### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G1803}}` (ἕξ, *hex*) is a primary cardinal numeral meaning "six." As a fundamental numerical descriptor, its core meaning is quantitative, representing the quantity immediately following five and preceding seven. Unlike some numbers that possess inherent qualitative aspects in their base definition, `{{G1803}}` primarily denotes a simple count. Its semantic range is thus confined to this numerical value, though its contextual usage in Scripture often imbues it with symbolic or theological significance, particularly when contrasted with other numbers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While `{{G1803}}` appears throughout the New Testament as a simple numerical indicator, certain occurrences carry significant contextual weight.
* **The Sixth Hour:** The "sixth hour" (noon) frequently marks pivotal moments in the Gospels. At the sixth hour, Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well ([[John 4:6]]), leading to a profound theological discussion about living water. Later, during the crucifixion, darkness falls over the land from the sixth hour until the ninth hour ([[Matthew 27:45]], [[Mark 15:33]], [[Luke 23:44]]), underscoring the cosmic significance of Christ's death. Pilate also presents Jesus to the crowd around the sixth hour on the day of his crucifixion ([[John 19:14]]), a moment of intense political and spiritual tension.
* **Six Stone Jars at Cana:** In the Gospel of John, Jesus performs His first sign by turning water into wine using "six stone jars" ([[John 2:6]]). These jars were for Jewish purification rites. The number six, being one short of the perfect seven, can be interpreted as symbolizing the incompleteness or inadequacy of the old covenant's rituals, which Jesus' new wine (representing the new covenant) transcends and perfects.
* **Six Days Before Passover/Transfiguration:** The narrative of Jesus' anointing at Bethany occurs "six days before the Passover" ([[John 12:1]]). Similarly, the Transfiguration takes place "after six days" ([[Matthew 17:1]], [[Mark 9:2]]) following Peter's confession. In both instances, the six-day period serves as a temporal marker, building anticipation for significant revelatory events that precede the ultimate revelation of the cross.
* **The Number of the Beast:** The most profound and debated occurrence of "six" is in the Book of Revelation, where "the number of the beast" is identified as "six hundred and sixty-six" ([[Revelation 13:18]]). This is not merely a numerical count but a highly symbolic representation. The triple repetition of six emphasizes its significance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The number six is intimately related to other numerical concepts in biblical thought, particularly in its contrast with the number seven (`{{G2033}}`, ἑπτά). While seven often symbolizes divine completeness, perfection, and rest, six frequently denotes human endeavor, labor, and, critically, imperfection or falling short of divine standards.
* **Creation and Sabbath:** The six days of creation (Genesis 1, though an Old Testament concept, is foundational to New Testament understanding) followed by the seventh day of rest (Sabbath) establish a divine pattern of work and cessation. This rhythm is echoed in the commandment to labor for six days and rest on the seventh (Exodus 20:9-10).
* **Humanity:** Six is often associated with humanity, as man was created on the sixth day. When contrasted with seven, it highlights humanity's finite nature and inherent imperfection without divine intervention.
* **Other Numerals:** The concept of "one" (`{{G1520}}`, εἷς), "three" (`{{G1411}}`, τρεῖς), and "seven" (`{{G2033}}`) are often used in conjunction with or in contrast to six to convey deeper theological meaning.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1803}}` (six) is multifaceted, primarily revolving around the themes of human effort, imperfection, and opposition to divine perfection.
* **Human Labor and Imperfection:** The six days of labor before the Sabbath rest underscore the human sphere of activity and toil. In this context, six signifies the realm of human work, striving, and limitation. When six appears in contrast to seven, it frequently highlights a state of incompleteness or deficiency. The six stone jars at Cana, for instance, can be seen as representing the inadequate and temporary nature of human-devised religious systems or rituals, which are superseded by Christ's divine provision.
* **The Number of Man and Rebellion:** The most potent theological implication of six emerges from its repeated form, 666, in Revelation. This number is explicitly called "the number of a man" ([[Revelation 13:18]]). The triple repetition of six, falling short of the perfect seven, amplifies the idea of ultimate imperfection, human striving for divine power (without God), and rebellion. It symbolizes the pinnacle of human pride, self-sufficiency, and opposition to God, embodying the characteristics of the Antichrist and the beastly kingdom. It signifies a system or individual that attempts to mimic or usurp divine authority but is fundamentally flawed, limited, and ultimately doomed.
### Summary
`{{G1803}}` (ἕξ, *hex*) denotes the cardinal number "six." While its primary meaning is quantitative, its occurrences in the biblical text often carry profound symbolic and theological weight. It is consistently associated with the sphere of human labor and endeavor, reflecting the six days of creation and the command to work. More significantly, when juxtaposed with the number seven (representing divine completeness), six often symbolizes human imperfection, inadequacy, and a falling short of God's perfect standard. This is most powerfully illustrated in the number 666, which represents the epitome of human rebellion, self-exaltation, and opposition to God, embodying the "number of a man" and the ultimate imperfection of the beastly kingdom.
TRV