### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anaríthmētos**, represented by `{{G382}}`, means **innumerable** or unnumbered. It appears only **1 time** in **1 verse** of the New Testament. The word is formed from the negative particle "A" and a word related to numbering, conveying the idea of something that cannot be counted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G382}}` appears in [[Hebrews 11:12]]. The verse describes the descendants that came from **one** `{{G1520}}` man, who was "as good as dead." These descendants are described as being as numerous as "the **stars** `{{G798}}` of the **sky** `{{G3772}}` in **multitude** `{{G4128}}`" and as the sand by the **sea** `{{G2281}}` **shore** `{{G5491}}`, which is called **innumerable** `{{G382}}`. This imagery illustrates a promise fulfilled on a scale so vast it cannot be measured.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the context of [[Hebrews 11:12]] help build the concept of immeasurable vastness:
* `{{G4128}}` **plēthos** (a large number, throng, populace): This word for **multitude** is directly paired with the **stars** to quantify the descendants [[Hebrews 11:12]]. It is also used to describe the large number of believers who were of one heart and soul [[Acts 4:32]].
* `{{G798}}` **ástron** (a star): The **stars** are used as a classic biblical metaphor for a number too large to count [[Hebrews 11:12]]. Elsewhere, **stars** are mentioned as signs in the heavens [[Luke 21:25]].
* `{{G2281}}` **thálassa** (the sea): The sand by the **sea** provides the second image of an **innumerable** quantity [[Hebrews 11:12]]. The **sea** is also depicted as a powerful force of nature subject to God's authority [[Matthew 8:26]] and a place of judgment [[Matthew 18:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G382}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful use.
* **Promise Fulfillment:** The term **innumerable** is used to emphasize the magnitude of God's fulfillment of His covenant promise. What began with **one** `{{G1520}}` man resulted in a **multitude** `{{G4128}}` that cannot be counted [[Hebrews 11:12]].
* **Divine Power over Barrenness:** The promise was fulfilled through a man who was "as good as dead," highlighting that God's power brings forth immense life and abundance from what seems finished or empty [[Hebrews 11:12]].
* **Metaphor for Faith's Reward:** By linking the **innumerable** descendants to the **stars** `{{G798}}` and the sand of the **sea** `{{G2281}}`, the text provides a tangible, cosmic scale to the rewards of faith, which began with a single individual's trust in God.
### Summary
In summary, **anaríthmētos** `{{G382}}` is a specific and impactful word whose meaning, **innumerable**, is fully realized in its single biblical appearance. Used in [[Hebrews 11:12]], it describes the fulfillment of God's promise to produce a countless **multitude** `{{G4128}}` of descendants from **one** `{{G1520}}` man. The term serves as a powerful testament to divine faithfulness, demonstrating how God can bring about immeasurable results from a seemingly hopeless origin. It encapsulates the grand scale of God's covenant-keeping power.
TRV