Understanding ἀριθμός (arithmos) Strong’s G706: The Divine Significance of Numbers in Scripture

Pronunciation Guide: ah-rith-mos (ἀ-ριθ-μός)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G706: ἀριθμός (arithmos) refers to a fixed and definite number, a count, or a total sum. It denotes both the act of numbering and the resulting quantity. In biblical usage, it often carries symbolic significance beyond mere mathematical value, representing divine order, completeness, or prophetic meaning.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (masculine)
• Root from Proto-Indo-European *rēi- meaning “to reason, count”
• Primary usage in narrative and prophetic literature
• Common in both classical and Koine Greek
• Frequently used in mathematical and commercial contexts

ἀριθμός Morphology:

• ἀριθμός (nominative singular) – a number
• ἀριθμοῦ (genitive singular) – of a number
• ἀριθμῷ (dative singular) – in/with a number
• ἀριθμόν (accusative singular) – number (as direct object)
• ἀριθμοί (nominative plural) – numbers
• ἀριθμῶν (genitive plural) – of numbers
• ἀριθμοῖς (dative plural) – in/with numbers
• ἀριθμούς (accusative plural) – numbers (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἀριθμός has a rich history in classical Greek literature, appearing prominently in mathematical treatises by Pythagoras and Euclid. In Plato’s “Republic,” it serves as a foundational concept for understanding order and harmony in the universe. The mathematician Archimedes used it extensively in his work “The Sand Reckoner” (Ψαμμίτης), demonstrating its technical precision in ancient scientific literature.

In the Septuagint, ἀριθμός appears frequently, notably giving its name to the fourth book of the Torah – Numbers (Ἀριθμοί). This translation choice reflects the book’s emphasis on census-taking and the divine ordering of Israel’s tribes. The word maintains strong connections to both practical counting and symbolic meaning throughout the Greek Old Testament.

Early Church Fathers, particularly Origen in his “Commentary on John” and Clement of Alexandria in “Stromateis,” explored the spiritual significance of ἀριθμός, often drawing parallels between numerical patterns and divine truth.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A quantity expressed as a sum or total
• A designated count or enumeration
• A symbolic representation of divine order
• A sequential position or ranking

ἀριθμός Translation Options:

• “Number” – Most common translation, emphasizing quantity
• “Count” – When referring to the process of enumeration
• “Sum” – In contexts of totaling or final quantities
• “Multitude” – When referring to large quantities, especially of people
• “Reckoning” – In contexts of calculating or determining quantities

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀριθμός appears 18 times, with notable concentration in Revelation where it carries significant prophetic weight. Its first appearance in Luke 22:3 connects it to the tragic betrayal of the Messiah, identifying Judas as “being of the number of the twelve.”

The word takes on particular significance in apocalyptic literature, where it often carries symbolic meaning beyond literal enumeration. This is especially evident in its usage regarding the marking and counting of God’s servants and in prophetic calculations.

Key verses include:

• “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number [ἀριθμοῦ] of the twelve.” Luke 22:3
• “And the number [ἀριθμὸς] of names together were about an hundred and twenty.” Acts 1:15
• “And their number [ἀριθμὸς] was multiplied.” Acts 6:7
• “And I heard the number [ἀριθμὸν] of them which were sealed.” Revelation 7:4
• “Let him that hath understanding count the number [ἀριθμὸν] of the beast.” Revelation 13:18

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, numbers carried profound symbolic significance beyond their mathematical value. The Hebrew practice of gematria, where letters correspond to numbers, influenced how numbers were understood in both Hebrew and Greek texts. This practice wasn’t mere numerology but reflected a deep belief that God’s creation exhibited mathematical precision and order.

The Jewish understanding of ἀριθμός was particularly influenced by the Torah’s emphasis on counting and ordering, as seen in the multiple censuses in Numbers. These counts weren’t merely administrative but demonstrated God’s intimate knowledge of His people and His sovereign care in organizing them.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀριθμός in Scripture reveals God’s sovereignty over quantity and order in creation. It reminds us that nothing in God’s universe is random or chaotic – He numbers the very hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7) and counts the stars, giving them names (Psalm 147:4).

In prophetic literature, particularly Revelation, ἀριθμός serves as a reminder that God’s plans are precise and purposeful. Whether referring to the 144,000 sealed servants or the notorious number of the beast, each number carries significance in God’s redemptive narrative. This demonstrates that even in apparently chaotic end-time events, God maintains perfect control and knowledge of His creation.

The word’s use in relation to the church (Acts 6:7) shows divine involvement in the growth and development of His body of believers. Every addition to the church’s number is noted and significant to God.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀριθμός reminds us that we serve a God of order who knows us intimately. Just as He numbers the stars and knows the count of our hairs, He is aware of every detail of our lives. This should bring comfort in times of feeling lost or insignificant – we are counted among His people, numbered with purpose in His kingdom.

This awareness should also inspire awe at God’s mathematical precision in creation and salvation history. When we feel overwhelmed by life’s complexities, we can rest in knowing that God has ordered all things according to His wisdom, and we are included in His careful counting.

Related Words

• μέτρον (metron) – measure, limited portion, degree – Related to counting but focuses on measurement and proportion. See G3358
• πλῆθος (plethos) – multitude, great number – Emphasizes quantity without precise enumeration. See G4128
• τάξις (taxis) – order, arrangement – Connected to the orderly arrangement implied in numbering. See G5010
• ψῆφος (psephos) – pebble used for counting, vote – Related to the practical act of counting. See G5586

Did you Know?

• The English word “arithmetic” derives from ἀριθμός, showing its enduring influence on mathematical terminology.
• In ancient Greek commerce, professional counters called λογισταί (logistai) were employed to verify numbers and calculations, demonstrating the importance of precise counting in ancient society.
• The Pythagoreans, who greatly influenced both Greek and Jewish thought, believed numbers were the key to understanding the universe, viewing ἀριθμός as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.

Remember This

ἀριθμός reminds us that in God’s kingdom, every person counts, every detail matters, and nothing happens by chance – all is numbered according to His perfect wisdom and purpose.