The Greek word pentákis, represented by G3999, is a multiplicative adverb meaning five times. It appears only 1 time in 1 verse in the Bible, marking a specific and rare numerical reference. Its sole function is to quantify a repeated event.
In its sole biblical appearance, G3999 is used by the Apostle Paul to quantify a specific aspect of his suffering. He states that of the Jews G2453, five times he received G2983 the punishment of forty G5062 stripes save G3844 one G3391 2 Corinthians 11:24. This use highlights a severe and recurring ordeal that Paul endured as part of his apostolic ministry.
Several related words from its only context in 2 Corinthians 11:24 provide a fuller picture:
- G5259 hypó (of, under, by): This preposition indicates the agency or source of an action, in this case identifying that the punishment was administered by the men mentioned. It is also used to show that believers are loved of the Father John 14:21 or that all things were delivered to Jesus of His Father Matthew 11:27.
- G2453 Ioudaîos (Jew): This term, defined as belonging to Jehudah, identifies the source of the persecution Paul endured 2 Corinthians 11:24. The dossier also shows its use to describe both a path to salvation Romans 1:16 and a spiritual identity where there is neither Jew nor Greek in Christ Galatians 3:28.
- G2983 lambánō (to take, receive): This word describes the action of Paul having received the punishment. Its broader usage includes receiving power from the Holy Ghost Acts 1:8 or the crown of life James 1:12.
- G5062 tessarákonta (forty): This word for forty specifies the number of stripes. It is frequently associated with periods of significance or trial, such as Jesus appearing for forty days after his passion Acts 1:3 or Israel's time in the wilderness Acts 7:36.
The theological weight of G3999 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
- Specificity of Suffering: The use of G3999 provides a concrete, numerical testament to the cost of Paul's ministry. It moves the account from a general claim of hardship to a specific, repeated ordeal, emphasizing its severity 2 Corinthians 11:24.
- Endurance and Faithfulness: This act of receiving G2983 punishment five times demonstrates a pattern of endurance. This connects to the wider biblical theme of enduring temptation to receive the crown of life James 1:12.
- The Source of Conflict: The statement that this punishment came from the Jews G2453 places Paul's suffering within the complex reality of the early church. While salvation is described as coming "of the Jews" John 4:22, Paul's experience shows intense opposition from some within that same group.
In summary, while G3999 is exceptionally rare, its single use is highly significant. It serves as a precise and stark quantifier of suffering. Pentákis is not merely a number but a testament to the severe, repeated persecution the Apostle Paul endured, illustrating the profound cost of his faithfulness to the gospel.
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