### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ὀγδοήκοντα (ogdoḗkonta, `{{G3589}}`) is a cardinal number, directly meaning "eighty." Its etymology traces back to ὄγδοος (ogdoos, `{{G3588}}`), meaning "eighth," combined with the concept of "ten" (as in eight times ten). Therefore, its core semantic range is strictly arithmetical and quantitative, denoting the numerical value of eighty. Unlike some numbers in biblical literature, ὀγδοήκοντα itself does not inherently carry a deep symbolic meaning beyond its literal numerical value, serving primarily as a precise descriptor of quantity, age, or measure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὀγδοήκοντα (ogdoḗkonta, `{{G3589}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Gospel of Luke:
1. **[[Luke 2:37]]**: "and she was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day." Here, ὀγδοήκοντα forms part of the compound number "eighty-four" (ὀγδοήκοντα τέσσαρα). This verse describes Anna, a prophetess, whose advanced age, particularly her long widowhood, underscores her extraordinary devotion and steadfast service to God within the temple. Her longevity and continuous worship highlight the long period of expectation for the Messiah's arrival, a wait she was privileged to see fulfilled. The number emphasizes her venerable status and unwavering commitment.
2. **[[Luke 16:7]]**: "Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' He said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'" In the parable of the unjust steward, the steward reduces a debt from 100 measures of wheat to 80 measures. This is a purely quantitative use of ὀγδοήκοντα, illustrating the steward's shrewdness and cunning in securing his future by manipulating accounts. The number itself carries no inherent spiritual or symbolic weight here but serves to establish the precise amount of the reduction, which is central to the parable's lesson on worldly wisdom.
In both instances, ὀγδοήκοντα functions as a precise numerical descriptor, whether of age or quantity. Its significance is derived from the context it defines rather than from any intrinsic symbolic meaning of the number itself.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for ὀγδοήκοντα (ogdoḗkonta, `{{G3589}}`) is its root, ὄγδοος (ogdoos, `{{G3588}}`), meaning "eighth." While "eighty" is simply ten times "eight," the number "eight" itself carries significant symbolic weight in biblical numerology, often associated with new beginnings, resurrection, and completion beyond a cycle of seven (e.g., circumcision on the eighth day, Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week, which is the eighth day following the previous Sabbath). However, this symbolic resonance of "eight" is not typically extended to "eighty" in biblical thought, which tends to function more as a practical, descriptive number.
Other related concepts include general numerical terms in Greek, such as δέκα (deka, `{{G1176}}`, ten) and ὀκτώ (oktō, `{{G3638}}`, eight), which contribute to its formation. The broader concept is that of precise measurement and enumeration, which is crucial for conveying factual details in narrative and parabolic contexts.
### Theological Significance
As a cardinal number, ὀγδοήκοντα (ogdoḗkonta, `{{G3589}}`) primarily serves a descriptive theological function, providing specific details that enhance the narrative or parabolic message. Its theological significance is largely derived from the context in which it appears:
1. **Longevity and Steadfast Devotion (Luke 2:37)**: In the account of Anna, her age of "eighty-four" years of widowhood highlights a life of profound and enduring dedication to God. This detail underscores themes of perseverance, faithfulness, and continuous worship. Her advanced age lends weight to her prophetic witness concerning the Christ child, signifying that even in old age, one can remain vibrant in faith and service, living a life marked by constant expectation and prayer. This serves as an example of devout piety and the spiritual fruitfulness that can accompany a long life consecrated to God.
2. **Illustration of Worldly Shrewdness (Luke 16:7)**: In the parable of the unjust steward, the number "eighty" (measures of wheat) is a quantitative detail used to illustrate the steward's cunning. The theological point here is not about the number itself, but about the *contrast* between the children of this world, who are "more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the children of light" [[Luke 16:8]]. The specific reduction to eighty measures serves as a concrete example of this shrewdness, prompting believers to apply similar diligence and foresight to their spiritual lives and the management of eternal resources.
While the number "eight" often points to new beginnings, "eighty" does not inherently carry this symbolic weight. Its theological impact is therefore contextual, primarily underscoring the duration of faithfulness or providing a precise measure within a moral lesson.
### Summary
The Greek word ὀγδοήκοντα (ogdoḗkonta, `{{G3589}}`) means "eighty" and is derived from the word for "eighth." It functions almost exclusively as a precise numerical descriptor in the New Testament, appearing only twice in Luke's Gospel. In [[Luke 2:37]], it contributes to the description of Anna's advanced age and long widowhood, thereby emphasizing her extraordinary devotion, steadfastness in prayer, and long-awaited encounter with the Messiah. In [[Luke 16:7]], it serves as a simple quantity in the parable of the unjust steward, illustrating the steward's shrewdness in managing financial affairs. The theological significance of ὀγδοήκοντα is therefore primarily contextual, highlighting themes of enduring faith and the practicalities of human dealings, rather than possessing an inherent symbolic meaning common to some other biblical numbers. It underscores the precision of the biblical narrative and the specific details that contribute to a deeper understanding of character and moral lessons.
TRV