### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **héktos**, represented by `{{G1623}}`, is an ordinal number meaning **sixth**. It appears 14 times in 14 unique verses in the Bible. While a simple numerical term, it is consistently used to mark specific and often pivotal moments in time, sequence, or order, from hours of the day to apocalyptic events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1623}}` is used to pinpoint significant timing. It denotes the **sixth** hour when darkness fell over the land during the crucifixion ([[Matthew 27:45]], [[Mark 15:33]], [[Luke 23:44]]). This specific hour is also mentioned when Jesus, wearied from his journey, sat by Jacob's well [[John 4:6]], and when Peter went up to a housetop to pray [[Acts 10:9]]. The term also marks a sequential position in divine judgments, such as the opening of the **sixth** seal which unleashes a great earthquake [[Revelation 6:12]], and the actions of the **sixth** angel in Revelation ([[Revelation 9:13-14]], [[Revelation 16:12]]). It also appears in a list of precious stones, identifying the **sixth** foundation of the new city [[Revelation 21:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context of sequence and time:
* `{{G3991}}` **pémptos** (fifth): As the number preceding **sixth**, it is used in similar sequential contexts, such as the sounding of the **fifth** angel [[Revelation 9:1]] and the opening of the **fifth** seal [[Revelation 6:9]].
* `{{G1442}}` **hébdomos** (seventh): The number following **sixth**, it often marks the culmination of a divine series, as seen when the **seventh** angel sounds [[Revelation 11:15]] or the **seventh** seal is opened [[Revelation 8:1]].
* `{{G1766}}` **énnatos** (ninth): This ordinal is frequently paired with **héktos**, especially in the crucifixion accounts, where the darkness that began at the **sixth** hour lasts until the **ninth** hour [[Luke 23:44]].
* `{{G5610}}` **hṓra** (hour): This word is commonly associated with **héktos** to specify a time of day, as in the "sixth **hour**" [[John 4:6]]. It can also refer to a figurative "high time" or significant moment [[Romans 13:11]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G1623}}` is found in the events it marks.
* **Crucifixion Timeline:** The **sixth** hour is a critical marker for the events of the cross, initiating the period of darkness that covered the land, a sign of the gravity of the moment [[Mark 15:33]].
* **Divine Appointments:** The word signifies key moments in God's plan. It is at the **sixth** hour that Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman [[John 4:6]], and Peter receives a vision that opens the door for the gospel to the Gentiles [[Acts 10:9]]. It is also in the **sixth** month of Elisabeth's pregnancy that the angel Gabriel is sent to Mary [[Luke 1:26]].
* **Prophetic Sequence:** In Revelation, the **sixth** element in a series of judgments (seals, trumpets, vials) consistently introduces catastrophic and world-altering events, such as the preparation of the river Euphrates for the kings of the east [[Revelation 16:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1623}}` functions as more than a simple number. It serves as a precise scriptural marker for moments of profound theological importance. Whether defining the timeline of Christ's passion, signaling a divine appointment in the lives of the apostles, or delineating the progression of end-times judgment, **héktos** points to the orderly and deliberate timing within the biblical narrative.
TRV