### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G5505 (χιλιάς, *chiliás*) fundamentally denotes the numerical quantity of "one thousand." It is derived from χίλιοι (*chilioi*), which similarly signifies "one thousand." As a cardinal number, its primary semantic range is precise and quantitative, referring to a specific count or measure. While its literal meaning is unambiguous, its particular occurrences in biblical prophecy invite careful consideration of its contextual implications, especially whether it consistently maintains a strictly literal interpretation or carries symbolic weight within specific eschatological frameworks.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5505 appears exclusively within the book of Revelation in the New Testament, playing a pivotal role in shaping eschatological discussions. Its most prominent and theologically significant occurrences are found in [[Revelation 20:2]], [[Revelation 20:3]], [[Revelation 20:4]], [[Revelation 20:5]], [[Revelation 20:6]], and [[Revelation 20:7]], where it consistently refers to the "thousand years" (τὰ χίλια ἔτη) during which Satan is bound and Christ reigns with His saints. This repeated phrase directly establishes the duration of a crucial period in prophetic history.
Beyond these central passages, G5505 also appears as part of larger numerical expressions:
* In [[Revelation 11:3]], it contributes to the "one thousand two hundred and sixty days" (χιλίας διακοσίας ἑξήκοντα ἡμέρας) of the two witnesses' prophecy.
* In [[Revelation 14:1]], it is part of the "one hundred forty-four thousand" (ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες) sealed from the tribes of Israel.
In all these contexts, G5505 functions as a precise numerical component, whether defining a specific period of time or a specific count of individuals. Its consistent use in Revelation underscores the book's emphasis on divinely ordained quantities and durations in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to G5505 is its root, χίλιοι (*chilioi*), which also means "one thousand" and is used similarly in various New Testament contexts, often in conjunction with other numbers (e.g., [[John 6:10]], [[Revelation 7:4]]). The concept of "thousand" itself is pervasive throughout Scripture, often employed to denote a large, significant, or complete quantity. In the Old Testament, for instance, "a thousand" can signify an immense number, a vast multitude, or even a symbolic representation of completeness or divine blessing (e.g., "a thousand generations" in [[Deuteronomy 7:9]], "thousands of thousands" in [[Daniel 7:10]]). While G5505 is a specific Greek numerical term, it participates in this broader biblical motif of God's meticulous ordering of creation and history, often expressed through precise or symbolically significant numbers. Other related concepts include other numerical terms for periods of time (e.g., "days," "months," "years") and terms for large groups (e.g., "multitude," "company").
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5505 is almost entirely concentrated in its repeated use in [[Revelation 20]] to describe the "thousand years" of Christ's reign, commonly referred to as the "millennium." This specific duration forms the bedrock of diverse eschatological views, profoundly impacting how Christians understand the end times, the nature of Christ's kingdom, and the ultimate destiny of humanity.
* **Premillennialism:** Interprets the "thousand years" literally as a future, earthly reign of Christ following His second coming and preceding the final judgment. This view often emphasizes a physical, visible kingdom on earth.
* **Amillennialism:** Views the "thousand years" symbolically, representing the entire period between Christ's first and second comings, or the present spiritual reign of Christ from heaven through His church. The binding of Satan is seen as a spiritual reality limiting his deception of the nations during the current age.
* **Postmillennialism:** Interprets the "thousand years" as a golden age of righteousness and peace that will gradually be brought about by the spread of the Gospel and the church's influence, culminating in Christ's return.
The debate over the literal versus symbolic interpretation of G5505 in [[Revelation 20]] is central to these differing eschatological frameworks. Regardless of one's specific millennial view, G5505 underscores a divinely appointed period of time, emphasizing God's sovereign control over history, His ultimate triumph over evil, and the establishment of His perfect rule. It points to a definitive phase in God's redemptive plan where His justice and righteousness are fully manifested.
### Summary
The Greek word G5505 (χιλιάς, *chiliás*) precisely denotes "one thousand." Its primary significance in the New Testament is found exclusively within the book of Revelation, particularly in [[Revelation 20]], where it repeatedly describes the "thousand years" of Christ's reign. This specific numerical designation is foundational to various eschatological interpretations (Premillennialism, Amillennialism, Postmillennialism), each offering a distinct understanding of the "millennium" as either a literal future earthly reign or a symbolic representation of Christ's present spiritual dominion. Thus, while G5505 is a straightforward numerical term, its contextual use in Revelation elevates it to a crucial concept for comprehending the unfolding of God's prophetic timeline and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom.
TRV