from a (tenth) multiple of ἐννέα and ἐννέα itself; ninety-nine:--ninety and nine.
Transliteration:ennenēkontaennéa
Pronunciation:en-nen-ay-kon-tah-en-neh'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G1768}}` (ennenēkontaennéa) is a compound numeral, literally meaning "ninety-nine." It is derived from a combination of the Greek words for "ninety" (ἐννενήκοντα, `{{G1766}}`) and "nine" (ἐννέα, `{{G1767}}`). As a numerical quantifier, its primary semantic range is purely arithmetical, denoting the quantity immediately preceding one hundred. Unlike some numbers in biblical numerology that carry inherent symbolic weight (e.g., seven for completeness, forty for testing), "ninety-nine" does not possess an intrinsic symbolic meaning apart from its specific contextual application within the biblical narrative. Its significance is therefore entirely derived from the specific passages in which it appears.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G1768}}` appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically within the Parable of the Lost Sheep, as recounted by Jesus. This parable is found in two primary passages: [[Matthew 18:12]] and [[Luke 15:4]], [[Luke 15:7]].
In [[Matthew 18:12]], Jesus asks, "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?" The context here is Jesus' teaching on humility, the care of "little ones" (disciples), and the Father's will that none of these should perish. The "ninety-nine" serve as a numerical backdrop, highlighting the shepherd's singular focus on the one lost sheep, despite the large number already secure.
Similarly, in [[Luke 15:4]], Jesus poses the question, "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" Luke's context is Jesus' interaction with tax collectors and sinners, which drew criticism from the Pharisees and scribes. The parable, therefore, serves as a defense and explanation of Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. [[Luke 15:7]] explicitly states, "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." Here, the "ninety-nine righteous persons" are contrasted with the one repentant sinner, further emphasizing the divine priority given to the lost and the joy associated with their restoration. While the "ninety-nine righteous persons" might be interpreted as those who perceive themselves as righteous and thus self-sufficient, the primary point of the parable remains God's active pursuit and celebratory reception of the lost.
### Related Words & Concepts
The numerical value of "ninety-nine" is intrinsically linked to the number "one hundred" and the concept of "one." The parable's power lies in the stark contrast between the vast majority (the ninety-nine) and the single, lost individual (the one).
Related concepts include:
* **Lostness and Foundness:** The core theme of the parable, highlighting the state of being separated from God and the joy of being restored.
* **Repentance:** Explicitly mentioned in [[Luke 15:7]] as the condition for the "one sinner" to bring joy in heaven.
* **Divine Pursuit:** The shepherd's active search for the one lost sheep illustrates God's relentless love and initiative in seeking out those who are astray.
* **The Value of the Individual:** The parable underscores that each individual soul is of immense value to God, irrespective of the larger group.
* **Shepherding:** Jesus often portrays Himself as the Good Shepherd (e.g., [[John 10:11-18]]), and this parable reinforces that imagery, emphasizing His care and responsibility for His flock.
* **Joy in Heaven:** The restoration of the lost one brings profound joy in the heavenly realm.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1768}}` is not found in the number itself, but in its function within the Parable of the Lost Sheep. The "ninety-nine" serve as a crucial numerical backdrop that magnifies the profound theological truths conveyed:
1. **God's Heart for the Lost:** The shepherd's willingness to leave the secure ninety-nine to pursue the one lost sheep powerfully illustrates God's passionate, particular, and persistent love for those who are alienated from Him. It reveals a divine economy that prioritizes the individual's salvation over the security of the many.
2. **The Nature of Salvation:** Salvation is not merely a statistical outcome but a personal, transformative encounter. The focus is not on maintaining the existing "flock" but on actively bringing back the one who has strayed.
3. **Divine Joy Over Repentance:** The parable concludes with the immense joy in heaven over the repentance of one sinner. This highlights that God's ultimate desire is the restoration of His creation, and every act of repentance is a cause for divine celebration.
4. **Challenging Self-Righteousness:** In Luke's account, the "ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance" ([[Luke 15:7]]) serve as a subtle challenge to those who believe they are already righteous and therefore do not need God's seeking grace. It underscores that God's primary concern is with those who recognize their need for Him.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G1768}}` (ennenēkontaennéa), meaning "ninety-nine," is a simple numerical quantifier whose profound significance is derived entirely from its exclusive use in the Parable of the Lost Sheep ([[Matthew 18:12]]; [[Luke 15:4]], [[Luke 15:7]]). In this parable, the "ninety-nine" serve as a numerical contrast to the "one" lost sheep, highlighting God's singular, passionate pursuit of the individual who has strayed. The word underscores the theological truths of God's boundless love for the lost, the immense value He places on each soul, and the great joy in heaven over the repentance and restoration of even one sinner. Thus, while arithmetically straightforward, `{{G1768}}` functions as a pivotal element in one of Jesus' most beloved and theologically rich parables, revealing the very heart of God's redemptive mission.
TRV