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Unveiling the Word

In the study of biblical Greek, numbers can hold significant meaning, especially in historical and cultural contexts. The Greek word ὀγδοήκοντα (ogdoēkonta), meaning “eighty,” is one such term. Found in Luke 2:37, it refers to Anna, the prophetess, who was 84 years old. Numbers like ὀγδοήκοντα are used throughout scripture to provide context, add specificity, and often reflect cultural importance. Understanding such words not only enhances comprehension of scripture but also sheds light on the ancient world’s relationship with age, time, and periods of life.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὀγδοήκοντα (ogdoēkonta), pronounced og-doh-ay’-kon-tah.

Etymology: The word is derived from the root word ὀγδοος (ogdoos), which means “eighth.” By extension, ὀγδοήκοντα refers to “eighty” as a multiple of eight.

Part of Speech: ὀγδοήκοντα is an adjective used as a numeral. It functions in Greek to describe quantities, particularly when referring to age, length of time, or other numeric contexts.

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Defining Meanings

1. Eighty (Numeral): The primary meaning of ὀγδοήκοντα is the number “eighty.” It is used in contexts referring to quantities, especially in connection with age, as seen in Luke 2:37, which speaks of Anna the prophetess being a widow for eighty-four years.

2. Multiplicative Reference: ὀγδοήκοντα is part of the Greek numerical system and reflects a multiplicative form based on the root for “eight.” This is similar to how numbers like “eighty” function in English by indicating a multiple of ten.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἑβδομήκοντα (hebdomēkonta) [pronunciation: heb-dom-ay’-kon-tah]: Meaning “seventy,” this word differs in being based on the root for “seven.” It is used in many familiar passages, such as the “seventy” disciples sent out by Jesus.

2. ἑκατόν (hekaton) [pronunciation: hek-at-on]: This word means “one hundred” and differs from ὀγδοήκοντα as it denotes a larger quantity, used in various contexts, such as the “hundredfold” promise to believers.

3. δέκα (deka) [pronunciation: dek-ah]: Meaning “ten,” this is one of the building blocks for forming numbers like ὀγδοήκοντα. It indicates a smaller number but forms part of the Greek numbering system.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a numeral, ὀγδοήκοντα does not decline in the same way as nouns or adjectives. It functions as a fixed form when indicating quantity or numerical value. Unlike other adjectives, numerals like ὀγδοήκοντα do not change based on gender, number, or case, though they agree with the noun they modify in meaning.

For example, in Luke 2:37, ὀγδοήκοντα modifies the implied reference to years, indicating that Anna lived “eighty-four years.” This demonstrates how numerals provide context without needing to change form.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The term ὀγδοήκοντα appears consistently across lexicons such as BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s, each affirming its role as the numeral for “eighty.” In New Testament contexts, it is used sparingly, often linked with age or duration, as seen with Anna’s mention in Luke 2:37. Lexicons highlight the simplicity of its meaning but underscore the importance of numeric references in conveying the length of life or time. In classical Greek contexts, ὀγδοήκοντα is used similarly to denote quantities and time periods, though it rarely carries symbolic significance. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 2:37: “And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years [ὀγδοήκοντα].” Here, the word is used to indicate Anna’s age, specifically her eighty-four years of life.

2. Septuagint, Numbers 4:39: “From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old [ὀγδοήκοντα].” This usage in the Septuagint helps emphasize a person’s age in service, reflecting cultural norms.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Herodotus Histories “The army was eighty [ὀγδοήκοντα] strong.”

Plato Republic “At eighty [ὀγδοήκοντα], he reflected upon his life with wisdom.”

Septuagint Numbers “They served until eighty [ὀγδοήκοντα] years.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek numeral ὀγδοήκοντα serves a critical role in the Greek New Testament, particularly in reference to age and time. Its appearance in Luke 2:37 emphasizes the age of Anna, a prophetess who served the Lord faithfully. While its meaning as “eighty” seems simple, it holds significant cultural relevance, marking periods of life and service. This numeral is part of the larger Greek system of counting, and its presence in both biblical and classical texts highlights its importance in ancient literature.

Did You Know?

1. In the ancient world, reaching eighty years old, as indicated by ὀγδοήκοντα, was considered a sign of longevity and wisdom.

2. The root of ὀγδοήκοντα, meaning “eighth,” is also the basis for the name of the octave in music, indicating the eighth note in a scale.

3. In the Greek system, ὀγδοήκοντα could be used not just for age but also for counting troops, wealth, or time spent in service.