### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G1623}}` (ἕκτος, *héktos*) is an ordinal numeral meaning "sixth." It is derived directly from the cardinal number `{{G1803}}` (ἕξ, *hex*), which means "six." As an ordinal, its primary semantic function is to denote position in a sequence or series, indicating the item or point that follows the fifth and precedes the seventh. Its meaning is straightforwardly numerical, lacking inherent metaphorical or abstract connotations. The significance of `{{G1623}}` is therefore almost entirely dependent on the noun or event it modifies, serving as a precise chronological or sequential marker within a given context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G1623}}` appears predominantly in the New Testament, frequently marking specific points in time or sequences of events.
One common usage is in denoting the "sixth hour," which corresponds to noon (12:00 PM). This time is notably significant in several Gospel accounts:
* In [[John 4:6]], Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well "about the sixth hour," a divinely appointed moment for a profound theological discourse and revelation of His identity.
* The crucifixion narratives in the Synoptic Gospels record a mysterious darkness covering the land "from the sixth hour until the ninth hour" ([[Matthew 27:45]], [[Mark 15:33]], [[Luke 23:44]]). This darkness, occurring at midday, underscores the cosmic significance of Christ's suffering and death, signaling a moment of divine judgment and spiritual upheaval.
* Pilate brings Jesus out to the crowd "about the sixth hour" in [[John 19:14]], presenting Him to be crucified, highlighting the precise timing of the judicial proceedings leading to the cross.
Beyond time, `{{G1623}}` also marks sequential positions:
* In [[Luke 1:26]], the angel Gabriel is sent to Mary "in the sixth month" of Elizabeth's pregnancy, marking the precise divine timing of the Annunciation, a pivotal event in salvation history.
* In the book of Revelation, "sixth" frequently denotes a stage in the unfolding of God's judgments:
* The opening of the "sixth seal" ([[Revelation 6:12]]) brings about cosmic disturbances, signaling widespread divine wrath.
* The "sixth trumpet" ([[Revelation 9:13]]) unleashes a devastating angelic army, leading to further destruction.
* The "sixth angel" pours out his bowl upon the great river Euphrates ([[Revelation 16:12]]), preparing the way for the kings from the East, an event that precedes the final battle.
* In the enumeration of the commandments, "sixth" refers to the prohibition against murder ([[Mark 10:19]], [[Luke 18:20]], [[Romans 13:9]]), emphasizing its foundational place within the moral law.
In each instance, the numerical precision of `{{G1623}}` serves to ground the narrative or prophetic sequence in specific, ordered reality, often pointing to God's sovereign control over time and events.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{G1803}}` (ἕξ, *hex*), the cardinal number "six," from which `{{G1623}}` is derived. Understanding the numerical significance of "six" can sometimes inform the context of "sixth." While "six" is often associated with human imperfection or the working week (six days of labor before rest), the ordinal "sixth" primarily functions as a marker within a sequence rather than carrying inherent symbolic weight itself, though the *event* it marks may be symbolically significant.
Other related concepts include:
* **Time markers:** Words like `{{G5610}}` (ὥρα, *hōra*, "hour"), `{{G2250}}` (ἡμέρα, *hēmera*, "day"), and `{{G3376}}` (μήν, *mēn*, "month") often appear alongside `{{G1623}}` to specify chronological points.
* **Other ordinal numbers:** The use of "sixth" is part of a broader pattern of using ordinal numbers (e.g., "first" `{{G4413}}`, "second" `{{G1208}}`, "third" `{{G5154}}`) to structure narratives, prophecies, and legal codes, highlighting order and progression in God's plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1623}}` is not found in the word itself, but in the profound events and divine timings it delineates. When the biblical text specifies "the sixth hour" or "the sixth seal," it underscores God's meticulous ordering of history and His sovereign control over every detail of His redemptive and judgmental purposes.
* **Divine Timing:** The frequent mention of the "sixth hour" at critical junctures, such as Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman or the onset of darkness during the crucifixion, emphasizes that these events are not random but occur at precise, divinely appointed moments. This highlights God's intentionality in orchestrating salvation history.
* **Progressive Revelation and Judgment:** In Revelation, the "sixth" in a series of seals, trumpets, or bowls consistently marks a significant, often climactic, stage in the unfolding of God's judgment. These "sixth" events often precede an interlude or a transition to a new phase of divine action, demonstrating God's progressive revelation of His plan and the escalating nature of His righteous judgment.
* **Moral Foundation:** The "sixth commandment" serves as a foundational pillar of God's moral law, revealing His character and His expectations for human conduct, particularly concerning the sanctity of life.
Thus, while simple in its core meaning, `{{G1623}}` serves as a subtle yet powerful indicator of God's orderly and purposeful engagement with creation and humanity, marking crucial moments in the divine narrative.
### Summary
`{{G1623}}` (ἕκτος, *héktos*) is the Greek ordinal numeral for "sixth," functioning primarily as a precise numerical marker. Its significance in biblical texts stems from its role in denoting specific points in time or stages in a sequence, particularly within the New Testament. It frequently marks pivotal moments in the life and ministry of Jesus, such as the "sixth hour" encounters and the cosmic darkness during the crucifixion. In prophetic literature like Revelation, "sixth" denotes critical steps in the unfolding of God's judgments, often preceding a significant transition or a new phase of divine action. The word itself is semantically neutral, but the events it describes are imbued with profound theological meaning, underscoring God's meticulous ordering of history, His sovereign control over time, and the purposeful progression of His redemptive and judgmental plans.
TRV