The Greek word hexḗkonta, represented by G1835, is a numerical term meaning sixty or threescore. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible, serving to specify a precise quantity in various contexts, from agricultural yield to measurements of time and age.
In the Gospels, G1835 is consistently used within the Parable of the Sower to quantify the yield of good ground. This seed brought forth fruit, some sixtyfold Matthew 13:8 or sixty (Mark 4:8, Mark 4:20). The term also defines a specific time period in the book of Revelation, where the two witnesses prophesy for "a thousand two hundred and threescore days" Revelation 11:3, the same duration for which the woman is nourished in the wilderness Revelation 12:6. Elsewhere, it sets a standard of age for widows to be enrolled for church support at "threescore years old" 1 Timothy 5:9 and measures the distance to Emmaus as "threescore furlongs" from Jerusalem Luke 24:13.
Several other numerical terms are used in conjunction with G1835 to establish scale and context:
- G5144 triákonta (thirty:--thirty): This number appears alongside sixty in the Parable of the Sower, representing a tier of fruitfulness Mark 4:8.
- G1540 hekatón (a hundred:--hundred): Used as the highest measure of yield in the same parable, appearing with thirty and sixty to illustrate a range of abundant returns Matthew 13:23.
- G5507 chílioi (a thousand:--thousand): This word is combined with other numbers to form the prophetic duration of 1,260 days in Revelation Revelation 11:3.
- G1250 diakósioi (two hundred:--two hundred): Also part of the 1,260 day count, it works with thousand and threescore to specify the time frame Revelation 12:6.
While a simple number, the contextual use of G1835 carries significant implications.
- Measure of Fruitfulness: In the Parable of the Sower, sixtyfold represents a significant and blessed return on the Word of God when it is received in a good heart, establishing a scale of spiritual productivity Matthew 13:23.
- Prophetic Measurement: As part of the 1,260-day period in Revelation, it defines a critical timeframe of testimony and persecution for God's witnesses Revelation 11:3 and a corresponding period of divine protection Revelation 12:6.
- Standard for Church Order: The requirement for a widow to be "threescore years" old sets a practical standard of maturity and life experience for those officially supported by the church 1 Timothy 5:9.
In summary, G1835 hexḗkonta provides specific numerical value to scripture. Its significance is derived entirely from the contexts in which it appears, whether measuring agricultural abundance, defining prophetic timeframes, or establishing qualifications for age and distance. It demonstrates how precise numbers are used in the Bible to convey scale, set standards, and mark out divinely appointed periods.
TRV