from (the neuter of) εἷς and δέκα; one and ten, i.e. eleven:--eleven.
Transliteration:héndeka
Pronunciation:hen'-dek-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G1733 (héndeka) is a compound numeral derived from `{{G1520}}` (heis, "one") and `{{G1176}}` (deka, "ten"), literally meaning "one and ten." Its base definition is straightforward: "eleven." As a cardinal number, its primary semantic range is limited to its numerical value, signifying a quantity of eleven units. Unlike some other biblical numbers (e.g., seven, forty), G1733 itself does not inherently carry deep symbolic or metaphorical meaning beyond its quantitative function. Its significance emerges from the specific contexts in which it appears, particularly concerning the group of apostles.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1733 appears predominantly in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, to refer to the disciples of Jesus after the defection of Judas Iscariot and prior to the selection of Matthias. This period marks a crucial transitional phase for the apostolic band.
* **Post-Resurrection Appearances:** G1733 is used to describe the remaining core group of apostles to whom the resurrected Jesus appeared and gave final instructions. In [[Matthew 28:16]], "the eleven disciples went away into Galilee," where Jesus met them on a mountain. Similarly, [[Mark 16:14]] states that Jesus "appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat," rebuking their unbelief. [[Luke 24:9]] notes that the women reported the empty tomb to "the eleven, and to all the rest," and later, [[Luke 24:33]] describes the Emmaus disciples returning to Jerusalem and finding "the eleven gathered together." These passages underscore the continuity of Jesus's relationship with His chosen disciples, even in their reduced number, and their foundational role in the nascent church.
* **The Apostolic Gap:** The most poignant use of G1733 is found in [[Acts 1:26]], where Matthias is "numbered with the eleven apostles." This verse highlights the temporary incompleteness of the apostolic body after Judas's betrayal and suicide. The "eleven" represent a state of disruption in the divinely ordained number of "twelve" apostles (`{{G1427}}`), which was meant to correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the new Israel.
* **New Jerusalem Foundations:** G1733 also appears in [[Revelation 21:20]] as part of the description of the New Jerusalem's foundations: "the eleventh, a jacinth." Here, it functions as a sequential number in a list of twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve apostles. While not carrying a unique symbolic weight in itself in this context, its inclusion contributes to the overall picture of divine order and the comprehensive foundation of God's eternal city.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for G1733 is its relationship to the number "twelve" (`{{G1427}}`). The "eleven" are consistently presented as the *remaining* group from the original "twelve" chosen by Jesus. This numerical deficiency highlights the impact of Judas's defection and sets the stage for the restoration of the apostolic number in [[Acts 1]]. Other related terms include `{{G1520}}` (heis, "one") and `{{G1176}}` (deka, "ten"), which form its etymological basis. The concept of the "apostolate" itself is deeply intertwined with G1733, as the term invariably refers to the core group of apostles during a specific, transitional period of their ministry.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1733 is not found in the number eleven itself as an inherent symbol, but rather in what it signifies contextually:
* **A Period of Transition and Incompleteness:** The repeated mention of "the eleven" in the post-resurrection narratives and the early chapters of Acts underscores a period of disruption and temporary incompleteness within the apostolic band. This numerical gap serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sin and betrayal (Judas's defection) on God's chosen instruments.
* **Divine Preservation and Continuity:** Despite the loss of one, the fact that the core group remained "eleven" demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen witnesses. Jesus continued to appear to them, teach them, and commission them, ensuring the continuity of His mission through them. Their reduced number did not hinder the divine plan.
* **The Necessity of Restoration:** The state of "the eleven" sets the theological stage for the urgent need to restore the apostolic body to its divinely ordained number of "twelve." This restoration, culminating in the selection of Matthias in [[Acts 1]], signifies the re-establishment of divine order, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the completeness necessary for the foundational leadership of the burgeoning Church. The number "eleven" thus serves as a powerful backdrop against which the importance of "twelve" is highlighted.
* **Foundational Role in the New Jerusalem:** In [[Revelation 21:20]], the eleventh foundation signifies the comprehensive and ordered nature of the New Jerusalem, built upon the apostles. While not carrying unique symbolic weight here, it contributes to the overall depiction of God's perfect and complete design for His eternal dwelling with humanity.
### Summary
G1733 (héndeka) literally means "eleven" and primarily functions as a cardinal number. Its theological significance in the New Testament is largely contextual, particularly in its reference to the disciples of Jesus after Judas Iscariot's betrayal and prior to Matthias's selection. During this period, "the eleven" highlight a temporary state of incompleteness within the apostolic group, underscoring the disruption caused by sin. Yet, simultaneously, it testifies to God's faithful preservation of His chosen witnesses and the continuity of Jesus's commission to them. The eventual restoration from "eleven" to "twelve" in [[Acts 1:26]] emphasizes the divine order and the necessity of a complete apostolic foundation for the early church. Its appearance as the eleventh foundation in [[Revelation 21:20]] further contributes to the portrayal of divine design and the comprehensive nature of the New Jerusalem.
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