Brief Overview of πεντακόσιοι (Strong’s G4001: pentakosioi)
Strong’s G4001: From πέντε (five) and -κόσιοι (hundred); meaning “five hundred.” In NT appears in Jesus’s parable of two debtors and Paul’s account of resurrection witnesses. Represents significant quantities in teaching contexts about forgiveness and faith evidence.
U- Unveiling the Word
Πεντακόσιοι represents a significant numerical value used in NT teaching contexts. In Luke’s gospel, it appears in Jesus’s parable about forgiveness, comparing debts of different magnitudes. In Corinthians, it describes the number of witnesses to Christ’s resurrection. Early church writers saw both uses as emphasizing the magnitude of divine grace and evidence for faith.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: πεντακόσιοι, pentakosioi, [pen-ta-KO-see-oi]
- Detailed pronunciation: pen-ta-KO-see-oy
- Part of Speech: Adjective (Cardinal Number)
Join the coffee club to enjoy an ad-free experience and add your voice to this discussion.
Etymology:
- πέντε (five)
- -κόσιοι (hundred)
- Forms compound number
- Indicates numerical quantity
D – Defining Meanings
- Five hundred
- A count of five hundred
- Five hundredfold
For compound words:
- πέντε provides five
- -κόσιοι adds hundred
- Combined meaning: five hundred
Translation Options:
- Five hundred – Direct translation
- Five hundredfold – Multiplicative sense
- Five centuries – Historical context
E – Exploring Similar Words
- τριακόσιοι [triakosioi, tree-a-KO-see-oi] – three hundred
- ἑξακόσιοι [hexakosioi, hex-a-KO-see-oi] – six hundred
- διακόσιοι [diakosioi, dee-a-KO-see-oi] – two hundred
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
- Plural Cardinal Number
- Three Gender Forms:
- Masculine: πεντακόσιοι
- Feminine: πεντακόσιαι
- Neuter: πεντακόσια
- First/Second Declension pattern
- Cross-references: πέντε (five), -κόσιοι (hundred)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes parabolic usage. Thayer’s notes resurrection context. LSJ traces numerical development. Vine’s highlights significance in testimony. Moulton and Milligan show commercial usage.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred [πεντακόσιοι] denarii, and the other fifty.” (Luke 7:41)
Additional References:
1 Corinthians 15:6
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
Author: Work | Text |
---|---|
Herodotus: Histories | “A fleet of five hundred [πεντακόσιοι] ships.” |
Thucydides: War | “Five hundred [πεντακόσιοι] talents of silver.” |
Xenophon: Anabasis | “Five hundred [πεντακόσιοι] horsemen.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Πεντακόσιοι teaches us about both the magnitude of God’s forgiveness and the substantial evidence for Christ’s resurrection. Whether in parables about debt or testimonies about the risen Lord, this number emphasizes the overwhelming nature of divine grace and truth.
D – Did You Know?
- Significant number in Greek military units
- Common denomination in ancient monetary systems
- Used in early church discussions of resurrection witnesses
Strong’s G4001: From πέντε (five) and -κόσιοι (hundred); meaning “five hundred.” In NT appears in Jesus’s parable of two debtors and Paul’s account of resurrection witnesses. Represents significant quantities in teaching contexts about forgiveness and faith evidence.
Part of speech: Adjective (Cardinal Number)
Tags: #Numbers #Parables #Resurrection #Forgiveness #Testimony #BiblicalNumbers #JesusTeaching #Evidence #Faith #Witness
This page is made possible by the generosity of coffee club members. Your support keeps spiritual truth free and ad-free for all seekers of wisdom. Thank you and I would like to pray this blessing on you.