Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting Scripture with depth and accuracy. The Greek word ἕκτος (héktos), meaning “sixth,” is a relatively simple term, but it carries significant importance in both New Testament interpretation and the broader context of ancient Greek culture. This word is used in various contexts, from describing the sequence of events to marking specific times. By exploring ἕκτος, we can gain insights into how the Greeks and early Christians organized time and sequence, which can, in turn, enrich our understanding of Biblical narratives and teachings.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: ἕκτος (héktos) [HEK-tos]
• Etymology: Derived from the cardinal number ἕξ (hex), meaning “six.” The word ἕκτος indicates something that is sixth in a sequence.
• Part of Speech: Adjective (declinable)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Sixth – Refers to the sixth in a sequence, such as the sixth hour of the day or the sixth position in a series of items or events.

Similar Words:

• ἕξ (hex): The root word meaning “six.” While ἕξ is the numeral itself, ἕκτος is used to indicate something in the sixth position or sequence.
• ἕβδομος (hebdomos): Meaning “seventh,” this word is similar in its usage to ἕκτος but refers to the seventh position rather than the sixth.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἕκτος is an adjective that agrees with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case. It is commonly found in the New Testament in its masculine, feminine, and neuter forms.
• Usage in Context: The word is used in various contexts to denote the sixth hour (noon), the sixth day, or the sixth event in a series. Its usage is straightforward but essential for understanding the chronology in Biblical texts.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: ἕκτος is defined as “sixth,” with primary reference to the sixth hour, which corresponds to noon in Jewish timekeeping. It also highlights its use in sequences.
• Thayers: This lexicon emphasizes the chronological significance of ἕκτος, particularly in the Gospel narratives, where it often marks specific times of day.
• Vines: Notes that ἕκτος is typically used to denote sequence and timing, underscoring its role in marking the order of events or time periods.
• LSJ: Provides a broader view, indicating that ἕκτος was used consistently in both literary and technical contexts to denote the sixth position or time.
• Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἕκτος as “sixth,” with references to its use in describing time, particularly in relation to hours of the day.

Scripture References

• Matthew 27:45 – “Now from the sixth (ἕκτος) hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.”
• John 4:6 – “Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth (ἕκτος) hour.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἕκτος (G1623: héktos)

The Greek word ἕκτος (héktos) is an adjective that means “sixth” and is crucial for understanding sequences and time references in the New Testament. Its usage is primarily chronological, marking specific hours of the day, days of the week, or positions within a series. This word is a reminder of the structured nature of ancient timekeeping and the importance of precise timing in Biblical narratives.

Did You Know?

In ancient Jewish timekeeping, the day was divided into twelve hours, starting at sunrise. Thus, the “sixth hour” mentioned in the Gospels corresponds to noon, a time often associated with significant events, such as Jesus’ crucifixion, when darkness fell over the land at the sixth hour. The precise use of ἕκτος in these contexts highlights the importance of timing in the unfolding of Biblical events.