Divine Numbers: τετρακόσιοι (Strong’s G5071: tetrakosioi) Reveals Biblical Precision

Strong’s G5071: A cardinal numeral meaning “four hundred,” derived from τετρα (four) and -κόσιοι (hundred). Used in both historical narratives and prophetic contexts in the New Testament, it represents precise chronological markers and significant numerical details in biblical accounts.

U- Unveiling the Word

τετρακόσιοι represents more than just a numerical value in Scripture; it embodies mathematical precision in biblical narratives. This compound number appears in crucial historical contexts, particularly in Acts, where it helps establish chronological frameworks for important events in early church history. The use of such precise numbers demonstrates the historical reliability of biblical accounts and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in preserving accurate details. In early church writings, this number gained significance in discussions about biblical chronology and prophecy fulfillment. Today, it continues to remind us of God’s sovereign control over history and His attention to detail in fulfilling His promises to His people.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τετρακόσιοι, tetrakosioi, /te-tra-KO-si-oi/
• Detailed pronunciation: teh-trah-KOH-see-oy (emphasis on KOH)
• Part of Speech: Cardinal Number (Adjective)

Etymology:

• τετρα- (tetra-) – prefix meaning “four”
• -κόσιοι (-kosioi) – suffix meaning “hundred”

D – Defining Meanings

• Exactly four hundred
• Four units of one hundred
• A quantity of four hundred

For compound words:
The prefix τετρα- (tetra-) establishes the base number four, while -κόσιοι (-kosioi) indicates hundreds, creating the precise number four hundred.

Translation Options:

• “Four hundred” – Most direct and accurate translation
• “Four hundreds” – Literal rendering of the compound structure
• “A group of four hundred” – When emphasizing collective meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τριακόσιοι (triakosioi) /tri-a-KO-si-oi/ – three hundred, using a different numerical prefix. See G5141
• πεντακόσιοι (pentakosioi) /pen-ta-KO-si-oi/ – five hundred, varying only in the numerical prefix. See G4001
• ἑκατόν (hekaton) /he-KA-ton/ – one hundred, the base unit for hundreds. See G1540

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as an Adjective:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative/Vocative
• Number: Plural
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter (agrees with noun)
• Declension: First/Second

The word follows standard declension patterns:

• Nominative plural: τετρακόσιοι (masculine)
• Genitive plural: τετρακοσίων
• Dative plural: τετρακοσίοις
• Accusative plural: τετρακοσίους

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes τετρακόσιοι’s significance in historical narratives, particularly in Acts, where it helps establish chronological frameworks. Thayer’s emphasizes its mathematical precision and compound structure. LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use in classical Greek literature for exact counting. Vine’s notes its importance in both historical and prophetic contexts. Strong’s focuses on its etymological components and numerical significance. Moulton and Milligan demonstrate its common usage in commercial and legal documents of the period. The LEH highlights its use in the Septuagint, particularly in genealogical and chronological contexts, showing continuity between Old and New Testament usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about [four hundred] [τετρακόσιοι], joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.” Acts 5:36

Additional References:
Acts 7:6
Acts 13:20
Galatians 3:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τετρακόσιοι appears in crucial moments of biblical narrative, particularly in Acts and Galatians, where it helps establish God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises across generations. The precision of this number underscores the historical reliability of Scripture and God’s sovereign control over time and events. In the context of prophecy and fulfillment, it reminds us that God’s timing is perfect and His promises are sure. This numerical precision proclaims the good news that King Jesus came at exactly the right moment in history, fulfilling prophecies and establishing His kingdom according to the Father’s perfect plan.

D – Did You Know?

1. The number four hundred appears in both prophecy and fulfillment contexts, particularly regarding Israel’s time in Egypt.
2. It was considered a significant military unit size in ancient times.
3. The term influenced mathematical and administrative vocabulary in ancient Greek cities.

Strong’s G5071: A cardinal numeral meaning “four hundred,” derived from τετρα (four) and -κόσιοι (hundred). Used in both historical narratives and prophetic contexts in the New Testament, it represents precise chronological markers and significant numerical details in biblical accounts.

Part of speech: Cardinal Number (Adjective)

Tags: numbers, chronology, prophecy, history, precision, time periods, biblical narrative, mathematics, quantity, hundreds, counting, military​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​