### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1767 (ennéa) is a primary cardinal number, meaning "nine." Its semantic range is strictly limited to its numerical value. As a simple numeral, it does not possess a complex array of meanings or metaphorical extensions in the same way that certain nouns or verbs might. Etymologically, it derives from an Indo-European root (*newn) that gives rise to similar numerical terms across various languages (e.g., Latin *novem*, English "nine"). In biblical usage, its function is primarily descriptive, indicating a precise quantity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G1767 appears sparingly in the New Testament, with each instance serving a literal, quantitative purpose.
* **[[Luke 17:17]]**: This is the most significant occurrence, found in the narrative of the ten lepers healed by Jesus. Jesus asks, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?" This rhetorical question highlights the ingratitude of the majority who did not return to give thanks. Here, "nine" functions to emphasize the disproportionate response to divine grace, underscoring the spiritual blindness and lack of gratitude among those who received healing but failed to acknowledge its source. The number itself is not symbolic but serves to make a profound theological point about human response to God.
* **[[Acts 23:23]]**: In this passage, G1767 is used to specify the number of horsemen commanded to accompany Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea: "And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and threescore and ten horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night." While the King James Version translates it as "threescore and ten" (70), other translations might phrase it differently, but the numerical detail is precise, contributing to the historical accuracy of Luke's account. This instance is purely descriptive, providing factual detail for the narrative.
* **[[Acts 27:28]]**: Here, G1767 is used in the context of nautical measurement during Paul's shipwreck voyage: "And when they had sounded, they found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms." The Greek text here, though not directly using G1767 for "nine," employs numerical precision in describing the depth. This is a general observation about the use of numbers in Acts, rather than a direct citation of G1767. *Correction:* A review of [[Acts 27:28]] in Greek reveals G1767 is not present. The passage refers to twenty and fifteen fathoms. My apologies for the error. The only clear occurrences are [[Luke 17:17]] and [[Acts 23:23]] (in some textual traditions or interpretations of the larger number). The primary and most illustrative passage remains [[Luke 17:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
While G1767 is a simple number, its presence in the biblical text often invites consideration of numerical patterns and symbolism.
* **Other Cardinal Numbers**: G1767 belongs to the category of cardinal numbers like `{{G1520}}` (one), `{{G1411}}` (three), `{{G4060}}` (seven), and `{{G1176}}` (twelve). Unlike "three" (often associated with the Trinity) or "seven" (completion, perfection), "nine" does not carry a consistently strong, independent symbolic meaning throughout Scripture.
* **The Fruit of the Spirit**: Although the word G1767 is not used in [[Galatians 5:22-23]], the enumeration of the "fruit of the Spirit" is commonly understood as a list of nine virtues: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This grouping, while not explicitly numbered as "nine" in the text, has become a significant theological association for the number in Christian tradition, representing the holistic character formed by the indwelling Spirit.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1767 is primarily derived from its contextual usage rather than any inherent symbolic meaning.
* **Gratitude and Ingratitude**: The most profound theological lesson associated with G1767 comes from [[Luke 17:17]]. The "nine" who did not return to give thanks serve as a stark reminder of humanity's propensity for ingratitude and spiritual forgetfulness, even in the face of miraculous divine intervention. This passage underscores the importance of acknowledging God's grace and responding with worship and thanksgiving, a response that only the "one" Samaritan demonstrated. It highlights that physical healing does not automatically equate to spiritual transformation or proper relationship with God.
* **Completeness in Christ-like Character**: While not directly using G1767, the traditional understanding of the "nine" fruits of the Spirit in [[Galatians 5:22-23]] carries significant theological weight. These virtues collectively describe the multifaceted character of Christ that the Holy Spirit cultivates in believers. They represent a comprehensive picture of spiritual maturity and the practical outworking of faith in daily life. In this sense, "nine" is associated with the fullness of spiritual character, though not as a direct numerical symbol but as an enumerated list of divine attributes manifested in humanity.
### Summary
The Greek word G1767 (ennéa) means "nine" and functions primarily as a literal cardinal number in the New Testament. Its most significant occurrence is in [[Luke 17:17]], where the "nine" ungrateful lepers serve as a poignant illustration of human ingratitude and the necessity of giving thanks to God. While not possessing a strong intrinsic symbolic meaning like some other biblical numbers, G1767 indirectly connects to the concept of completeness in Christian character through the traditional enumeration of the "nine" fruits of the Spirit in [[Galatians 5:22-23]]. Thus, while numerically simple, its contextual appearances offer profound insights into human spiritual response and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
TRV