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Introduction
In Biblical studies, understanding the significance of numbers and their linguistic representation is crucial for interpreting the text accurately. The Greek word ἕνδεκα (hendeka), meaning “eleven,” is more than just a numeral; it holds cultural and theological importance within the New Testament. This word appears in contexts that highlight the structure of the early church, the selection of apostles, and symbolic representations in scripture. Exploring the use of ἕνδεκα helps us gain insights into how numbers were used symbolically and practically in ancient Greek culture and how they contributed to the narrative of the New Testament.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἕνδεκα (hendeka) [HEN-deh-kah]
- Etymology: The word ἕνδεκα is a compound of δύο (hen) meaning “one” and δέκα (deka) meaning “ten.” Together, they form the word for the number eleven.
- Part of Speech: Noun (numeral, indeclinable)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- Eleven: The primary and singular meaning of ἕνδεκα is “eleven.” It is used in the New Testament to refer to the number eleven, especially in the context of the apostles after the betrayal of Judas.
Similar Words:
- Δέκα (deka) [DEH-kah]: Meaning “ten,” this word is part of the compound that forms ἕνδεκα. It is often used in the context of the Ten Commandments or other groups of ten in the Bible.
- Δώδεκα (dodeka) [DOH-deh-kah]: Meaning “twelve,” this word is closely related to ἕνδεκα and is used frequently to describe the twelve apostles or tribes of Israel.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: As an indeclinable numeral, ἕνδεκα does not change form regardless of its grammatical function in a sentence. It remains the same whether it is the subject, object, or any other case in a sentence.
- Linguistic Features: The combination of ἕν (one) and δέκα (ten) illustrates how Greek numerals were often formed by combining simpler numbers, reflecting a straightforward approach to numerical representation in the language.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon notes that ἕνδεκα is consistently used in the New Testament to denote the number eleven, especially in the context of the apostles after Judas Iscariot’s departure, emphasizing its role in maintaining the integrity of the apostolic group.
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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights that ἕνδεκα is used in contexts where the apostles are referred to as “the eleven,” signifying the incomplete number of the group after Judas’s betrayal and before the election of Matthias.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces the use of ἕνδεκα in classical Greek literature, noting its consistent use as a numeral across various texts. Its application is straightforward, with little variation in meaning.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary mentions that ἕνδεκα is used symbolically in some instances, representing incompleteness or the need for restoration, particularly in the New Testament’s portrayal of the apostles.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance emphasizes the numerical aspect of ἕνδεκα, noting its importance in counting and the implications of the number eleven in both narrative and symbolic contexts within the Bible.
Scripture References
- Matthew 28:16: “Then the eleven disciples (ἕνδεκα) went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.”
- Mark 16:14: “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven (ἕνδεκα) as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart.”
- Acts 1:26: “And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven (ἕνδεκα) apostles.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “In the battle, eleven (ἕνδεκα) men stood out for their bravery and were rewarded accordingly.” |
| Homer | Iliad | “Among the warriors, eleven (ἕνδεκα) of them were noted for their exceptional skill in combat.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “They traveled for eleven (ἕνδεκα) days across the desert, finding little food and water during their journey.” |
Summary of ἕνδεκα (G1733: hendeka)
The word ἕνδεκα (hendeka), meaning “eleven,” is more than just a number in the New Testament. It holds significance in the narrative of the apostles and represents a period of incompleteness that was eventually resolved with the selection of Matthias. This numeral is essential for understanding the structure of the early church and the symbolic meaning of numbers in biblical texts. Whether in a straightforward count or as a representation of a significant moment, ἕνδεκα is a word that connects the practical and symbolic use of numbers in ancient Greek culture and New Testament theology.
Did You Know?
The number eleven, represented by ἕνδεκα in Greek, is often associated with disorder and incompleteness in various cultural traditions, including early Christian thought. This symbolism is reflected in the New Testament when the apostles were reduced to eleven after Judas’s betrayal, signifying the group’s temporary incompleteness until the appointment of Matthias.
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