### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word δεκαπέντε (dekapénte, `{{G1178}}`) is a compound numeral, literally meaning "ten and five," thus signifying the number "fifteen." It is formed from δέκα (deka, `{{G1176}}`), meaning "ten," and πέντε (pente, `{{G4002}}`), meaning "five." Its semantic range is strictly arithmetical, denoting a precise quantity. Unlike some other biblical numbers that carry rich symbolic or theological weight (e.g., seven, twelve, forty), δεκαπέντε primarily functions as a straightforward numerical descriptor, providing exact measurements or counts within the narrative context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δεκαπέντε occurs three times in the New Testament, each instance serving to provide specific, concrete details within its respective narrative:
1. **[[John 11:18]]**: "Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off..." Here, δεκαπέντε specifies a distance, approximately 15 stadia (furlongs), which is roughly 1.7 miles or 2.7 kilometers. This precise detail is significant as it highlights the proximity of Bethany, where Lazarus's resurrection took place, to Jerusalem. The short distance would have allowed many from Jerusalem to come to Mary and Martha, making the miracle a public event witnessed by numerous individuals, thereby strengthening the credibility of the account.
2. **[[Galatians 1:18]]**: "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days." In this context, δεκαπέντε denotes a duration of time. Paul uses this specific number of days to underscore the limited nature of his initial visit with Peter. This precision is crucial to Paul's argument regarding the independence of his apostolic call and the divine source of his gospel, emphasizing that he did not receive his message or authority from human intermediaries in Jerusalem. The brevity of his stay demonstrates that his gospel was not derived from the Jerusalem apostles.
3. **[[Acts 27:28]]**: "And when they had sounded, they found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms." Here, δεκαπέντε refers to a measurement of depth, specifically 15 fathoms (approximately 90 feet or 27.4 meters). This detail contributes to the vivid and realistic portrayal of the perilous sea journey and shipwreck experienced by Paul and his companions. Such precise nautical details lend an air of authenticity to Luke's historical account, illustrating the dire circumstances the ship faced and setting the stage for the miraculous deliverance.
In each instance, δεκαπέντε functions literally, providing factual data that grounds the biblical narrative in verifiable, historical specifics, enhancing the credibility and reliability of the inspired text.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a compound numeral, δεκαπέντε is intrinsically related to its constituent parts, δέκα (`{{G1176}}`, ten) and πέντε (`{{G4002}}`, five). More broadly, it belongs to the category of cardinal numbers used throughout the biblical text. While δεκαπέντε itself lacks overt symbolic meaning, its use aligns with the general biblical practice of employing precise numbers to convey factual information, whether pertaining to genealogies, census counts, measurements, or durations. This precision stands in contrast to more symbolic or typological uses of numbers like "seven" (completion, perfection), "twelve" (divine government, Israel), or "forty" (testing, probation). The concept of accurate measurement (of distance, time, or depth) is the primary conceptual domain in which δεκαπέντε operates.
### Theological Significance
While δεκαπέντε does not possess inherent theological significance in the way that some other numbers do, its consistent use highlights a crucial aspect of biblical revelation: the commitment of the inspired authors to historical accuracy and factual detail. The inclusion of precise numerical data, such as "fifteen furlongs," "fifteen days," or "fifteen fathoms," underscores the historicity of the events described.
This attention to detail implicitly testifies to the trustworthiness of the biblical narrative. In [[John 11:18]], the proximity of Bethany to Jerusalem makes the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection a publicly observable event, not a private or isolated one, thereby reinforcing its authenticity as a demonstration of Christ's power over death. In [[Galatians 1:18]], Paul's specific mention of "fifteen days" serves to validate his claim of direct divine revelation and independence from human apostolic authority, which is foundational to his theological arguments concerning justification by faith. In [[Acts 27:28]], the precise depth measurements contribute to the verisimilitude of Luke's account, grounding the narrative of divine preservation amidst peril in concrete, observable reality.
Thus, while δεκαπέντε is a simple numerical descriptor, its deliberate inclusion in these contexts subtly reinforces the reliability and factual grounding of the New Testament accounts, inviting the reader to trust the inspired record as a faithful depiction of historical events and divine action.
### Summary
The Greek word δεκαπέντε (`{{G1178}}`) literally means "fifteen." In its three occurrences in the New Testament, it consistently functions as a precise numerical descriptor, providing exact measurements of distance ([[John 11:18]]), time ([[Galatians 1:18]]), or depth ([[Acts 27:28]]). While δεκαπέντε carries no overt symbolic meaning, its consistent use highlights the biblical authors' meticulous attention to detail and factual accuracy. This precision serves to ground the biblical narratives in historical reality, subtly reinforcing the credibility and trustworthiness of the inspired text as a reliable record of God's redemptive work in history.
TRV