Introduction:

In Biblical studies, numbers often carry symbolic or literal significance, and understanding their usage in the original Greek text can deepen our interpretation of Scripture. The Greek word εἴκοσι (eíkosi), meaning “twenty,” is a numeral that appears in various contexts throughout the New Testament. While numbers like three, seven, or forty often receive more attention due to their symbolic weight, εἴκοσι is important for its literal value and its role in genealogies, historical accounts, and descriptive passages. Understanding εἴκοσι in its original Greek context helps us appreciate the precision and cultural relevance of the New Testament authors’ use of numbers.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: εἴκοσι (eíkosi) [AY-ko-see]
• Etymology: The word εἴκοσι is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *widḱm̥ti, which also gave rise to the Latin word *viginti* (twenty) and the Sanskrit viṁśati. It is part of the Greek numbering system.
• Part of Speech: Numeral (cardinal)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Twenty
• The numeral 20 in various contexts, including age, quantity, or time

Similar Words:

• δέκα (déka) [DEH-ka]: The Greek word for “ten,” another cardinal number often used in combination with others to form larger numbers.
• τριάκοντα (triákonta) [tree-AK-on-ta]: The Greek word for “thirty,” showing a similar structure to εἴκοσι but with the prefix indicating thirty.
• πεντήκοντα (pentḗkonta) [pen-TAY-kon-ta]: Meaning “fifty,” another Greek numeral that shares structural similarities with εἴκοσι.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• As a cardinal numeral, εἴκοσι does not inflect for case, gender, or number. It remains the same regardless of its use in the sentence.
• Usage: εἴκοσι is often used in genealogical records, historical recounting, and descriptions of groups or items, where precision in counting is necessary.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines εἴκοσι as the cardinal number “twenty.” The lexicon highlights that this numeral is used in the New Testament in contexts where precise counting is required, such as in genealogies or listings of people or items.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon confirms that εἴκοσι means “twenty” and notes its use in various New Testament passages to denote a specific quantity. Thayer’s emphasizes that while it is a straightforward numeral, its presence in the text is crucial for accuracy and historical detail.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary does not delve deeply into εἴκοσι, given its straightforward meaning as a numeral, but it acknowledges the importance of understanding such numbers in the context of New Testament narratives, where every detail contributes to the overall message.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon traces εἴκοσι back to its classical roots, where it was used consistently to represent the number twenty. The lexicon notes its use in various Greek literature, from Homeric epics to later historical and philosophical works, indicating its long-standing role in the language.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἴκοσι simply as “twenty,” noting its role as a cardinal number in the Greek language. Strong’s emphasizes its literal use in counting and enumeration, essential for understanding the text’s historical and cultural context.

Scripture References:

• Acts 7:6: “And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them for four hundred years.” Here, εἴκοσι contributes to the numerical details of the prophecy.
• Revelation 4:4: “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.” Though εἴκοσι is part of a larger number, its presence is critical for the total.

Classical Usage:

Summary of εἴκοσι (G1501: eíkosi)

The Greek numeral εἴκοσι (eíkosi), meaning “twenty,” is an essential yet straightforward part of the New Testament vocabulary. As a cardinal number, εἴκοσι is used in various contexts to denote a specific quantity, contributing to the precision and historical accuracy of the biblical text. While it may seem less theologically loaded than other terms, εἴκοσι is vital for understanding the text’s narrative and descriptive elements. Its use in both biblical and classical Greek literature underscores its importance as a functional component of the language.

Did You Know?

The Greek numeral system, including εἴκοσι, played a crucial role not only in daily life but also in the way historical and religious texts were composed. The precise use of numbers in texts like the New Testament helped to convey specific details and ensured the accuracy of genealogical records and other essential information. In ancient Greek culture, numerals like εἴκοσι were also used in literature and philosophy to communicate ideas about time, space, and order, reflecting a broader cultural emphasis on structure and measurement.