Understanding ἀριθμέω (arithmeō) Strong’s G705: The Divine Precision of God Who Numbers Even Our Hairs

Pronunciation Guide: ah-rith-MEH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G705: ἀριθμέω is a verb that means to number, count, or enumerate. It implies careful, detailed counting with intention and purpose, often emphasizing thoroughness and completeness in the counting process. The word conveys the idea of taking an exact count or inventory, suggesting precise attention to detail.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active)
• Derived from ἀριθμός (arithmos, “number”)
• Classical Greek origin
• Used primarily in narrative and teaching passages
• Found in mathematical and commercial contexts in extra-biblical literature

ἀριθμέω Morphology:

• ἀριθμέω (present active indicative) – I count/number
• ἀριθμῆσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to count/number
• ἠρίθμησεν (aorist active indicative) – he/she/it counted/numbered
• ἠριθμημένος (perfect passive participle) – having been counted/numbered

Origin & History

The word ἀριθμέω has deep roots in classical Greek mathematics and commerce. Plato used it in “Republic” (Book VII) when discussing mathematical education, emphasizing precise counting as fundamental to philosophical understanding. Xenophon employed it in “Oeconomicus” when describing inventory management and household accounting.

In the Septuagint, ἀριθμέω appears frequently in census contexts, particularly in Numbers and Chronicles, translating the Hebrew מָנָה (manah) and סָפַר (safar). This usage established its connection to divine oversight and providential care, as seen in census-taking under divine command.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To count systematically with attention to detail
• To take inventory with purpose and completeness
• To enumerate for official or administrative purposes
• To reckon or calculate with precision

ἀριθμέω Translation Options:

• “to number” – emphasizes systematic counting and official recording
• “to count” – focuses on the basic action of enumeration
• “to take count of” – suggests inventory-taking with purpose
• “to enumerate” – highlights thorough, methodical counting

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀριθμέω appears most notably in contexts emphasizing God’s detailed knowledge and care for His creation. Its first appearance in Matthew 10:30 presents a powerful image of divine attention to detail, where even the hairs of our heads are numbered.

The word carries special theological weight in apocalyptic literature, particularly in Revelation, where it connects to God’s sovereign knowledge and control over events and people. This usage reinforces the theme of divine omniscience and providential care.

• “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered [ἀριθμημέναι].” Matthew 10:30
• “And no man could number [ἀριθμῆσαι] the multitude.” Revelation 7:9
• “To number [ἀριθμῆσαι] our days.” Psalm 90:12 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, numbering or counting was often associated with divine authority and providence. The rabbis taught that counting Israel’s population directly was forbidden based on the incident in 2 Samuel 24, leading to the practice of counting through half-shekels or other indirect means. This cultural background illuminates the significance of God’s numbering as a demonstration of His unique authority and intimate knowledge of His creation.

The concept also connects to the Jewish practice of keeping careful count of days between Passover and Shavuot (Counting of the Omer), demonstrating how sacred counting could be an act of worship and spiritual discipline.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀριθμέω in Scripture reveals a profound truth about God’s character – His intimate knowledge and care for the smallest details of His creation. When Yeshua (Jesus) declares that the very hairs of our heads are numbered, He’s not merely making a poetic statement but revealing the extent of God’s personal care and attention to each individual.

This word choice emphasizes that God’s knowledge isn’t merely statistical or theoretical but personal and precise. It presents a beautiful picture of יהוה (Yahweh) as both the transcendent Creator who numbers the stars (Psalm 147:4) and the immanent Father who knows the minutest details of His children’s lives.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀριθμέω should transform our perception of personal worth and divine care. When we grasp that God numbers even our hairs, we realize there’s no detail of our lives too small for His attention. This truth becomes particularly comforting in times of uncertainty or feeling insignificant.

This word invites us to trust in God’s detailed care for our lives and to respond by being more intentional in our own attention to His work in our daily experiences. Just as He numbers our days, we should learn to count them wisely, making each one count for His glory.

Related Words

• ἀριθμός (arithmos) – number, total amount (ah-rith-MOSS) – the noun form, emphasizing the result of counting See G706
• λογίζομαι (logizomai) – to count, reckon, consider (loh-GID-zoh-my) – focuses more on mental calculation or estimation See G3049
• ψηφίζω (psēphizō) – to count, calculate (psay-FID-zoh) – specifically refers to counting with pebbles or voting See G5585
• καταριθμέω (katarithmeō) – to number among (kah-tah-rith-MEH-oh) – intensive form emphasizing thorough counting See G2674

Did you Know?

• The English word “arithmetic” derives from ἀριθμέω and its related noun ἀριθμός, showing the enduring influence of Greek mathematical terminology in modern education.
• Ancient Greek merchants used specialized counting boards called ἄβαξ (abax) to perform calculations, making the act of ἀριθμέω a tangible, physical process in daily commerce.
• The Pythagoreans, who influenced both Greek mathematics and early Christian number symbolism, considered the act of counting (ἀριθμέω) to be sacred, believing numbers revealed divine harmony in creation.

Remember This

Every hair counted, every tear collected, every moment measured – ἀριθμέω reveals a God whose love is expressed through His meticulous attention to every detail of our lives.