### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διακόσιοι (diakósioi, `{{G1250}}`) is a numerical adjective meaning "two hundred." Its etymology is straightforward, deriving from δίς (dis, "twice" or "two times") and ἑκατόν (hekaton, "one hundred"), thus literally "two times one hundred." As a cardinal number, its primary function is to denote a precise quantity. Unlike some numbers in biblical numerology, "two hundred" does not inherently possess a deep symbolic meaning beyond its literal numerical value. Its significance is almost entirely derived from the specific contexts in which it appears, highlighting the magnitude, cost, or scale of a particular situation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διακόσιοι (diakósioi, `{{G1250}}`) appears in the New Testament in contexts that underscore either a significant financial sum or a substantial number of individuals, often in situations that highlight human limitations or divine provision.
1. **Mark 6:37 and John 6:7 (The Feeding of the Five Thousand):** In these parallel accounts of the miraculous feeding, the disciples assess the cost of feeding the multitude. In Mark, Jesus asks, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." After they report, He instructs them to make the people sit down. The disciples then exclaim, "Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?" [[Mark 6:37]]. Similarly, in John's Gospel, when Jesus asks Philip where they might buy bread, Philip responds, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little" [[John 6:7]]. A denarius was a common day's wage for a laborer, making "two hundred denarii" a considerable sum—equivalent to nearly seven months' wages. This figure highlights the disciples' human perspective on the enormity of the task and their utter inability to meet the need through conventional means, thereby setting the stage for Jesus' miraculous provision.
2. **Acts 23:23 (Paul's Escort to Caesarea):** In this passage, Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander, orders a substantial military escort to protect Paul from a plot by Jewish extremists. He commands, "Summon two centurions and prepare two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night" [[Acts 23:23]]. Here, διακόσιοι (diakósioi) is used twice, referring to "two hundred soldiers" (presumably legionaries or infantry) and "two hundred spearmen." This combined force of 470 men (200 soldiers + 70 horsemen + 200 spearmen) underscores the seriousness of the threat against Paul's life and the immense Roman resources deployed to ensure his safe passage. It demonstrates a powerful, divinely orchestrated protection for the apostle, utilizing the secular arm of the empire.
In each instance, the number "two hundred" emphasizes a significant quantity that, in the context of the feeding miracles, proves woefully insufficient from a human perspective, yet in Acts, represents an overwhelming force of protection.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a numerical adjective, διακόσιοι (diakósioi, `{{G1250}}`) is related to other cardinal numbers in the Greek New Testament, such as:
* δύο (duo, `{{G1411}}`): two
* ἑκατόν (hekaton, `{{G1540}}`): one hundred
* τριακόσιοι (triakosioi, `{{G5144}}`): three hundred (e.g., the value of the perfume in [[John 12:5]])
* πεντακισχίλιοι (pentakischilioi, `{{G4000}}`): five thousand (the number of men fed in the miracle)
* χίλιοι (chilioi, `{{G5506}}`): a thousand
Beyond specific numbers, διακόσιοι (diakósioi, `{{G1250}}`) relates to broader concepts like:
* **Sufficiency/Insufficiency:** Particularly in the feeding narratives, the "two hundred denarii" represents human financial capacity, which is demonstrably insufficient to meet the divine task.
* **Provision:** The contrast between human inability (even with "two hundred denarii") and divine abundance in the feeding miracles.
* **Protection/Security:** In Acts, the "two hundred" soldiers and spearmen signify the formidable security provided for Paul, illustrating God's providential care.
* **Cost/Value:** The denarius as a unit of currency gives "two hundred denarii" a clear economic value.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διακόσιοι (diakósioi, `{{G1250}}`) is not found in the number itself as a symbol, but in what it *quantifies* and the *contrast* it creates within the biblical narrative.
In the feeding miracles ([[Mark 6:37]], [[John 6:7]]), "two hundred denarii" serves as a crucial point of reference for human limitation. It represents a substantial, yet ultimately futile, human attempt to solve a problem that only divine power can address. The disciples' estimation highlights their reliance on earthly resources and their inability to comprehend the boundless nature of God's provision. This sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His sovereignty over creation and His capacity to provide abundantly beyond all human expectation or calculation. It underscores the theological truth that God's resources are not bound by human economics or logic.
In the account of Paul's escort ([[Acts 23:23]]), the "two hundred" soldiers and spearmen signify the extraordinary lengths to which God will go to protect His servants and advance His purposes. While the protection is provided through human agents (Roman soldiers), the scale of the escort points to divine orchestration. It illustrates God's providential care, using even secular authorities to ensure the safety of His chosen instruments. This demonstrates the powerful hand of God working through various means, even seemingly mundane logistical details, to fulfill His redemptive plan.
Thus, διακόσιοι (diakósioi, `{{G1250}}`) consistently points to the contrast between human capacity and divine power, whether in the realm of provision or protection, ultimately magnifying God's omnipotence and faithfulness.
### Summary
The Greek word διακόσιοι (diakósioi, `{{G1250}}`) literally means "two hundred." While lacking intrinsic symbolic meaning, its contextual usage in the New Testament carries significant theological weight. In the feeding narratives ([[Mark 6:37]], [[John 6:7]]), "two hundred denarii" represents a considerable but ultimately insufficient sum from a human perspective, serving to underscore the disciples' limitations and to magnify Jesus' miraculous, abundant provision. In Acts ([[Acts 23:23]]), "two hundred" soldiers and spearmen denote a formidable military escort, illustrating God's powerful, providential protection of His servant Paul. In both cases, διακόσιοι (diakósioi, `{{G1250}}`) functions to highlight the vast difference between human capacity and the limitless power and faithfulness of God.
TRV