### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **chiliás**, represented by `{{G5505}}`, is a term for **one thousand**. It appears 23 times across 13 unique verses, used to denote large, specific quantities. While its base definition is a literal number, it is frequently employed in scripture to convey a sense of immense scale, particularly in prophetic and apocalyptic contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5505}}` is central to the symbolic numbers found in the book of Revelation. It is used to describe the **number** `{{G706}}` of the sealed from the tribes of Israel, a group totaling "an hundred and forty and four **thousand**" [[Revelation 7:4]]. This same group is seen again with the Lamb on mount Sion [[Revelation 14:1]]. The word also quantifies the heavenly host, whose number is "ten thousand times ten thousand, and **thousands** of **thousands**" [[Revelation 5:11]]. Beyond these vast figures, it marks specific counts in historical and parabolic settings, such as the "five **thousand**" men who believed after hearing the word [[Acts 4:4]] and the king with ten **thousand** preparing for war [[Luke 14:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the scale and measurement associated with **chiliás**:
* `{{G3461}}` **myriás** (a ten-thousand): This word is used alongside `{{G5505}}` to describe the immeasurable number of angels around the throne, demonstrating an even greater magnitude [[Revelation 5:11]].
* `{{G1540}}` **hekatón** (a hundred): This is used as a component in larger numbers, most notably in the "an **hundred** and forty and four thousand" who were redeemed from the earth [[Revelation 14:3]].
* `{{G1427}}` **dṓdeka** (twelve): This number is repeatedly combined with `{{G5505}}` to specify the "twelve **thousand**" sealed from each of the individual tribes of Israel [[Revelation 7:5-8]].
* `{{G706}}` **arithmós** (a number): This term is often used to introduce a precise count, such as when the **number** of the sealed is heard and then stated in the thousands [[Revelation 7:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5505}}` is primarily seen in its use to articulate divine order and immense quantities.
* **Divine Completeness:** The sealing of twelve **thousand** from each of the twelve tribes of Israel points to a complete and ordered gathering of God's people [[Revelation 7:5-8]].
* **Immeasurable Worship:** The phrase "thousands of thousands" helps convey the vastness of the angelic assembly worshipping God, a number beyond human comprehension [[Revelation 5:11]].
* **Quantifying Judgment and Growth:** The word is used to measure the impact of significant events, from the seven **thousand** slain in a great earthquake [[Revelation 11:13]] to the growth of the early church to about five **thousand** believers [[Acts 4:4]].
* **Symbolic Proportions:** The new city measured at "twelve **thousand** furlongs" [[Revelation 21:16]] uses the number to establish its grand, perfect, and divinely appointed scale.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5505}}` functions as more than a simple numerical value. It is a building block for some of the most profound symbolic figures in Scripture, especially in Revelation. From defining the precise **number** of the tribes of Israel to illustrating the boundless heavenly host, **chiliás** is used to express concepts of completeness, divine scale, and the immense significance of events in God's plan.
TRV