### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb arithméō (`{{G705}}`) is derived directly from the noun arithmós (`{{G706}}`), meaning "a number." Its fundamental meaning is "to count," "to enumerate," or "to reckon." This encompasses the act of determining the quantity or total sum of discrete items. The semantic range is relatively focused, primarily denoting the mathematical or logical process of tallying or inventorying. It implies an orderly process of quantification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb arithméō (`{{G705}}`) appears infrequently in the New Testament, yet its occurrences are highly significant.
* In [[Revelation 7:9]], the Apostle John describes a vision of "a great multitude, which no one could number" (οὐδεὶς ἠδύνατο ἀριθμῆσαι). Here, the inability to count the multitude emphasizes its immense, immeasurable size. This signifies the vastness of God's redemptive plan and the multitude of those saved from every nation, tribe, people, and language, underscoring the fulfillment of God's covenant promises of innumerable descendants (cf. [[Genesis 15:5]], where the Septuagint also uses arithméō for counting stars).
* A starkly different context is found in [[Revelation 13:18]], where the command is given: "Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast" (τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου ἀριθμησάτω). In this instance, arithméō is not about an uncountable quantity but about discerning a specific, identifiable number (666). The act of counting here is not merely quantitative but demands spiritual wisdom and insight to interpret the symbolic meaning of the number, which represents human rebellion and imperfection in opposition to divine completeness.
In both instances, while the core meaning of "to count" remains, the theological implications are profound, reflecting either the boundless nature of God's works or the precise, symbolic nature of divine revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **arithmós (`{{G706}}`):** As the root noun, arithmós means "a number" and is inextricably linked to arithméō. It appears frequently in contexts where specific quantities or totals are given, such as the "number of the beast" in [[Revelation 13:17-18]].
* **logízomai (`{{G3049}}`):** While arithméō focuses on quantitative enumeration, logízomai means "to reckon," "to consider," "to account," or "to impute." It involves a more intellectual or evaluative calculation, though it can overlap in the sense of "to calculate." For example, faith is "counted" or "reckoned" as righteousness ([[Romans 4:3]]).
* **metréō (`{{G3354}}`):** This verb means "to measure" and deals with quantity through the application of a standard unit, rather than by discrete enumeration.
* **Divine Knowledge and Sovereignty:** The broader biblical concept of God "counting" or knowing the number of all things, even seemingly insignificant ones like the hairs on one's head ([[Matthew 10:30]]) or the stars in the sky ([[Psalm 147:4]]), highlights His meticulous knowledge, omnipotence, and sovereign care over all creation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of arithméō (`{{G705}}`) lies in its ability to underscore both the *immeasurability* of God's grace and the *precision* of His divine plan.
* In [[Revelation 7:9]], the "uncountable multitude" powerfully conveys the expansive and universal nature of God's salvation, demonstrating that His redemptive purposes are not limited by human capacity to quantify. It speaks to the boundless extent of His mercy and the fulfillment of His ancient promises to bless Abraham's descendants beyond number.
* Conversely, in [[Revelation 13:18]], the command to "count the number of the beast" emphasizes the necessity of spiritual discernment in understanding and confronting evil. The specific number (666) is not merely a quantity but a symbolic code, requiring wisdom to interpret its meaning concerning the nature of the anti-Christian power. This highlights that God's revelation, even concerning evil, is precise and calls for careful attention and spiritual insight from believers.
Ultimately, the use of arithméō in Scripture serves to remind believers of God's comprehensive knowledge and sovereign control, whether over the vastness of His blessings or the precise identification of forces opposing Him.
### Summary
arithméō (`{{G705}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to count" or "to enumerate," derived from arithmós (`{{G706}}`), "a number." Its biblical usage, though limited in occurrence, carries profound theological weight. In [[Revelation 7:9]], it describes an "uncountable multitude," signifying the vast, immeasurable scope of God's redemptive work and the fulfillment of His promises. In contrast, [[Revelation 13:18]] employs arithméō in the command to "count the number of the beast," underscoring the need for spiritual wisdom and discernment to understand and resist symbolic evil. This word thus points to both the boundless nature of God's grace and the precise, often symbolic, significance of numbers within divine revelation, affirming God's comprehensive knowledge and sovereign control over all things.
TRV