Feeding Four Thousand: τετρακισχίλιοι (Strong’s G5070: tetrakischilioi) Reveals Divine Provision

Strong’s G5070: A compound numeral derived from τετράκις (four times) and χίλιοι (thousand), meaning “four thousand.” Used specifically in the Gospels to describe the miraculous feeding of four thousand people by Jesus, demonstrating His divine power to provide abundantly for His people’s needs.

U- Unveiling the Word

τετρακισχίλιοι represents more than just a numerical value in the New Testament. This compound word combines the concepts of “four times” (τετράκις) and “thousand” (χίλιοι) to express the specific number of people fed during one of Jesus’ most significant miracles. The usage of this precise number underscores the historical accuracy and eyewitness testimony of the Gospel accounts. Unlike the feeding of the five thousand, this miracle occurred in predominantly Gentile territory, symbolizing the Messiah’s provision for all peoples. The early church recognized this miracle as a demonstration of Jesus’ divine nature and His role as the bread of life, feeding both body and soul. Today, this word continues to remind believers of God’s abundant provision and His desire to meet both physical and spiritual needs.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τετρακισχίλιοι, tetrakischilioi, /te-tra-kis-KHI-li-oi/
• Detailed pronunciation: teh-trah-kis-KHEE-lee-oy (emphasis on KHEE)
• Part of Speech: Cardinal Number (Adjective)

Etymology:

• τετράκις (tetrakis) – “four times”
• τετρα (tetra) – “four”
• κις (kis) – multiplicative suffix meaning “times”
• χίλιοι (chilioi) – “thousand”

D – Defining Meanings

• Exactly four thousand
• Four times one thousand
• A multitude of four thousand

For compound words:
The prefix τετρα- (tetra-) establishes the base number four, while -κις (-kis) makes it multiplicative. χίλιοι (chilioi) represents one thousand, creating the precise number four thousand.

Translation Options:

• “Four thousand” – Most direct and accurate translation
• “A multitude of four thousand” – When emphasizing the size of the crowd
• “Four times a thousand” – Literal rendering of the compound structure

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πεντακισχίλιοι (pentakischilioi) /pen-ta-kis-KHI-li-oi/ – five thousand, differing only in the numerical prefix. See G4000
• δισχίλιοι (dischilioi) /dis-KHI-li-oi/ – two thousand, using a different multiplicative prefix. See G1367
• χίλιοι (chilioi) /KHI-li-oi/ – one thousand, the base word without multiplier. See G5507

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as an Adjective:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative/Vocative
• Number: Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: First/Second

The word follows regular declension patterns for compound numerals. In English, it would appear as:

• Nominative: four thousand (subject)
• Genitive: of four thousand
• Dative: to/for four thousand
• Accusative: four thousand (object)

Related words:

• τετρακισχιλίους (accusative plural)
• τετρακισχιλίων (genitive plural)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide consistent interpretations of τετρακισχίλιοι. BDAG emphasizes its specific usage in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ feeding miracle, while Thayer’s notes its compound structure and mathematical precision. LSJ provides additional classical usage examples where it denotes exactly four thousand of anything. Vine’s expands on its significance in demonstrating Jesus’ divine power, while Strong’s focuses on its etymological components. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri, showing it was a common way to express this number in everyday Koine Greek. The consistency across lexicons underscores both its literal meaning and its importance in biblical narrative.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And they that did eat were [four thousand] [τετρακισχίλιοι] men, beside women and children.” Matthew 15:38

Additional References:
Matthew 16:10
Mark 8:9
Mark 8:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τετρακισχίλιοι stands as a testimony to the Messiah’s abundant provision and care for all people. This precise number, recorded in both Matthew and Mark’s Gospels, emphasizes the historical accuracy of Jesus’ miracle in Gentile territory. Unlike the feeding of the five thousand, this event specifically demonstrates His ministry extending beyond Jewish boundaries. The careful preservation of this number reminds us that every person matters to God, and His provision is both precise and abundant. This word proclaims the good news that in King Jesus, there is enough for everyone who comes to Him, regardless of their background or origin.

D – Did You Know?

1. The feeding of the four thousand took place in the Decapolis region, primarily Gentile territory, showing Jesus’ ministry to all nations.
2. This number appears exactly four times in the New Testament, all in reference to this specific miracle.
3. The compound structure of τετρακισχίλιοι influenced the development of mathematical terminology in ancient Greek.

Strong’s G5070: A compound numeral derived from τετράκις (four times) and χίλιοι (thousand), meaning “four thousand.” Used specifically in the Gospels to describe the miraculous feeding of four thousand people by Jesus, demonstrating His divine power to provide abundantly for His people’s needs.

Part of speech: Cardinal Number (Adjective)

Tags: numbers, miracles, feeding, multiplication, provision, Gentiles, abundance, divine power, multiplication, thousands, multitude, crowd​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​