### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1367 (δισχίλιοι, *dischílioi*) is a compound numerical adjective, precisely signifying "two thousand." Its etymology reveals a straightforward construction: it is derived from δίς (*dis*), meaning "twice," and χίλιοι (*chílioi*), meaning "thousand." Thus, its semantic range is exceptionally narrow and unambiguous, referring solely to the quantity of two thousand units. Unlike some numbers in biblical literature that carry rich symbolic associations, G1367 primarily functions as a literal descriptor of magnitude.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G1367 (δισχίλιοι) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark:
* **[[Mark 5:13]]**: "And he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about **two thousand**, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea."
In this singular occurrence, *dischílioi* quantifies the number of pigs into which the "Legion" of demons entered. The context is the dramatic exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac (or Gadarene, depending on the manuscript tradition). The sheer number, "about two thousand" (ὡς δισχίλιοι), is crucial for several reasons:
1. **Magnitude of Demonic Power:** It underscores the vast number and formidable power of the demonic entities that had possessed the man. The demons themselves identified as "Legion" (`{{G3003}}`), a Roman military unit comprising thousands, and this numerical correspondence with the pigs reinforces their formidable multitude.
2. **Dramatic Impact:** The sudden destruction of such a large herd of animals, rushing violently down a steep bank into the sea, creates a vivid and unforgettable image of the demons' destructive nature and the overwhelming power of Christ over them.
3. **Economic Consequence:** The loss of two thousand pigs represents a significant economic blow to the local community. This detail highlights the tangible, albeit costly, evidence of divine intervention and the expulsion of evil. The community's subsequent reaction, asking Jesus to leave, underscores their preoccupation with material loss over spiritual deliverance, a poignant narrative detail.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a numerical term, G1367 is inherently related to other Greek words denoting quantity and number.
* **`{{G1411}}` (δύο, *dyo*)**: "two," the base number from which the "twice" component of G1367 derives.
* **`{{G5505}}` (χίλιοι, *chilioi*)**: "thousand," the other foundational component of G1367.
* **`{{G3003}}` (λεγιών, *legiōn*)**: "legion," the term used by the demons to describe themselves, which contextually aligns with a large, undefined multitude, here quantified by the "two thousand" pigs.
* **`{{G1140}}` (δαιμόνιον, *daimonion*)**: "demon," the entities whose expulsion is directly linked to the number of pigs.
* **`{{G5569}}` (χοῖρος, *choiros*)**: "pig" or "swine," the animals involved in the incident.
The use of specific numbers in biblical narratives, even if not overtly symbolic, often serves to emphasize scale, provide verisimilitude, or highlight the dramatic impact of an event. In this case, "two thousand" serves as a precise, albeit large, quantity that lends credibility and weight to the extraordinary account.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1367 is inextricably linked to its sole occurrence in [[Mark 5:13]]. The precise number "two thousand" serves to magnify the power and authority of Jesus Christ over the forces of evil.
1. **Absolute Authority Over Demons:** The sheer scale of the herd—two thousand animals—into which the demons were cast demonstrates unequivocally that Jesus' authority extended even over a vast multitude of demonic entities. It was not merely one or two demons, but a "Legion," capable of overwhelming such a large number of creatures.
2. **The Cost of Deliverance and the Value of a Soul:** The destruction of two thousand pigs represents a significant material loss. This highlights the profound value that God places on human life and spiritual deliverance. The salvation of one man from such profound torment was deemed worth the destruction of two thousand animals, emphasizing the infinite worth of a human soul in God's eyes.
3. **Visible Manifestation of Spiritual Reality:** The dramatic drowning of the herd provides a tangible, undeniable manifestation of the spiritual battle that had occurred. The number underscores the reality of the demonic realm and the decisive victory achieved by Christ, leaving no room for doubt about the power that had been wielded. It is a stark visual testament to the spiritual warfare taking place.
### Summary
G1367 (δισχίλιοι, *dischílioi*) is a Greek numerical adjective meaning "two thousand," formed from "twice" and "thousand." Its single appearance in the New Testament, in [[Mark 5:13]], is pivotal to understanding the magnitude of the demonic forces confronted by Jesus and the overwhelming power of Christ's authority. The "two thousand" pigs serve to underscore the vastness of the "Legion" of demons, the dramatic and destructive nature of their expulsion, and the profound economic consequence that highlights the infinite value placed on the deliverance of a single human soul. While not symbolically rich, this precise numerical detail significantly enhances the narrative's impact and theological message, demonstrating Christ's absolute sovereignty over all spiritual powers.
TRV