### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word hexḗkonta (`{{G1835}}`) is a cardinal number denoting "sixty." It is derived from hex (ἕξ, `{{G1834}}`), meaning "six," and specifically refers to the tenth multiple of six. Its primary semantic range is strictly quantitative, indicating the numerical value 60. While its base definition is purely arithmetical, its application within biblical contexts often invites deeper theological and symbolic interpretation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hexḗkonta (`{{G1835}}`) appears in several significant New Testament passages:
* **Parable of the Sower (Gospels):** In the Synoptic accounts of the Parable of the Sower, hexḗkonta is used to describe one of the yields from the good soil.
* [[Matthew 13:8]]: "And others fell on the good ground and yielded fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty."
* [[Matthew 13:23]]: "But the one on whom seed was sown on the good ground, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty."
* [[Mark 4:8]]: "And other seeds fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."
* [[Mark 4:20]]: "And these are the ones sown on good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."
In these contexts, "sixtyfold" represents a bountiful and significant, though not the highest, return from the sown seed. It speaks to the varying degrees of fruitfulness and receptivity among those who hear and respond to the Word of God. It signifies a substantial blessing and productivity.
* **Road to Emmaus (Luke):** hexḗkonta is used to specify a literal distance.
* [[Luke 24:13]]: "And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem."
Here, the number provides a concrete geographical detail, grounding the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus in a tangible, historical reality. It emphasizes the physical journey undertaken by the disciples as they slowly came to recognize the Risen Lord.
* **Number of the Beast (Revelation):** hexḗkonta forms a crucial component of the infamous number 666.
* [[Revelation 13:18]]: "Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred sixty-six." (The Greek reads: ἑξακόσιοι ἑξήκοντα ἕξ - hexakosioi hexēkonta hex).
In this apocalyptic context, hexḗkonta is part of a highly symbolic number. The repetition of 'six' (of which sixty is a multiple) is often interpreted as signifying human imperfection, falling short of the divine number seven (completion or perfection). The intensification in 666 suggests a complete and ultimate embodiment of human rebellion, anti-divine power, and the antichristian spirit.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **hex (ἕξ, `{{G1834}}`):** The number "six," from which hexḗkonta is derived. The number six frequently symbolizes humanity (created on the sixth day) and its inherent limitations or fallenness in contrast to divine perfection.
* **triakonta (τριάκοντα, `{{G5144}}`):** "Thirty," often appearing alongside "sixty" and "hundredfold" in the Parable of the Sower, representing a lesser but still significant yield.
* **hekaton (ἑκατόν, `{{G1656}}`):** "One hundred," also found in the Parable of the Sower, signifying the highest degree of fruitfulness.
* **Numerical Symbolism:** The broader concept of numbers carrying symbolic weight in biblical literature, particularly in prophetic and apocalyptic texts. Numbers are not merely quantitative but often convey qualitative or spiritual truths.
* **Fruitfulness and Yield:** In agricultural parables, hexḗkonta underscores the theme of spiritual productivity and the abundance of God's blessing on receptive hearts.
* **Apocalyptic Numerology:** The use of numbers in Revelation to convey profound theological truths about divine judgment, spiritual conflict, and the nature of evil.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hexḗkonta (`{{G1835}}`) varies depending on its context:
* **Divine Generosity and Spiritual Fruitfulness:** In the Parable of the Sower, the "sixtyfold" yield highlights God's abundant grace and the potential for significant spiritual fruitfulness in the lives of believers who truly receive and obey His Word. It encourages faithfulness and cultivation of a receptive heart, demonstrating that God blesses those who respond to His call, even if their yield is not the absolute maximum. It speaks to the varying degrees of spiritual maturity and impact, all of which are valued by God.
* **Grounded Reality of Christ's Ministry:** In the Emmaus narrative, the "sixty stadia" serves to anchor the post-resurrection events in a tangible, historical reality. It underscores the physical, embodied nature of the Risen Christ's interactions with His disciples, providing concrete evidence of His resurrection and making the miraculous relatable within human experience. This detail reinforces the historical veracity of the Gospel accounts.
* **Symbolism of Human Imperfection and Rebellion:** The most profound theological implication of hexḗkonta arises from its inclusion in the number "666" in Revelation. While six typically signifies humanity and its inherent limitations (falling short of God's perfect seven), the tripling of this number (600+60+6) in 666 is widely interpreted as symbolizing ultimate human rebellion, complete imperfection, and the full manifestation of antichristian power. It represents a deliberate and comprehensive rejection of divine order and sovereignty, serving as a stark warning against allegiance to any system or individual that opposes God. This number points to the ultimate futility and condemnation of all human efforts that stand in defiance of the Almighty.
### Summary
The Greek word hexḗkonta (`{{G1835}}`), meaning "sixty," functions primarily as a cardinal number in the New Testament, yet its specific contexts imbue it with significant theological resonance. In the Parable of the Sower ([[Matthew 13:8]], [[Mark 4:8]]), "sixtyfold" signifies a substantial and blessed spiritual yield, illustrating the varied yet abundant fruitfulness of those who embrace God's Word. In the account of the Road to Emmaus ([[Luke 24:13]]), "sixty stadia" provides a precise geographical detail, grounding the post-resurrection appearance of Christ in a concrete historical reality. Most profoundly, hexḗkonta is an integral component of the ominous number "666" in the Book of Revelation ([[Revelation 13:18]]), where it contributes to a powerful symbol of human imperfection, rebellion against divine authority, and the ultimate embodiment of antichristian power. Thus, while fundamentally a numerical term, hexḗkonta illuminates themes of divine generosity, historical veracity, and the profound spiritual conflict between God's perfect order and human fallenness.
TRV