### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term μυριάς (myriás) `{{G3461}}` originates from the root μύριοι (myrioi) `{{G3463}}`, which literally means "ten thousand." Its primary semantic range encompasses this precise numerical value. However, like its English cognate "myriad," μυριάς frequently extends beyond a strict count to signify an indefinitely large, countless, or innumerable quantity. In this broader sense, it conveys the idea of an immense multitude or an exceedingly vast number, emphasizing an overwhelming abundance rather than a specific digit. The precise interpretation—whether a literal ten thousand or an indefinite multitude—is determined by the immediate context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word μυριάς (myriás) appears in the New Testament, primarily in contexts that highlight vast numbers, often related to heavenly beings or significant events.
* **[[Acts 19:19]]**: "And a number of those who practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver." Here, μυριάς is employed in its literal numerical sense, "fifty thousand" (πεντακισχιλίας μυριάδας, literally "five ten-thousands"). This usage underscores the immense financial sacrifice made by the new believers in Ephesus, demonstrating the profound and tangible nature of their repentance and commitment to Christ.
* **[[Hebrews 12:22]]**: "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering," In this theological exposition of the new covenant, μυριάσιν (the dative plural of μυριάς) is used with ἀγγέλων (angels) to describe "myriads of angels" or "innumerable angels." The context clearly points to an indefinite, vast host, emphasizing the glorious and awe-inspiring company that believers approach in the heavenly Jerusalem, contrasting it with the fearful proximity to God at Mount Sinai.
* **[[Jude 1:14]]**: "It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, 'Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones," Similar to Hebrews, μυριάσιν here refers to the vast multitude accompanying the Lord at His second coming. While translated as "ten thousands," the sense is undoubtedly "myriads" or an innumerable host of holy ones (likely angels, though potentially also glorified saints), signifying the overwhelming power and glory of Christ's return for judgment and vindication. This echoes Old Testament prophetic visions of divine judgment and glory.
* **[[Revelation 5:11]]**: "Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, and saying with a loud voice," This passage presents the most emphatic use of μυριάς, employing a double plural: μυριάδες μυριάδων ("myriads of myriads") alongside χιλιάδες χιλιάδων ("thousands of thousands"). This hyperbolic construction unequivocally signifies an unimaginably vast, uncountable number of angels. It serves to magnify the scale of heavenly worship and the universal, limitless praise directed towards God and the Lamb, underscoring their supreme worthiness and the overwhelming glory of the heavenly court.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μύριοι (myrioi) `{{G3463}}`**: The base word from which μυριάς is derived, also meaning "ten thousand" or "innumerable." This direct linguistic link reinforces the dual numerical and indefinite semantic range.
* **Countless/Innumerable**: The extended meaning of μυριάς aligns with the concept of "innumerable." While no direct Greek cognate exists for "innumerable" in all contexts, the idea is often conveyed through phrases or the use of terms like ἀναρίθμητος (anarithmētos, "uncounted").
* **Multitude/Host (πλῆθος `{{G4128}}`, στρατιά `{{G4756}}`)**: Terms like πλῆθος ("multitude") or στρατιά ("host," particularly of angels, as in [[Luke 2:13]]) denote large groups. However, μυριάς specifically emphasizes an *overwhelmingly* vast, often immeasurable, quantity, surpassing a mere "multitude."
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The Hebrew Bible frequently employs similar expressions of immense numbers, especially concerning God's heavenly armies or blessings. For instance, the Hebrew term רבבה (*revavah*) `{{H7233}}` also means "ten thousand" or "myriad" and is used similarly to convey vastness (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 33:2]], [[Psalm 68:17]]). Daniel 7:10, with its "thousand thousands" and "ten thousand times ten thousand," provides a direct conceptual and numerical parallel to the imagery in [[Revelation 5:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μυριάς (myriás) primarily resides in its powerful conveyance of the immeasurable vastness of God's heavenly host and the overwhelming scale of divine activity, particularly in worship, judgment, and the glorious reality of the new covenant.
* **Divine Majesty and Sovereignty**: The recurrent depiction of God and Christ attended by "myriads of myriads" of angels (e.g., [[Revelation 5:11]]) profoundly underscores the divine majesty and supreme sovereignty of the Almighty. This countless retinue signifies His unparalleled authority, power, and the universal scope of His dominion.
* **The Scope of Redemption and Judgment**: The presence of "myriads of holy ones" with the Lord (e.g., [[Jude 1:14]]) emphasizes the definitive, cosmic, and unchallengeable nature of Christ's return. It highlights that God's redemptive and judicial purposes are executed with overwhelming force and a multitude of witnesses, ensuring their ultimate and undeniable fulfillment.
* **Heavenly Worship and Reality**: In the book of Revelation, μυριάς paints a breathtaking picture of heavenly worship. The "myriads of myriads" of angels engaged in adoration signify that the praise rendered to God and the Lamb is not merely grand but boundless, reflecting their infinite worthiness and the inexhaustible glory of the divine realm. Believers are invited into this unimaginably vast and vibrant reality.
* **Comfort and Awe for Believers**: For those who have "come to Mount Zion" ([[Hebrews 12:22]]), the encounter with "myriads of angels" evokes both profound comfort and reverent awe. Comfort, in knowing they are part of an immense, glorious, and secure heavenly assembly; awe, in grasping the incomprehensible scale and power of the spiritual realm into which they have been brought by Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word μυριάς (myriás) `{{G3461}}` initially denotes "ten thousand" but frequently expands its semantic range to signify an indefinitely large, countless, or innumerable quantity, akin to "myriad." While used numerically in [[Acts 19:19]], its profound theological impact emerges in passages like [[Hebrews 12:22]], [[Jude 1:14]], and particularly [[Revelation 5:11]], where "myriads of myriads" describe the immense host of angels. This usage serves to powerfully convey the immeasurable vastness of God's heavenly court, the overwhelming scale of divine majesty, power, and worship, and the cosmic scope of Christ's redemptive and judicial work. Ultimately, μυριάς evokes a sense of profound awe and wonder at the boundless glory and infinite dimensions of the divine realm.
TRV