Divine Time: χίλιοι (Strong’s G5507: chilioi) Reveals God’s Eternal Perspective

Strong’s G5507: A cardinal number meaning “thousand,” derived from ancient Greek, representing both literal numerical value and symbolic completeness in biblical contexts, particularly significant in apocalyptic literature and divine time reckoning.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word χίλιοι carries profound significance in biblical numerology and eschatological discourse. As a cardinal number meaning “thousand,” it appears prominently in discussions of divine chronology and apocalyptic prophecy. In 2 Peter 3:8, it serves as a pivotal term illustrating God’s transcendent perspective on time. Beyond its literal numerical value, χίλιοι often carries symbolic weight, particularly in Revelation’s description of the millennial reign. Early church fathers debated extensively about its interpretation, whether literal or figurative, leading to various millennial views that continue to influence theological discourse today. The word demonstrates how divine time operates on a different scale than human time, reminding believers that the Messiah’s kingdom perspective transcends our limited temporal understanding.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χίλιοι, chilioi, (khee’-lee-oy)
• Pronunciation: kh (as in loch) + ee + lee + oy (as in boy)
• Part of Speech: Cardinal Number/Adjective

Etymology:

• Root word: χίλιοι
• Ancient Greek numerical term indicating one thousand
• No prefixes or suffixes present
• Remains relatively unchanged from classical Greek

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: One thousand
• Used as both cardinal number and adjective
• Can indicate both precise and figurative thousands

Translation Options:

• Thousand – most literal translation
• A multitude – when used figuratively
• Millennium – in specific eschatological contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μύριοι (myrioi) [moo’-ree-oy] – ten thousand – See G3463
• ἑκατόν (hekaton) [hek-at-on’] – hundred – See G1540
• διακόσιοι (diakosioi) [dee-ak-os’-ee-oy] – two hundred – See G1250

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• As an Adjective:
• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Plural only
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: First/Second

The word follows standard Greek adjectival patterns, agreeing with its modified noun in case, number, and gender. For example:

• Nominative plural masculine: χίλιοι
• Genitive plural feminine: χιλίων
• Dative plural neuter: χιλίοις

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

χίλιοι appears consistently across ancient Greek sources as a numerical term. BDAG emphasizes its use both literally and figuratively in biblical contexts. Thayer’s highlights its particular significance in apocalyptic literature, especially Revelation. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples showing its consistent meaning across centuries. Vine’s explores its theological implications, particularly in eschatological contexts. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence demonstrates its common use in everyday Koine Greek for both exact and approximate thousands. The lexicons collectively emphasize its dual role as both a precise number and a symbol of divine completeness.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord one day is like a [χίλιοι] thousand years, and a [χίλιοι] thousand years are like one day.” 2 Peter 3:8

Additional References:
Revelation 20:2, Revelation 20:3, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 20:5, Revelation 20:6, Revelation 20:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χίλιοι serves as a powerful reminder of God’s eternal nature and His perspective on time. Its use in 2 Peter 3:8 beautifully illustrates how the Messiah’s timeline transcends human understanding. This understanding brings hope to believers, showing that what seems like a delay in His promises is actually perfect timing from His eternal perspective. The word’s prominence in Revelation’s millennial passages points to the Messiah’s complete and perfect reign, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereign timing and promised return.

D – Did You Know?

• χίλιοι is one of the few number words that appears in both literal and highly symbolic contexts in Scripture
• The word plays a crucial role in different millennial views of eschatology
• Ancient Greek mathematics used χίλιοι as a base unit for larger numbers, similar to our modern “thousand”

Strong’s G5507: A cardinal number meaning “thousand,” derived from ancient Greek, representing both literal numerical value and symbolic completeness in biblical contexts, particularly significant in apocalyptic literature and divine time reckoning.

Part of speech: Cardinal Number/Adjective

Tags: numbers, thousand, millennium, eschatology, revelation, time, divine-perspective, prophecy, apocalyptic, eternal​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​