Introduction:

Understanding numerical terms in the New Testament is essential for both the accurate interpretation of scripture and the appreciation of the cultural significance of numbers in ancient times. The Greek word ἑβδομήκοντα (G1440: hebdomēkonta), meaning “seventy,” holds particular importance due to its frequent appearance in Biblical contexts where numbers carry symbolic or literal significance. Whether referring to the seventy disciples sent by Jesus, the seventy years of captivity in Babylon, or other instances, the number seventy often symbolizes completeness, judgment, or divine order. Delving into the meaning and use of ἑβδομήκοντα enhances our understanding of these passages and sheds light on the ancient world’s cultural and theological perspectives on numbers.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἑβδομήκοντα (hebdomēkonta) [heb-do-may’-kon-tah]
• Etymology: Derived from the root ἑπτά (hepta), meaning “seven,” combined with the suffix -κοντα (-konta), which is used to denote multiples of ten. The word ἑβδομήκοντα literally translates to “seventy.”
• Part of Speech: Numeral (Cardinal)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Seventy: A cardinal number representing the quantity of seventy. It is often used in both literal and symbolic contexts in the New Testament.

Similar Words:

• ἑπτά (hepta) [hep-tah]: Meaning “seven,” this word is the root of ἑβδομήκοντα and often appears in contexts related to completeness or perfection in the Bible.
• ἑκατόν (hekaton) [heh-kah-ton]: Meaning “one hundred,” this word is used to indicate a larger quantity, often in contexts emphasizing abundance or completeness on a grander scale than seventy.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• ἑβδομήκοντα is a cardinal numeral and does not decline for case, gender, or number. It is used to quantify and does not change form based on its syntactical role in a sentence.
• The combination of ἑπτά (seven) with -κοντα (a suffix indicating multiples of ten) reflects the ancient Greek practice of forming higher numbers by multiplying basic units like seven by ten.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: ἑβδομήκοντα is identified as the numeral “seventy,” with the lexicon noting its usage in both literal and symbolic contexts. The number is highlighted for its frequent appearance in narratives involving completeness, divine judgment, and fulfillment.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἑβδομήκοντα as a cardinal number, used in the New Testament to represent the quantity seventy. The lexicon emphasizes its significance in various Biblical passages, particularly those with prophetic or symbolic meanings.

Vine’s: ἑβδομήκοντα is noted as the numeral “seventy,” with a focus on its symbolic use in scriptures. Vine’s discusses the theological implications of the number, especially in relation to periods of judgment or divine appointment.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἑβδομήκοντα is recognized as the numeral “seventy,” with common use in literature, historical records, and mathematical contexts. The lexicon notes its frequent appearance in contexts requiring precise numerical representation.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἑβδομήκοντα is listed as “seventy,” with emphasis on its Biblical usage, particularly in passages where the number symbolizes completeness, judgment, or fulfillment of divine plans.

Scripture References:

• Luke 10:1: “After this the Lord appointed seventy (ἑβδομήκοντα) others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.”
• Genesis 46:27: “And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two; all the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy (ἑβδομήκοντα).”
• Daniel 9:24: “Seventy (ἑβδομήκοντα) weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἑβδομήκοντα (G1440: hebdomēkonta):

The numeral ἑβδομήκοντα (G1440: hebdomēkonta) is a significant term in the New Testament, representing the quantity seventy. This number often carries symbolic weight, associated with completeness, judgment, or divine fulfillment. Whether used to describe the seventy disciples sent by Jesus or the seventy years of captivity in Babylon, ἑβδομήκοντα plays a crucial role in conveying theological and prophetic truths. Understanding this term provides deeper insight into the Biblical text and highlights the importance of numbers in ancient Greek culture, where they were often imbued with layers of meaning beyond their numerical value.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The number seventy (ἑβδομήκοντα) was highly regarded in ancient Jewish tradition, representing a combination of the sacred number seven and the fullness of ten. This made seventy a symbol of completeness and divine order, which is why it appears so frequently in both Biblical and extra-Biblical literature as a number of significance.