### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
δωδέκατος (dōdékatos) is an ordinal numeral directly derived from δώδεκα (dōdeka) `{{G1427}}`, meaning "twelve." As an ordinal, its core meaning is "twelfth," indicating the position or sequence of something as the last in a set of twelve. Its semantic range is narrow, exclusively denoting this specific numerical and positional value without carrying inherent abstract or metaphorical connotations beyond its function as a sequential marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek word δωδέκατος (dōdékatos) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Revelation:
* **[[Revelation 21:20]]**: "the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst."
In this passage, δωδέκατος is used to describe the final, or twelfth, of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. Each stone is identified by a specific precious gem, and the twelfth is an amethyst. This list of twelve stones is highly symbolic, as [[Revelation 21:14]] explicitly states that these foundations bear "the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." The mention of the "twelfth" stone therefore completes the enumeration of this foundational structure, which represents the full and perfect apostolic witness upon which the heavenly city is built. The precise ordering and completion of the twelve stones underscore the divine order and completeness of God's ultimate dwelling place with humanity.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δώδεκα (dōdeka) `{{G1427}}`**: This is the cardinal number "twelve," from which δωδέκατος is formed. The rich theological significance of the number "twelve" throughout Scripture directly informs the understanding of "twelfth" as the culmination or completion of a divinely ordered set.
* **Ordinal Numbers**: δωδέκατος belongs to the category of ordinal numbers, which specify position in a sequence (e.g., πρῶτος (prōtos) `{{G4413}}` "first," δεύτερος (deuteros) `{{G1208}}` "second"). Its function is to order and enumerate, contributing to the precision of biblical descriptions.
* **Biblical Numerology of Twelve**: The number twelve is profoundly significant in biblical thought, frequently symbolizing divine organization, completeness, and covenantal relationships. Examples include:
* The twelve tribes of Israel ([[Genesis 49:28]], [[Exodus 24:4]]).
* The twelve apostles of Jesus ([[Matthew 10:1-4]], [[Mark 3:13-19]]).
* The twelve gates of the New Jerusalem ([[Revelation 21:12]]).
* The twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem ([[Revelation 21:14]], [[Revelation 21:19-20]]).
* The 144,000 (12 x 12 x 1000) sealed from every tribe of Israel ([[Revelation 7:4]]).
The presence of δωδέκατος at the end of the list of foundation stones in Revelation emphasizes the full and complete realization of this divine pattern.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δωδέκατος (dōdékatos) is intrinsically tied to the profound symbolism of the number "twelve" in biblical eschatology and divine order. In [[Revelation 21:20]], the "twelfth" foundation stone, the amethyst, completes the majestic architectural design of the New Jerusalem. This completion signifies the fullness and perfection of God's redemptive work and the ultimate manifestation of His kingdom.
The twelve foundation stones, bearing the names of the twelve apostles, represent the foundational and enduring truth of the apostolic witness and teaching, which undergirds the entire Church. The "twelfth" stone, therefore, symbolizes the finality and totality of this apostolic foundation, indicating that God's plan for His people is fully established and lacks nothing. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of salvation history, culminating in the eternal city where God dwells in perfect communion with His redeemed people. The specific mention of "twelfth" ensures that the entire divinely appointed sequence is accounted for, emphasizing that God's ultimate design is complete, orderly, and eternally glorious.
### Summary
δωδέκατος (dōdékatos) is a Greek ordinal numeral meaning "twelfth," derived from δώδεκα (dōdeka) `{{G1427}}`. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament is in [[Revelation 21:20]], where it describes the "twelfth" foundation stone of the New Jerusalem, an amethyst. While the word itself simply denotes position, its profound theological significance emerges from its context within the pervasive biblical numerology of "twelve." This number consistently symbolizes divine organization, completeness, and God's covenantal people (the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve apostles). As the "twelfth" stone, it marks the completion of the apostolic foundation of the heavenly city, signifying the perfect and comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate dwelling of His people in a perfectly ordered and glorious new creation. The word, though simple in its definition, points to the fullness and finality of God's eschatological design.
TRV