### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **tessarákonta**, represented by `{{G5062}}`, is a numeral meaning **forty**. It appears 22 times across 21 unique verses in the Bible. This number is consistently used to denote a specific and significant duration of time or a precise quantity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5062}}` is used to mark several distinct periods. It defines a time of testing and preparation, such as when Jesus fasted for **forty** days and **forty** nights [[Matthew 4:2]] and was tempted for **forty** days [[Luke 4:2]]. It also measures significant durations in Israel's history, including the **forty** years they wandered in the wilderness ([[Acts 7:36]], [[Hebrews 3:17]]) and the **forty**-year reign of King Saul [[Acts 13:21]]. After his passion, Jesus showed himself alive over a period of **forty** days [[Acts 1:3]]. The number is also used in prophetic contexts, such as the "forty and two months" of authority given to the beast [[Revelation 13:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which **forty** is used:
* `{{G2094}}` **étos** (a year): This word frequently qualifies `{{G5062}}` to describe long durations. For example, it defines the time of Israel's punishment in the wilderness as **forty** years [[Hebrews 3:17]] and the length of Saul's reign [[Acts 13:21]].
* `{{G2250}}` **hēméra** (day): This term is used with `{{G5062}}` to mark shorter, intense periods of spiritual significance, such as the **forty** days Jesus was tempted in the wilderness [[Mark 1:13]] and the **forty** days he appeared to his disciples after the resurrection [[Acts 1:3]].
* `{{G1417}}` **dýo** (two): This numeral is combined with `{{G5062}}` to form the specific prophetic period of "forty and **two** months," during which the holy city will be trodden under foot by the Gentiles [[Revelation 11:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5062}}` is evident in its consistent application to pivotal moments.
* **Periods of Trial and Preparation:** The number is strongly associated with testing that precedes a significant event. Jesus' **forty** days of fasting and temptation in the wilderness prepared him for his public ministry [[Matthew 4:2]].
* **Duration of Judgment and Wandering:** The **forty** years in the wilderness serve as a key example of a generation experiencing God's discipline for their sin and unbelief before the next generation could enter the promised land ([[Hebrews 3:9]], [[Hebrews 3:17]]).
* **Prophetic Timelines:** In Revelation, periods like "**forty** and two months" are used symbolically to define times of tribulation and the exercise of hostile power on earth [[Revelation 13:5]]. It is also a component in the number of the sealed from Israel, 144,000 [[Revelation 7:4]].
* **Era-Defining Events:** The number marks significant historical eras, such as the **forty** years of Saul's rule [[Acts 13:21]] and the crucial **forty**-day period of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances [[Acts 1:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5062}}` is far more than a simple number. It functions as a structural marker for key biblical themes, defining periods of intense spiritual trial, historical epochs for the people of Israel, and specific timelines within divine prophecy. From the wilderness wanderings to Jesus' temptation and the events of Revelation, **tessarákonta** provides a temporal framework for understanding God's work in history.
TRV