Sacred Value: τριακόσιοι (Strong’s G5145: triakosioi) Measures Divine Worth

Strong’s G5145: A cardinal number meaning “three hundred,” triakosioi appears in contexts involving significant value assessments in the New Testament. Its usage often relates to measuring worth, particularly in relation to sacred offerings and sacrificial devotion.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τριακόσιοι (triakosioi) represents the number three hundred and carries significance in contexts of value and sacrifice. In the New Testament, it appears notably in the account of Mary’s alabaster jar of perfume, where its monetary value highlights the magnitude of her sacrificial devotion to Jesus. The early church fathers often used τριακόσιοι when discussing sacrificial giving and the true value of devotion to the Messiah. Today, this number continues to remind believers about measuring true worth in terms of devotion to God rather than monetary value.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τριακόσιοι, triakosioi, tree-ah-KO-see-oy
• Detailed pronunciation: τρι (tree) + α (ah) + κό (KO) + σι (see) + οι (oy)
• Part of Speech: Numeral Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: τρεῖς (treis) meaning “three”
• Suffix: -κόσιοι (-kosioi) meaning “hundred”
• Combined meaning: “three hundred”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “three hundred”
• Three times one hundred
• Measure of significant value
• Symbol of substantial quantity

For compound words: The word combines treis (three) with kosioi (hundreds) to form “three hundred”

Translation Options:

1. “three hundred” – Basic cardinal number
2. “threefold hundred” – Emphasizing components
3. “three centuries” – In certain historical contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

τριάκοντα (triakonta) [tree-ah-KON-tah] – thirty – See G5144
διακόσιοι (diakosioi) [dee-ah-KO-see-oy] – two hundred – See G1250
ἑκατόν (hekaton) [he-kah-TON] – hundred – See G1540

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Plural
• Gender: Agrees with modified noun
• Declension: First/Second

The numeral changes form based on gender:

• Masculine: τριακόσιοι
• Feminine: τριακόσιαι
• Neuter: τριακόσια

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide valuable insight into τριακόσιοι’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of significant value assessment. Thayer’s lexicon notes its importance in both literal counting and symbolic contexts. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek commerce and historical records. Vine’s expands on its significance in the gospel narratives, particularly regarding Mary’s offering. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its common use in commercial transactions and valuations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“It could have been sold for more than three hundred [τριακοσίων] denarii and the money given to the poor. And they rebuked her harshly.” Mark 14:5

Additional References:
John 12:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The number τριακόσιοι carries significant meaning in relation to sacrifice and true value in God’s kingdom. Its appearance in the story of Mary’s alabaster jar highlights how divine economics often differs from human calculations. This number reminds us that what appears extravagant to the world may be perfectly appropriate in devotion to the Messiah. Through τριακόσιοι, we learn that true value is measured not in denarii but in devotion to Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. Three hundred denarii represented nearly a year’s wages for a laborer
2. The number appears in significant military victories in the Old Testament
3. Early church writers used it to discuss proportional giving

Strong’s G5145: A cardinal number meaning “three hundred,” triakosioi appears in contexts involving significant value assessments in the New Testament. Its usage often relates to measuring worth, particularly in relation to sacred offerings and sacrificial devotion.

Part of speech: Numeral Adjective

Tags: three hundred, numbers, value, sacrifice, devotion, offering, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, numerology, worship, Mary’s perfume​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​