### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pentakósioi**, represented by `{{G4001}}`, is a numeral meaning **five hundred**. It is formed from the words for five and one hundred. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, but its usage in these contexts is highly specific and impactful.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two appearances of `{{G4001}}` serve distinct purposes. In a parable, Jesus uses the number to illustrate a significant debt, telling of a creditor with two debtors, one who owed **five hundred** pence and another fifty [[Luke 7:41]]. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul uses the number to establish the credibility of the resurrection, stating that the risen Christ "was seen of above **five hundred** brethren at once" [[1 Corinthians 15:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the parable in [[Luke 7:41]] help clarify the context of `{{G4001}}`:
* `{{G5533}}` **chreōpheilétēs** (a loan-ower, i.e. indebted person:--debtor): This identifies the individuals in the parable who are indebted, one of whom owes the sum of **five hundred** [[Luke 7:41]].
* `{{G3784}}` **opheílō** (to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation): This is the verb describing the state of the debt itself. One debtor **owed** a debt quantified as **five hundred** pence [[Luke 7:41]].
* `{{G4004}}` **pentḗkonta** (fifty:--fifty): This numeral is used in direct contrast to **five hundred**, highlighting the vast difference in the size of the two debts in the story [[Luke 7:41]].
### Theological Significance
Despite its infrequent use, the theological weight of `{{G4001}}` is derived from its specific contexts:
* **Magnitude of Debt:** In the parable of the two debtors, the number **five hundred** is not arbitrary. It represents a massive, unpayable debt, used to illustrate the magnitude of sin and the corresponding greatness of God's forgiveness [[Luke 7:41]].
* **Credibility of Witness:** The mention of Christ appearing to over **five hundred** people provides a powerful defense of the resurrection. Paul notes that the majority of these witnesses were still alive, making their testimony verifiable and countering any claim that the resurrection was a private hallucination or secret [[1 Corinthians 15:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4001}}` is more than just a number. Though it appears only twice, it is a cornerstone for two significant biblical points. It provides the scale for a parable about immense debt and forgiveness, and it serves as a crucial piece of historical evidence for the number of witnesses to Christ's resurrection. It demonstrates how a simple numeral can be used to convey both profound metaphorical meaning and essential factual testimony.
TRV