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.
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.
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.
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.
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