### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word τριάκοντα (triákonta, `{{G5144}}`) is a cardinal number meaning "thirty." It is derived from τρεῖς (treis, `{{G5140}}`), meaning "three," combined with a suffix indicating a multiple of ten. Its primary semantic function is to denote a precise quantity of 30 units. Unlike some numbers in biblical numerology that inherently carry symbolic meaning (e.g., seven for completeness, forty for testing), τριάκοντα primarily serves as a literal numerical indicator. Any deeper significance attached to its appearances typically arises from the specific context in which it is used, rather than from an inherent symbolic meaning within the number itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word τριάκοντα appears in the New Testament, primarily within the Gospels, marking significant numerical details:
* **Age of Jesus at Commencement of Ministry:** Perhaps its most prominent occurrence is in reference to Jesus' age when he began his public ministry: "And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph..." [[Luke 3:23]]. This age held significance in ancient Israel, often marking the point of full maturity and qualification for public service, particularly for Levites entering temple service (cf. [[Numbers 4:3]]).
* **Yield in the Parable of the Sower:** In the Parable of the Sower, τριάκοντα denotes a specific yield of fruit from the good ground: "And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And some thirty, and some sixty." [[Mark 4:8]] (also [[Matthew 13:8]]). Here, "thirtyfold" represents a genuine, though lesser, degree of spiritual fruitfulness compared to sixtyfold or a hundredfold, illustrating the varying levels of receptivity and productivity among those who hear the Word.
* **Price of Betrayal:** Most infamously, τριάκοντα is used to specify the price for which Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus: "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver." [[Matthew 26:15]]. This sum directly alludes to the prophetic passage in [[Zechariah 11:12-13]], where thirty pieces of silver is the price of a slave or a contemptuous sum for a prophet, underscoring the profound depth of Judas's treachery and the low value placed on the Messiah by his betrayers.
* **Other Numerical Contexts:** While less frequent, τριάκοντα also appears in other numerical contexts, such as in the listing of generations in genealogies or other specific counts where a precise number is required.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **τρεῖς (treis, `{{G5140}}`):** The base number "three," from which τριάκοντα is derived. While "three" often carries symbolic weight (e.g., divine completeness, witness), τριάκοντα primarily functions as a precise quantity rather than directly inheriting the symbolism of "three."
* **δεκα (deka, `{{G1176}}`):** "Ten," representing the decimal system. τριάκοντα is literally "three tens." "Ten" can symbolize completeness or human responsibility (e.g., Ten Commandments).
* **Biblical Numerology:** The broader study of numbers in the Bible and their symbolic meanings. While τριάκοντα itself is primarily quantitative, its *contextual* usage often draws upon established patterns or prophecies, giving it significant theological weight.
* **Measures of Yield/Fruitfulness:** In parables, the concept of "thirtyfold," "sixtyfold," and "hundredfold" relates to spiritual growth, the varying responses to the Gospel, and the diverse levels of productivity among believers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of τριάκοντα is not inherent in the number itself but emerges powerfully from the specific contexts in which it is used, highlighting crucial aspects of God's plan and human response.
1. **Divine Timing and Maturity for Ministry:** Jesus' age of "about thirty" at the outset of his public ministry [[Luke 3:23]] is highly significant. This age marked maturity and readiness for public service in ancient Israel, particularly for Levites. For Jesus, it underscores the precise, divinely appointed timing for the commencement of his messianic mission, signifying his full human development and preparedness to inaugurate the Kingdom of God. It speaks to the purposeful and ordered nature of God's redemptive work.
2. **Prophetic Fulfillment and the Cost of Betrayal:** The "thirty pieces of silver" for which Judas betrayed Jesus [[Matthew 26:15]] is laden with profound theological meaning. This specific sum directly fulfills the prophecy found in [[Zechariah 11:12-13]], where it is presented as the contemptuous price of a slave or a shepherd. Theologically, this highlights:
* The immense evil of human sin and treachery, valuing the Son of God so cheaply.
* God's sovereign control over all events, even the most heinous acts of human betrayal, orchestrating them to fulfill His prophetic Word and accomplish His salvific purposes.
* The depth of Christ's humility and sacrificial love, as he was "sold" for a slave's price, demonstrating his willingness to descend to the lowest point for humanity's redemption.
3. **Varying Degrees of Spiritual Fruitfulness:** In the Parable of the Sower, the "thirtyfold" yield [[Matthew 13:8]], [[Mark 4:8]] represents a genuine but lesser degree of fruitfulness compared to sixtyfold or a hundredfold. This teaches about:
* The diverse responses to the Word of God among those who hear it.
* The reality that spiritual growth and productivity are not uniform, yet even a "thirtyfold" increase from "good ground" is a valuable outcome.
* God's grace in accepting varying levels of spiritual maturity and productivity from those who sincerely receive and respond to His Word.
### Summary
The Greek word τριάκοντα (triákonta, `{{G5144}}`) literally means "thirty," functioning primarily as a precise numerical quantifier. Its theological significance in the New Testament is derived from the profound contexts in which it appears. It marks the divinely appointed age of maturity for Jesus' public ministry [[Luke 3:23]], signifying his readiness to fulfill his messianic calling. Most notably, it denotes the "thirty pieces of silver" for which Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus [[Matthew 26:15]], a sum that prophetically fulfills [[Zechariah 11:12-13]] and underscores both the depth of human sin and God's sovereign orchestration of redemption. Furthermore, in the Parable of the Sower, "thirtyfold" illustrates a genuine, though differing, degree of spiritual fruitfulness among those who receive God's Word [[Matthew 13:8]], [[Mark 4:8]]. Thus, while a simple numeral, τριάκοντα consistently points to crucial theological truths concerning divine timing, prophetic fulfillment, and the varied responses to the Gospel.
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