Brief Overview of ἕβδομος (G1442: hebdomos)

Introduction:

In Biblical studies, the exploration of Greek ordinal numbers is crucial for understanding the sequencing of events, time periods, and symbolic numbers in the New Testament. One such ordinal number is ἕβδομος (G1442: hebdomos), meaning “seventh.” This word is particularly significant in both Biblical and ancient Greek contexts due to the symbolic importance of the number seven, which often represents completeness, perfection, and divine order. Understanding ἕβδομος provides valuable insights into passages where the seventh day, the seventh seal, or other sequences of seven are mentioned, shedding light on the theological and cultural significance of these occurrences in the Scriptures and beyond.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἕβδομος (hebdomos) [heb’-do-mos]
• Etymology: Derived from the root ἑπτά (hepta), meaning “seven,” with the suffix -μος (-mos) used to form ordinal numbers, indicating position in a sequence. Thus, ἕβδομος literally translates to “seventh.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective (Ordinal Number)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Seventh: The primary meaning of ἕβδομος is “seventh,” indicating the position of something in a sequence as the seventh item, day, person, etc.

Similar Words:

• ἑπτά (hepta) [hep-tah]: This is the cardinal number “seven,” from which ἕβδομος is derived. While ἑπτά denotes the quantity of seven, ἕβδομος specifies the order as the seventh.
• πρῶτος (prōtos) [pro-tos]: Meaning “first,” this is another ordinal number but indicates the first position in a sequence, as opposed to the seventh.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• ἕβδομος is an ordinal adjective, meaning it modifies nouns to indicate their position in a sequence. It declines according to gender, number, and case, aligning with the noun it modifies.
• The use of ordinal numbers like ἕβδομος is essential in the New Testament for marking significant events and periods, such as the seventh day (Sabbath) or the seventh seal in Revelation.

Lexicon Insights:

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BDAG: ἕβδομος is defined as “seventh,” with the lexicon noting its use in Biblical passages to indicate sequence, particularly in contexts where the number seven has symbolic significance, such as the seventh day of creation or the seventh seal in Revelation.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἕβδομος as an ordinal number meaning “seventh.” It highlights its frequent use in the New Testament to denote the seventh position in a sequence, often related to time periods or specific events.

Vine’s: ἕβδομος is noted as an adjective meaning “seventh,” with particular emphasis on its application in Biblical contexts where the number seven symbolizes completeness or divine perfection, such as the Sabbath or the seventh trumpet.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἕβδομος is recognized as an ordinal number meaning “seventh,” commonly used in literature, historical records, and chronological lists to indicate the seventh position in a series.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἕβδομος is listed as “seventh,” emphasizing its role in the New Testament to mark significant sequences, particularly those involving the number seven, which is often associated with divine completeness or fulfillment.

Scripture References:

• Genesis 2:2: “And on the seventh (ἕβδομος) day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.”
• Revelation 8:1: “When the Lamb opened the seventh (ἕβδομος) seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.”
• Hebrews 4:4: “For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh (ἕβδομος) day in this way: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.'”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἕβδομος (G1442: hebdomos):

The word ἕβδομος (G1442: hebdomos) is a significant term in the New Testament and ancient Greek literature, representing the ordinal number “seventh.” This word is frequently used in contexts where the number seven carries symbolic importance, such as the seventh day of creation, the seventh seal in Revelation, or other sequences involving the number seven. Understanding ἕβδομος is crucial for interpreting passages that emphasize divine order, completeness, or fulfillment. The term also has broader applications in classical Greek texts, where it is used to indicate the seventh position in various sequences, reflecting the cultural and chronological importance of ordinal numbers in the ancient world.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The number seven, and by extension the term ἕβδομος, is considered sacred and complete in many cultures and religions. In the Bible, the seventh day marks the Sabbath, a day of rest, symbolizing the completion of creation. This association with completeness and divine order has made the number seven and its ordinal form, ἕβδομος, deeply significant in both religious and cultural traditions throughout history.