### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **tessarakontaetḗs**, represented by `{{G5063}}`, specifically denotes a period or age of **forty years**. A compound word derived from terms for "forty" and "year," it appears only **2 times** in 2 unique verses. While rare, its use marks significant, extended periods of time in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two instances of `{{G5063}}` in scripture point to pivotal moments of testing and transition. In [[Acts 13:18]], the term is used to describe the **forty years** that God endured the manners of his people while they were in the wilderness. Later, in [[Acts 7:23]], it marks a key turning point in the life of Moses, specifying that when he was a **full forty years** old, he was moved to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of this forty-year timeframe:
* `{{G5550}}` **chrónos** (a space of time): This general term for time is used in conjunction with `{{G5063}}` in [[Acts 13:18]] to define "the **time** of forty years," establishing a specific interval for the events in the wilderness.
* `{{G4137}}` **plēróō** (to make replete, finish): This word is used in [[Acts 7:23]] to state that Moses was "**full** forty years old," emphasizing the completion of this distinct period in his life before his new purpose began.
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (a brother): This term is crucial to understanding the narrative in [[Acts 7:23]], as it identifies the people Moses chose to visit at the forty-year mark of his life as his **brethren**.
* `{{G2474}}` **Israḗl** (Israel, the descendants of Jacob): Both occurrences of the forty-year period are directly linked to the history of the people of **Israel**, whether it is the nation in the wilderness [[Acts 13:18]] or Moses identifying with the children of **Israel** [[Acts 7:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5063}}` is tied to the concept of divinely appointed timeframes for trial and preparation.
* **A Period of Endurance:** The forty-year period in the wilderness was a time of testing for the people of Israel, during which God "suffered their manners" [[Acts 13:18]].
* **A Marker of Transition:** For Moses, reaching the age of forty years signifies a moment of personal revelation and a decisive shift in identity, as he acts on the desire to visit his brethren [[Acts 7:23]].
* **A Completed Phase:** The use of `{{G4137}}` `plēróō` ("full") in describing Moses's age underscores that this forty-year span was a specific and completed phase, necessary before the next stage of his life and ministry could begin.
### Summary
In summary, **tessarakontaetḗs** `{{G5063}}` is more than just a number; it is a specific chronological marker used to frame significant periods in the history of Israel and its leaders. Though used only twice, it highlights periods of forty years as times of divine purpose, whether for national trial in the wilderness or for personal preparation and a pivotal change in a leader's life.
TRV