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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, numbers often carry symbolic and theological importance. The Greek word ὄγδοος (ogdoos), meaning “eighth,” is one such term. Found in Luke 1:59, it marks the day of John the Baptist’s circumcision, which occurred on the eighth day according to Jewish custom. This word plays a crucial role in understanding time-related rituals and cultural practices in both Jewish and early Christian traditions. By studying words like ὄγδοος, we can deepen our understanding of how specific time markers reflect broader theological themes and how they relate to historical practices.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὄγδοος (ogdoos), pronounced og’-do-os.

Etymology: Derived from the Greek root word ὀκτώ (oktō), meaning “eight,” ὄγδοος indicates something related to the eighth in a sequence or position, often referring to the number “eight” in ordinal form. This root gives it connections to words related to cycles, times, and days.

Part of Speech: ὄγδοος is an adjective in Greek. It modifies nouns to indicate that something is the “eighth” in a series, often dealing with time, order, or numerical significance. In Luke 1:59, for instance, it marks the specific day on which John the Baptist was circumcised, highlighting its significance in Jewish ritual observance.

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Defining Meanings

1. Eighth in Sequence (Ordinal Adjective): The primary meaning of ὄγδοος is “eighth,” used to designate the position of an object or event in a series. For example, in Luke 1:59, it refers to the eighth day after birth when the circumcision of a male child was traditionally performed in Jewish culture.

2. Cultural Significance: In Jewish tradition, the eighth day had particular importance for circumcision, symbolizing the covenant between God and His people, as established in Genesis 17:12. The word ὄγδοος here signifies more than just a number—it reflects obedience to divine commandment.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἕβδομος (hebdemos) [pronunciation: heb’-do-mos]: This word means “seventh” and differs from ὄγδοος as it pertains to the number seven, often linked with completion or perfection in Hebrew thought, such as the Sabbath on the seventh day.

2. ἑνδέκατος (hendekatos) [pronunciation: hen-dek’-a-tos]: Meaning “eleventh,” this ordinal adjective designates the eleventh in a sequence, showcasing its difference in numerical order from ὄγδοος, which represents the eighth.

3. πρῶτος (protos) [pronunciation: pro’-tos]: Meaning “first,” this word differs from ὄγδοος by representing the initial position in a series rather than a later place in the sequence.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, ὄγδοος changes its form to agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. This means it can appear in masculine, feminine, and neuter forms:

• Masculine: ὄγδοος (eighth, singular, masculine nominative).

• Feminine: ὄγδοη (eighth, singular, feminine nominative).

• Neuter: ὄγδοον (eighth, singular, neuter nominative).

It also follows standard adjectival declension patterns in Greek, adjusting its endings to match the grammatical case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) required by the sentence.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Greek lexicons universally agree that ὄγδοος refers to the “eighth” in a sequence. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s note its use in both secular and religious contexts, often marking days or events in Greek and Jewish cultures. In the New Testament, the term is used sparingly but carries significant weight when it appears, particularly in its association with Jewish rituals such as circumcision on the eighth day. Classical Greek literature also uses ὄγδοος to refer to positions in a numerical series, whether in descriptions of time, rank, or order. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 1:59: “And it came to pass, that on the eighth day [ὄγδοος], they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.”

2. Genesis 17:12 (LXX): “He that is eight days [ὄγδοος] old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Plato Laws “In the eighth year [ὄγδοος] of reign, the people gathered.”

Septuagint Genesis 17:12 “And on the eighth day [ὄγδοος], every male child shall be circumcised.”

Herodotus Histories “In the eighth [ὄγδοος] year of rule, war began.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word ὄγδοος, meaning “eighth,” plays a vital role in Biblical and cultural contexts. In the New Testament, it marks significant events such as circumcision on the eighth day, reflecting its importance in Jewish tradition. While a simple ordinal number, it carries cultural and theological significance, representing covenantal faithfulness and ritual observance. Its use in classical literature similarly reflects its role in marking time and order in various settings.

Did You Know?

1. The number eight, associated with ὄγδοος, is symbolic in many cultures for new beginnings and renewal.

2. In the Bible, the eighth day was chosen for circumcision to symbolize a child’s official entry into the covenant community of Israel.

3. Early Christian writers sometimes linked the “eighth day” with the day of resurrection, symbolizing a new creation.