The Greek word hebdomḗkonta, represented by G1440, is a numeral meaning seventy or three score and ten. It appears 5 times in 5 unique verses. The term is consistently used to quantify a specific number of people, whether a group of disciples, a military unit, or the total number of individuals in a particular setting.
In the biblical narrative, G1440 is used to denote specific groups. The Lord appointed "other seventy" disciples and sent them on a mission Luke 10:1, and this same group of seventy later returned with joy Luke 10:17. The word is also used as a component of larger numbers. It describes part of the count of Jacob's kindred as "threescore and fifteen souls" Acts 7:14. Similarly, it is used to count a detachment of "threescore and ten" horsemen Acts 23:23 and to state the total number of people on a ship as "two hundred threescore and sixteen souls" Acts 27:37.
Several related words provide context for how G1440 is used in counting and organizing groups:
- G1417 dýo (two): This numeral is used to describe how the seventy were sent out "two and two" Luke 10:1.
- G1250 diakósioi (two hundred): This number is used alongside G1440 to form a larger total, as in the "two hundred threescore and sixteen souls" on the ship Acts 27:37.
- G2087 héteros (other or different): This word specifies the group of disciples as "other seventy," indicating they were an additional group appointed by the Lord Luke 10:1.
- G3956 pâs (all, any, every, the whole): This term is used to define the scope of the count, such as "all his kindred" Acts 7:14 or "in all in the ship" Acts 27:37.
The significance of G1440 is tied directly to the context in which it appears.
- A Number of Divine Commission: The Lord specifically appointed a group of seventy for a mission, sending them out before him Luke 10:1. Their successful return demonstrates the fulfillment of this commission Luke 10:17.
- Quantifying Foundational Lineage: The word is part of the number used to count all of Jacob's kindred who were called by Joseph, a key moment in the history of his family Acts 7:14.
- A Literal Enumerator: In several instances, the word serves a straightforward purpose of counting, such as defining the exact size of a military escort of horsemen Acts 23:23 or the total souls aboard a ship Acts 27:37.
In summary, G1440 is a specific numeral whose importance comes from what it quantifies. While it can be used for practical counting, its most notable use is in defining the group of seventy disciples sent out by the Lord. Whether standing alone or combined with other numerals, hebdomḗkonta provides a precise measure for groups of people central to the biblical narrative, from a specially commissioned body of followers to the total count of a family's lineage.
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