### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term πεντεκαιδέκατος (G4003, *pentekaidékatos*) is an ordinal numeral, meaning "fifteenth." It is a compound word derived from πέντε (G4002, *pente*), meaning "five," καί (G2532, *kai*), meaning "and," and δέκατος (G1182, *dékatos*), meaning "tenth." As such, its core semantic range is strictly numerical, denoting the ordinal position of fifteen in a sequence. There is no inherent figurative or metaphorical meaning beyond its arithmetical value; its significance is entirely dependent on the context in which it is used.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word πεντεκαιδέκατος (G4003) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 3:1]]**: "Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene..."
This singular occurrence is profoundly significant. Luke, as a meticulous historian, provides a precise chronological anchor for the beginning of John the Baptist's prophetic ministry. By situating this pivotal event within the reigns of specific political figures—Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, Philip, and Lysanias—Luke grounds the sacred narrative firmly within verifiable world history. The "fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar" is a precise historical marker, generally calculated to be around A.D. 28-29, depending on how Tiberius's reign is dated (either from his co-regency with Augustus or his sole emperorship). This detailed historical context underscores the factual basis of the Gospel events, presenting them not as myth or legend, but as real occurrences in real time and space.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its numerical nature, πεντεκαιδέκατος (G4003) is inherently related to other Greek numerical terms, particularly its constituent parts:
* πέντε (G4002): "five"
* δέκατος (G1182): "tenth"
* δέκα (G1178): "ten"
Beyond direct etymological links, the word's primary significance in [[Luke 3:1]] connects it to broader concepts:
* **Chronology and Dating:** It exemplifies the biblical authors' occasional commitment to precise historical dating, contrasting with more general temporal indicators found elsewhere.
* **Historical Verification:** Luke's meticulousness in providing multiple contemporary rulers serves to authenticate the historical claims of the Gospel, inviting external corroboration.
* **Divine Timing (καιρός - G2540):** While the word itself is a simple ordinal, its use in [[Luke 3:1]] points to the concept of God's sovereign orchestration of history, ensuring that key events in salvation history occur at His appointed time (καιρός).
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The commencement of John the Baptist's ministry at this specific juncture aligns with the long-awaited prophetic period leading to the Messiah's public advent.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πεντεκαιδέκατος (G4003) is not found in the number fifteen itself, but in its role as a precise historical marker within God's redemptive plan.
1. **Historical Realism of the Gospel:** Luke's use of this specific date, alongside a list of contemporary rulers, emphasizes that the events of the Gospel are not abstract theological concepts but concrete occurrences deeply embedded in human history. This historical grounding provides a powerful apologetic for the Christian faith, asserting its basis in verifiable fact. The "fifteenth year" grounds the divine in the human, demonstrating God's interaction with humanity within the flow of time.
2. **Divine Providence and Timing:** The precise dating of John the Baptist's ministry, which immediately precedes Jesus' public ministry, signifies divine providence. It underscores that the advent of the Messiah was not a random event but occurred at God's appointed time, prepared for by a divinely ordained messenger. This "fifteenth year" marks a crucial turning point in salvation history, the commencement of the final preparatory stage for the Kingdom of God.
3. **Reliability and Trustworthiness of Scripture:** Luke's meticulous attention to historical detail, exemplified by the inclusion of this specific date, contributes to the overall credibility and trustworthiness of the biblical narrative. It reassures the reader that the accounts are not fabrications but records of events that transpired within a specific historical framework, thereby bolstering faith in the truthfulness of God's Word.
### Summary
The Greek word πεντεκαιδέκατος (G4003), meaning "fifteenth," is a straightforward ordinal numeral. Its singular, yet highly significant, appearance in [[Luke 3:1]] serves as a critical historical anchor for the commencement of John the Baptist's ministry, and by extension, the public ministry of Jesus Christ. This precise chronological detail underscores the historical realism of the Gospel narrative, demonstrating that the events of salvation history are not mythical but are firmly rooted in human history. The "fifteenth year" thus points to God's sovereign timing and meticulous orchestration of His redemptive plan, enhancing the reliability and trustworthiness of the biblical account.
TRV