### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word εἴκοσι (eíkosi) is a cardinal numeral that precisely means "twenty." Its etymological origin is noted as "of uncertain affinity," indicating that its derivation does not readily offer additional layers of semantic meaning beyond its numerical value. As a numeral, its primary function is quantitative, denoting a specific count of items, individuals, or units of measure. Unlike some numbers that carry inherent symbolic significance in biblical numerology (e.g., seven for completion, three for divine fullness), "twenty" predominantly serves a descriptive and practical purpose in the New Testament. Any deeper symbolic meaning would typically be derived from the specific context in which it appears rather than from the number εἴκοσι itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εἴκοσι (eíkosi) appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels of Luke and John, the book of Acts, and most notably, Revelation.
* In [[Luke 14:31]], Jesus employs "twenty thousand" (εἴκοσι χιλιάδας) in a parable concerning a king preparing for war. This illustrates the necessity of foresight and careful calculation, contrasting the king's forces with an opposing king's "ten thousand." Here, the number is purely quantitative, emphasizing the disparity and the need for strategic assessment.
* While not directly εἴκοσι, [[John 21:8]] describes a distance of "about two hundred cubits" (ὡς ἀπὸ πηχῶν διακοσίων), where "διακοσίων" (diakosíōn) is "two hundred," a multiple of twenty, demonstrating the use of numbers for precise measurement in narrative.
* The majority of occurrences are found in the book of Revelation, where numbers often contribute to the symbolic fabric of apocalyptic visions:
* In [[Revelation 4:4]] and [[Revelation 5:8]], "twenty-four elders" (εἴκοσι τέσσαρες πρεσβύτεροι) are depicted around God's throne, participating in heavenly worship. The number 24 is widely interpreted as symbolic of the totality of God's redeemed people (often understood as 12 tribes of Israel + 12 apostles), and εἴκοσι contributes to this significant composite number.
* In the book of Acts, εἴκοσι is used to quantify both people and measurements:
* [[Acts 1:15]] specifies "about one hundred and twenty" (ὡς ἑκατὸν εἴκοσι) disciples gathered when Peter addresses them, providing a precise count of the early Christian community.
* [[Acts 27:28]] uses "twenty fathoms" (εἴκοσι ὀργυιὰς) to describe the depth of the sea, a practical measurement crucial for navigation during a storm.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Other Cardinal Numerals:** εἴκοσι stands alongside other Greek cardinal numbers such as εἷς (heis, "one"), δύο (dyo, "two"), δέκα (deka, "ten"), ἑκατόν (hekaton, "one hundred"), and χίλιοι (chilioi, "thousand"). All these terms share the fundamental function of quantification and enumeration.
* **Ordinal Numerals:** Conceptually related are ordinal numbers (e.g., πρῶτος, prōtos, "first"; δεύτερος, deuteros, "second"), which denote order or sequence rather than quantity.
* **Biblical Numerology:** Although εἴκοσι itself does not possess a deep, inherent symbolic meaning, its appearance within composite numbers, particularly in Revelation (e.g., the "twenty-four elders"), links it to broader biblical numerology. In such instances, the significance of the larger number (like 24, which is 2 x 12) often derives from the symbolic weight of its components, such as the number 12, representing completeness and divine governance.
* **Measurement and Quantification:** The word is intrinsically tied to the concepts of precise measurement, counting, and detailed description, which are essential for grounding historical accounts, illustrating parables, and conveying the specificity of apocalyptic visions.
### Theological Significance
The primary theological significance of εἴκοσι (eíkosi) lies in its contribution to the *precision* and *specificity* of the biblical text. God's revelation is not presented vaguely but often includes concrete details, even numerical ones, which attest to its groundedness and reliability.
In the parables, the use of specific numbers like "twenty thousand" ([[Luke 14:31]]) grounds the spiritual lesson in relatable, practical scenarios, thereby emphasizing the importance of wisdom, careful calculation, and preparation in the spiritual journey.
Within the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, while many numbers carry profound symbolic weight, the inclusion of precise quantities, including those involving "twenty" (as in the "twenty-four elders"), underscores the ordered and deliberate nature of God's heavenly court and His eschatological plan. The presence of these numbers suggests a structured reality, not chaotic randomness, and highlights the comprehensive scope of God's redemptive work represented by the "twenty-four elders" in their worship before the divine throne.
Furthermore, the use of εἴκοσι in practical contexts, such as enumerating the number of disciples ([[Acts 1:15]]) or measuring sea depth ([[Acts 27:28]]), reinforces the historical and tangible reality of the events described in Scripture. It contributes to the verifiability and groundedness of the biblical record. Ultimately, εἴκοσι, like other cardinal numbers, serves to articulate the concrete aspects of God's interaction with humanity and the unfolding of His divine purposes, whether in historical events, moral teachings, or prophetic visions.
### Summary
εἴκοσι (eíkosi) is a Greek cardinal numeral meaning "twenty." Its fundamental role in the New Testament is to provide precise quantitative information, whether for counting individuals ([[Acts 1:15]]), measuring distances ([[Acts 27:28]]), or contributing to the structure of symbolic numbers, such as the "twenty-four elders" in Revelation ([[Revelation 4:4]]). While the number itself does not carry inherent theological symbolism in the same way as some other biblical numbers, its consistent use contributes significantly to the specificity and groundedness of biblical narratives. In parables, it illuminates practical wisdom ([[Luke 14:31]]), and in apocalyptic literature, it contributes to the ordered and detailed nature of divine visions, underscoring the structured reality of God's heavenly court and His sovereign plan. The presence of εἴκοσι reinforces the notion that God's Word is concrete, detailed, and historically anchored, even when conveying profound spiritual truths.
TRV