### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ennenēkontaennéa**, represented by `{{G1768}}`, means **ninety-nine**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the New Testament. This specific number is used exclusively within the parables of the lost sheep to represent the overwhelming majority, providing a stark contrast to the singular individual who is lost and then sought.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1768}}` is used to frame a central teaching on redemption. In both Matthew and Luke, a shepherd with one hundred `{{G1540}}` sheep leaves the **ninety and nine** to find the one that has gone astray `{{G4105}}` ([[Matthew 18:12]], [[Luke 15:4]]). In Luke's account, the shepherd leaves the flock in the wilderness `{{G2048}}`, while in Matthew, he goes into the mountains `{{G3735}}` to seek `{{G2212}}` the lost one. The parable's climax reveals that there is more rejoicing `{{G5463}}` over the one sheep that is found than over the **ninety and nine** which did not go astray [[Matthew 18:13]]. This is explicitly compared to the joy `{{G5479}}` in heaven `{{G3772}}` over one sinner `{{G268}}` that repents `{{G3340}}` [[Luke 15:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the theological importance of the **ninety and nine**:
* `{{G1520}}` **heîs** (one): As the numerical counterpart, this word represents the single lost sheep or sinner whose value prompts the entire narrative. The joy in heaven is over **one** sinner that repenteth [[Luke 15:7]].
* `{{G4105}}` **planáō** (go astray, deceive, err): This verb describes the condition of the lost sheep. The shepherd specifically seeks that which has **gone astray**, and the rejoicing is for this one rather than the ninety and nine which did not **go astray** [[Matthew 18:12-13]].
* `{{G1342}}` **díkaios** (just, right, righteous): This term describes the ninety-nine who are contrasted with the repentant sinner. There is more joy over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine **just persons** who need no repentance [[Luke 15:7]].
* `{{G268}}` **hamartōlós** (sinful, sinner): This word reveals the parable's human application. The story illustrates God's value system, where the repentance `{{G3341}}` of even one **sinner** is a cause for great joy [[Luke 15:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1768}}` is found in the contrast it creates. It highlights several key principles:
* **The Value of the Individual:** The core teaching is that God's focus is on the individual who is lost. The shepherd leaves the secure ninety-nine to go `{{G4198}}` after the one, demonstrating that the lost are actively sought ([[Matthew 18:12]], [[Luke 15:4]]).
* **Joy in Redemption:** The recovery of the lost brings more `{{G3123}}` rejoicing `{{G5463}}` than the security of those who were never lost [[Matthew 18:13]]. This is directly compared to the joy `{{G5479}}` in heaven over a single person who repents `{{G3340}}`.
* **Divine Pursuit:** The parable illustrates God's initiative in salvation. The shepherd does not wait for the sheep to return but actively goes after it and seeks `{{G2212}}` it until he finds `{{G2147}}` it, mirroring how the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost `{{G622}}` [[Luke 19:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1768}}` is far more than a numerical value. It serves as a crucial literary and theological device, consistently representing the secure majority to magnify the worth of the lost individual. By leaving the **ninety and nine**, the shepherd demonstrates a divine economy where the one is pursued with relentless focus [[Luke 15:4]]. The word underpins a core tenet of the gospel: that there is immense joy `{{G5479}}` in heaven over the repentance `{{G3341}}` and restoration of a single lost soul, a joy that surpasses the status of the many who are already considered just [[Luke 15:7]].
TRV