### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term τριακόσιοι (transliterated as *triakósioi*, `{{G5145}}`) is a cardinal numeral, precisely meaning "three hundred." Its etymology is straightforward, being a compound of τρεῖς (*treis*, `{{G5140}}`), meaning "three," and ἑκατόν (*hekaton*, `{{G1540}}`), meaning "hundred." As such, its core meaning is purely quantitative, denoting a specific numerical value. Unlike some other biblical numbers that carry inherent symbolic weight, *triakósioi* primarily functions as a direct count, with any deeper significance being derived entirely from the context in which it appears rather than from the word itself. It serves to establish a concrete, measurable quantity, often to emphasize magnitude or value.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *triakósioi* (`{{G5145}}`) appears in the New Testament in two parallel accounts, both referring to the same event:
* **[[Mark 14:5]]**: "For this perfume could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." Here, the number "three hundred" specifies the value of the expensive perfume with which a woman anointed Jesus. The context is one of perceived waste by some of those present, particularly Judas Iscariot. A denarius (`{{G1220}}`) was a common day's wage for a laborer, making three hundred denarii a significant sum, roughly equivalent to a year's wages.
* **[[John 12:5]]**: "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This passage is a direct parallel to Mark's account, with Judas Iscariot explicitly named as the one who voiced the complaint. John's Gospel adds the critical detail that Judas "did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it" [[John 12:6]].
In both instances, *triakósioi* functions to quantify a substantial monetary value. This precise figure highlights the lavishness of the woman's act of devotion, contrasting it sharply with the materialistic and self-serving perspective of Judas. The number underscores the magnitude of the sacrifice and the perceived extravagance of anointing Jesus with such costly perfume.
### Related Words & Concepts
While *triakósioi* is a specific numeral, its context links it to several broader biblical concepts:
* **Numerals:** The Bible often employs numbers, sometimes for literal counts and other times for symbolic meaning. While *triakósioi* is literal, it is built upon the foundational numbers "three" (often associated with divine completeness, resurrection, or testimony) and "hundred" (often signifying fullness or completion). However, in these New Testament occurrences, the compound number does not appear to carry a distinct symbolic meaning beyond its literal value.
* **Denarius (`{{G1220}}`):** This Roman silver coin was a common unit of currency in the New Testament period. Its direct association with *triakósioi* in the cited verses emphasizes the economic context and the tangible value being discussed.
* **Sacrifice and Devotion:** The use of such a large sum (three hundred denarii) in the anointing narrative immediately brings into focus themes of costly worship, sacrificial giving, and radical devotion to Christ.
* **Hypocrisy:** The contrast between the woman's genuine devotion and Judas's feigned concern for the poor, underscored by the specific monetary value, highlights the concept of spiritual hypocrisy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *triakósioi* (`{{G5145}}`) is not found in the number itself, but in the profound theological truths it serves to illustrate within its specific biblical contexts:
* **The Value of Christ and Costly Devotion:** The "three hundred denarii" represents a significant earthly treasure, yet it is poured out as an act of worship upon Jesus. This emphasizes the immeasurable worth of Christ, to whom even such a grand offering is deemed appropriate, even necessary, by the woman. It teaches that true devotion to Christ is not cheap; it often involves costly sacrifice, whether of material possessions, time, reputation, or self. This act foreshadows Jesus' own ultimate sacrifice.
* **Contrasting Values:** The numeral highlights a stark contrast between worldly values and kingdom values. Judas, representing a worldly, materialistic perspective, sees the act as wasteful and impractical. Jesus, however, commends the woman's action as a beautiful and prophetic act of worship, demonstrating that true value lies in devotion to God, not in earthly accumulation. This underscores the principle that what is "wasted" in the eyes of the world can be profoundly precious in the eyes of God.
* **Exposure of Character:** The specific sum of "three hundred denarii" serves as a catalyst to expose the true character of Judas. His objection, framed as concern for the poor, is unmasked by John as a cover for his own avarice and thievery. Thus, the numeral, by quantifying the sacrifice, brings into sharp relief the spiritual state of those observing.
### Summary
The Greek word τριακόσιοι (*triakósioi*, `{{G5145}}`) simply means "three hundred." While a straightforward cardinal numeral, its limited but pivotal appearances in the New Testament, specifically in the accounts of Mary's anointing of Jesus (in [[Mark 14:5]] and [[John 12:5]]), imbue it with significant theological weight. It quantifies a substantial sum, "three hundred denarii," which serves to underscore the profound costliness of true devotion to Christ. In this context, *triakósioi* becomes a poignant symbol of extravagant worship, contrasting sharply with worldly pragmatism and exposing the hypocrisy of those who prioritize material gain over spiritual reverence. Thus, this simple number facilitates a powerful theological statement about the immeasurable worth of Jesus and the nature of genuine, sacrificial love.
TRV