The Greek word pentekaidékatos, represented by G4003, means fifteenth. It is derived from the words for "five and tenth." This specific term appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, highlighting its very particular use.
The sole use of G4003 is in Luke 3:1 to establish a precise historical setting. The verse states that the events described began in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. This specific year is further anchored by listing other contemporary rulers, including Pontius Pilate as governor of Judaea and Herod as tetrarch of Galilee. The term serves to date the beginning of the public ministry recorded in the Gospel of Luke with historical accuracy.
Several related words in the same verse provide the political and temporal context for G4003:
- G2094 étos (a year): This word is used directly with "fifteenth" to specify the exact time frame Luke 3:1.
- G2231 hēgemonía (reign): This identifies the official term of power for Tiberius Caesar, during which the fifteenth year occurred Luke 3:1.
- G2230 hēgemoneúō (to act as ruler): This describes the official capacity of Pontius Pilate in Judaea and Cyrenius in Syria at specific times (Luke 3:1, Luke 2:2).
- G5075 tetrarchéō (to be a tetrarch): This defines the rule of regional leaders like Herod, his brother Philip, and Lysanias Luke 3:1.
The significance of G4003 is not in the number itself, but in its function as a historical anchor.
- Historical Precision: The term is part of a detailed list of verifiable rulers and timelines, grounding the biblical narrative in secular history.
- Chronological Anchor: Its use in the fifteenth year provides a definitive starting point for the events that follow, linking the divine story to the calendar of human empires Luke 3:1.
- Convergence of Authority: By placing this date alongside the reigns of Caesar, a governor, and multiple tetrarchs, the text highlights that the ministry began at a specific intersection of Roman and local political powers.
In summary, G4003 is a word with a singular but crucial purpose. As fifteenth, it functions as a precise historical marker rather than a term with deep symbolic meaning. Its importance lies in its contribution to the historical reliability of the biblical account, demonstrating a clear intent to place the events of the Gospel within a concrete and verifiable moment in time.
TRV