply as the cardinal number “nine.” The lexicon notes its use in a variety of contexts, including its significance in numerology and symbolism within the ancient world, where numbers often carried deeper meanings.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐννέα as “nine,” emphasizing its function as a cardinal number. It is primarily used for counting and can be found in various New Testament passages where precise quantities are mentioned.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary acknowledges ἐννέα as the Greek word for “nine,” often appearing in contexts where exact numerical values are crucial for understanding events, instructions, or descriptions in the New Testament.

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LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon provides examples of ἐννέα in classical literature, noting its straightforward use as a cardinal number. The lexicon also mentions its occasional use in more figurative contexts, where numbers may carry symbolic or thematic weight.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance identifies ἐννέα as the cardinal number “nine,” frequently used in both the Old and New Testaments to denote a specific quantity. Strong’s highlights its straightforward nature but also its importance in contexts requiring precision.

Scripture References

• Luke 17:17 — “And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine (ἐννέα)?”
• Acts 10:3 — “He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour (ἐννέα), an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.”
• Revelation 21:20 — “The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth (ἐννέα), topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐννέα (G1767)

ἐννέα (ennéa) is a Greek cardinal numeral that simply means “nine.” It is used in various contexts in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature to denote a quantity or specific number. Though numerically straightforward, the number nine has cultural and symbolic significance, particularly in the context of ancient Greek thought and Biblical writings. By understanding ἐννέα, readers can appreciate the precision and sometimes symbolic undertones associated with numerical references in scriptural and historical texts.

Did You Know?

In various ancient cultures, including Greek, the number nine often symbolized completeness or finality. For example, in mythology, nine days of feasting or mourning might represent the closure of a significant event. In Biblical texts, the number nine is similarly used to mark important periods, such as the ninth hour, which was a significant time for daily prayers in Jewish and early Christian practices.