### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **oktṓ**, represented by `{{G3638}}`, is a primary numeral meaning **"eight"**. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. Its function is straightforward, providing a specific numerical quantity in various contexts, from counting days and years to people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G3638}}` is used to specify precise durations and quantities. It marks the time for the circumcision of Jesus as **eight** days after his birth [[Luke 2:21]]. It is also used to quantify periods of suffering, such as the man named Aeneas who had been sick of the palsy and kept his bed for **eight** years [[Acts 9:33]]. In the account of the flood, the word specifies that **eight** souls were saved in the ark with Noah [[1 Peter 3:20]]. Similarly, it marks the time between Jesus' sayings and the Transfiguration, which occurred "about an **eight** days after" [[Luke 9:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The numeral `{{G3638}}` is also used in combination with other numbers to form larger figures. These related words help establish specific timeframes for suffering or tragedy:
* `{{G1176}}` **déka** (ten): This word for "ten" is combined with `{{G3638}}` to describe the "eighteen" years of infirmity for the woman who was bowed together ([[Luke 13:11]], [[Luke 13:16]]) and the "eighteen" people on whom the tower in Siloam fell [[Luke 13:4]].
* `{{G5144}}` **triákonta** (thirty): This term for "thirty" is joined with `{{G3638}}` to describe the man with an infirmity for "thirty and **eight** years" who was waiting by the pool [[John 5:5]].
### Theological Significance
While a simple number, `{{G3638}}` often provides the context for significant events and divine action.
* **Marking New Beginnings:** The use of **eight** days is notably linked to Jesus' circumcision, a foundational covenant act [[Luke 2:21]]. It also marks the time before a key post-resurrection appearance to the disciples, including Thomas [[John 20:26]].
* **Defining Periods of Waiting and Suffering:** The number consistently quantifies the long duration of affliction before a moment of healing or deliverance, as seen with the man paralyzed for **eight** years [[Acts 9:33]] and others suffering for eighteen or thirty-eight years.
* **Highlighting Divine Salvation:** The term is used to count the exact number of people God saved from the flood, emphasizing the specific and complete nature of this rescue ("**eight** souls were saved," [[1 Peter 3:20]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3638}}` is a precise numeral that adds crucial detail and weight to biblical accounts. While its primary meaning is simply **"eight"**, it consistently appears in contexts that frame significant religious rites, long periods of human suffering, and pivotal moments of divine intervention. It gives specificity to events like the Transfiguration [[Luke 9:28]], healings, and the salvation of Noah's family [[1 Peter 3:20]], grounding these profound narratives in concrete, quantifiable terms.
TRV