### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hebdomēkontákis**, represented by `{{G1441}}`, is a multiple adverb meaning **seventy times**. It is derived from the word for seventy and appears only **1 time** in the entire Bible, within a single, impactful verse. Its singular use serves to deliver a powerful lesson on the boundless nature of forgiveness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G1441}}` is in [[Matthew 18:22]], during a direct exchange between Jesus and Peter. In the preceding verse, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother, suggesting a limit of "till **seven times** `{{G2034}}`?" [[Matthew 18:21]]. Jesus `{{G2424}}` directly refutes this idea, saying `{{G3004}}`, "I say `{{G3004}}` not `{{G3756}}` unto thee `{{G4671}}`, Until `{{G2193}}` seven times `{{G2034}}`: but `{{G235}}`, Until `{{G2193}}` **seventy times** `{{G1441}}` seven `{{G2033}}`" [[Matthew 18:22]]. This places the word at the center of a pivotal teaching on mercy.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide the grammatical and numerical context for this command:
* `{{G2034}}` **heptákis** (seven times): An adverb from the word for seven, this is the specific, limited number of forgiveness that Peter proposes and that Jesus `{{G2424}}` rejects [[Matthew 18:21]].
* `{{G2033}}` **heptá** (seven): This primary number is used as a multiplier with `{{G1441}}` to create an immense figure, emphasizing a quantity that goes far beyond literal counting and into the realm of the infinite [[Matthew 18:22]].
* `{{G2193}}` **héōs** (until): This word frames the entire concept of limitation. Jesus uses it to pivot from Peter's finite boundary ("until seven times") to a new, expansive horizon of forgiveness ("until seventy times seven") [[Matthew 18:22]].
* `{{G235}}` **allá** (but): This simple conjunction marks the critical turning point in the teaching. It serves to contrast and replace the human standard of forgiveness with a divine one [[Matthew 18:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1441}}` is concentrated in its single use, establishing a core principle of Christian ethics.
* **Hyperbole for Limitless Forgiveness:** The number produced by "seventy times `{{G1441}}` seven `{{G2033}}`" is not meant to be a literal tally. It is a rhetorical device used by Jesus `{{G2424}}` to teach that forgiveness should be continuous and without limit.
* **The Divine Standard:** The contrast between "seven times" and "seventy times seven" illustrates the difference between a humanly calculated sense of fairness and God's standard of radical, inexhaustible mercy.
* **From Calculation to Character:** Jesus' command moves the focus from counting a brother's sins to developing a character of perpetual grace. The use of `{{G1441}}` is a call to stop keeping score and to adopt a mindset of constant reconciliation.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G1441}}` is one of the rarest words in the New Testament, its singular appearance delivers one of the most memorable and challenging teachings of Jesus. It functions to utterly dismantle the idea of setting limits on mercy. The word **hebdomēkontákis** serves as a permanent biblical marker for the infinite, boundless, and radical nature of the forgiveness that is expected of believers.
TRV