The Greek word dischílioi, represented by G1367, is a numerical term meaning two thousand. It is derived from δίς and χίλιοι. This specific word appears only 1 time in the Bible, in a single unique verse, making its context highly specific.
The sole use of G1367 is found in the account where Jesus G2424 casts out unclean G169 spirits G4151. After Jesus gave G2010 them leave G2010, the spirits entered G1525 a herd G34 of swine G5519. The verse then quantifies the group, stating "they were G2258 about G5613 two thousand" Mark 5:13. This herd then ran G3729 violently down a steep place G2911 into G1519 the sea G2281 and were choked G4155.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the event where two thousand is mentioned:
- G169 akáthartos (unclean): This adjective describes the spirits G4151 that Jesus cast out, identifying them as impure Mark 5:13. Believers are later instructed to be separate and not touch the unclean thing 2 Corinthians 6:17.
- G34 agélē (herd): This word specifies the group of swine G5519 into which the unclean spirits were sent. The term is used in the Gospels to refer to this specific group of animals (Matthew 8:32, Mark 5:11).
- G2281 thálassa (sea): This is the final destination of the herd of two thousand, where they were choked G4155. The sea is also depicted as an element subject to Jesus's command Matthew 8:26 and a place of judgment Matthew 18:6.
The significance of the number G1367 is tied entirely to the event it describes.
- Quantifying Authority: The figure of two thousand gives a specific, large measure to the herd destroyed, thereby emphasizing the magnitude of Jesus's authority. He gave leave G2010 to unclean G169 spirits, whose expulsion resulted in this significant event.
- Illustrating Finality: The entire herd of two thousand running violently down G2596 a steep place G2911 into G1519 the sea G2281 illustrates a dramatic and final end for the unclean spirits they carried Mark 5:13.
- Tangible Consequence: The number provides a tangible measure of the event's impact. The spirits went out G1831 of the man and entered G1525 the swine, and the subsequent death of two thousand animals served as a powerful, visible sign of the spiritual reality.
In summary, G1367 dischílioi is a simple number, two thousand, used once in scripture. Its importance comes from its role in the narrative of Mark 5:13, where it quantifies the immense scale of a herd of swine. This detail serves to highlight the power of Jesus G2424 over unclean G169 spirits and the dramatic, destructive consequence of their expulsion.
TRV