### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G2035 (ἑπτακισχίλιοι, transliterated as *heptakischílioi*) is a compound numerical term meaning "seven thousand." It is derived from `{{G2033}}` (ἑπτάκις, *heptakis*), meaning "seven times," and `{{G5505}}` (χίλιοι, *chilioi*), meaning "thousand." Its core meaning is strictly quantitative, denoting the precise number 7,000. However, in biblical numerology, the number "seven" frequently carries symbolic weight, often signifying completeness, perfection, divine fullness, or covenant. Similarly, "thousand" can denote a large, often indefinite, multitude, or a literal large quantity. When combined as "seven thousand," the number suggests a complete or divinely appointed multitude, not merely a vast, unquantified sum, but a specific, significant number known to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G2035 (ἑπτακισχίλιοι) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans:
* **[[Romans 11:4]]**: "But what is God’s reply to him? 'I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.'"
This verse is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) translation of [[1 Kings 19:18]], where God reassures Elijah during a moment of despair. Elijah believed he was the only prophet of the Lord left, lamenting, "The children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life" ([[1 Kings 19:10]]). God's response, using the Hebrew `{{H7651}}` (שֶׁבַע אֲלָפִים, *sheva alaphim*), reveals that He had secretly preserved a substantial number of faithful individuals who had not participated in the widespread idolatry of Baal worship.
In the context of Romans 11, Paul uses this historical example to illustrate God's ongoing faithfulness to Israel, even in their partial hardening and rejection of Christ. The "seven thousand" serves as a powerful testament to the concept of the "remnant" (cf. [[Romans 11:5]]), demonstrating that God always preserves a faithful core, even when it is unseen or appears insignificant from a human perspective. The precise number underscores God's meticulous knowledge and sovereign election, highlighting that the preservation of His people is not left to chance but is a divinely determined reality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G2035 naturally leads to several related numerical and theological concepts:
* **`{{G2034}}` (ἑπτά, *hepta*) and `{{G2033}}` (ἑπτάκις, *heptakis*):** The root for "seven," which is replete with symbolic meaning throughout Scripture, often signifying completeness, perfection, or divine order (e.g., seven days of creation, seven spirits of God, seven churches).
* **`{{G5505}}` (χίλιοι, *chilioi*):** The root for "thousand," which can denote a large, often indefinite, number, or a literal thousand, frequently used to express vastness or multitude (e.g., "a thousand generations," "thousands of thousands").
* **The Remnant:** A crucial biblical concept (Hebrew: *she'ar* or *yeter*) referring to the faithful few whom God preserves through judgment or apostasy. This concept is prominent in the Old Testament prophets (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) and is foundational to Paul's argument in Romans 9-11. The "seven thousand" are the embodiment of this preserved remnant.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Election:** The fact that God "reserved for himself" (κατέλιπον ἐμαυτῷ, *katelipon emautō*) these men emphasizes His active role in choosing and preserving His people, irrespective of human merit or widespread societal trends.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G2035 (ἑπτακισχίλιοι) is profound, primarily due to its singular, yet potent, appearance in [[Romans 11:4]]. It serves as a powerful illustration of several key theological truths:
1. **God's Unwavering Faithfulness:** Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant promises. The "seven thousand" demonstrate that God always maintains a people for Himself, even when human perception suggests complete apostasy.
2. **The Doctrine of the Remnant:** The existence of these "seven thousand" underscores the biblical doctrine of the remnant—a chosen, faithful minority preserved by divine grace. This remnant is not a result of human effort but God's sovereign election ([[Romans 11:5]]).
3. **Hiddenness of God's Work:** The "seven thousand" were unknown to Elijah, highlighting that God's work of preservation often occurs quietly, unseen by human eyes. This provides comfort and assurance that God is active even when His presence or the extent of His work is not immediately apparent.
4. **Divine Completeness and Sufficiency:** The number "seven thousand" combines the symbolic completeness of "seven" with the large quantity of "thousand." It signifies not merely a few, but a divinely complete and sufficient number of faithful individuals, perfectly known and preserved by God. It assures us that God's plan never fails for lack of a faithful witness.
### Summary
The Greek word G2035 (ἑπτακισχίλιοι) literally means "seven thousand." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 11:4]] is a direct quotation from [[1 Kings 19:18]], referring to the number of faithful Israelites God preserved during Elijah's time who had not bowed to Baal. This numerical term carries significant theological weight, symbolizing God's unwavering faithfulness, His sovereign preservation of a "remnant according to the election of grace," and the hiddenness of His divine work. The "seven thousand" represents a divinely appointed, complete, and sufficient company of the faithful, underscoring that God always maintains a people for Himself, even amidst widespread apostasy or human despair.
TRV