### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G5065}}` (tessareskaidékatos) is an ordinal numeral, meaning "fourteenth." It is a compound word derived from `{{G5064}}` (tessares, "four"), `{{G2532}}` (kai, "and"), and `{{G1182}}` (dekatos, "tenth"). Its etymological construction directly yields its precise numerical value. As an ordinal, its semantic range is strictly limited to indicating position in a sequence or a specific point in time, rather than possessing a broad spectrum of metaphorical or nuanced meanings. Its primary function is to provide exact chronological or sequential specificity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G5065}}` appears exclusively in the book of Acts, specifically in the narrative detailing Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome. Its two occurrences are found in [[Acts 27:27]] and [[Acts 27:33]]. In both instances, it refers to the "fourteenth" day or night of the storm-tossed journey.
In [[Acts 27:27]], Luke records, "But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country." This verse marks a critical turning point in the narrative. For fourteen days and nights, the ship and its passengers had endured a violent tempest, losing all hope of being saved (cf. [[Acts 27:20]]). The mention of the "fourteenth night" underscores the extreme duration and severity of their ordeal, highlighting the desperation that had settled upon them. It is at this precise moment, after two weeks of relentless struggle, that a glimmer of hope appears as the sailors sense land.
Similarly, in [[Acts 27:33]], Paul urges his companions to eat, stating, "And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing." Here, the "fourteenth day" emphasizes the prolonged period of fasting and exhaustion. Paul's exhortation to eat is not merely for physical sustenance but is also an act of faith, reminding them of God's promise of their survival, which had been delivered by an angel on that very "fourteenth night" (cf. [[Acts 27:23-25]]). The consistent use of "fourteenth" highlights the meticulous detail with which Luke records these events, lending historical precision to his account.
### Related Words & Concepts
As an ordinal number, `{{G5065}}` is intrinsically linked to other numerical terms, both cardinal and ordinal. Its constituent parts, `{{G5064}}` (four) and `{{G1182}}` (tenth), are foundational to its meaning. More broadly, it relates to the concept of time (`{{G5550}}` - chronos, `{{G2540}}` - kairos), duration, and the precise measurement of events. In the context of Acts 27, it connects to themes of endurance, waiting, and the culmination of a period of trial. It also relates to the broader biblical concept of divine timing, where specific numerical markers can signify God's appointed moments for intervention or revelation. While not directly related to other theological terms, its precise nature stands in contrast to more qualitative descriptions of time or events, emphasizing the factual and historical grounding of Luke's narrative.
### Theological Significance
While `{{G5065}}` itself is a purely descriptive numerical term, its specific deployment in Acts 27 carries profound theological weight. The "fourteenth" day/night serves as a divinely appointed marker, signifying the culmination of human despair and the dawn of God's promised deliverance.
1. **Divine Providence and Timing:** The precise mention of the "fourteenth" day underscores the meticulous nature of God's providence. It was not at an arbitrary moment, but after a specific, prolonged period of suffering, that God intervened with a clear message of salvation through an angel (cf. [[Acts 27:23-25]]). This highlights that God's plans unfold according to His perfect timing, even amidst chaos and human helplessness.
2. **Reliability of God's Word:** The angel's appearance on the "fourteenth night" and Paul's subsequent appeal on the "fourteenth day" to trust God's promise (that no life would be lost) demonstrate the unwavering reliability of divine revelation. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, God's word stands firm, and His promises are fulfilled.
3. **Endurance and Sustenance:** The "fourteenth" day also emphasizes the extreme endurance required of the passengers and the subtle sustenance provided by God. Despite two weeks of fasting and fear, they were preserved, a testament to God's power to uphold His people through the most severe trials.
4. **Transition and Hope:** The "fourteenth" day represents a critical transition from utter hopelessness to renewed faith and the expectation of deliverance. It is the point where the storm's duration reaches its peak, and divine intervention shifts the narrative toward rescue, demonstrating that even the darkest night has a dawn orchestrated by God.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G5065}}` (tessareskaidékatos) precisely denotes "fourteenth." Its sole occurrences in the New Testament, found in [[Acts 27:27]] and [[Acts 27:33]], mark a pivotal chronological point in Paul's perilous sea voyage. The repeated emphasis on the "fourteenth" day/night highlights the extreme duration of the storm and the depth of despair faced by the passengers. Theologically, this seemingly simple numerical detail powerfully underscores God's meticulous providence and precise timing, demonstrating that His intervention and the fulfillment of His promises occur at His appointed moment, even after prolonged periods of trial. It serves as a testament to the reliability of God's word and His sustaining power, transforming a moment of utter hopelessness into a prelude to miraculous deliverance.
TRV