The Greek word arithmós, represented by G706, provides the term for number. It appears 18 times in 15 unique verses. The word is used for literal enumeration, such as counting people, but also extends to convey vast, uncountable quantities and highly symbolic figures, particularly in apocalyptic literature.
In scripture, G706 is used to quantify groups and track growth. It is used to state the number of men fed in the wilderness, about five thousand John 6:10, and to chronicle the expansion of the early church, where a "great number believed" Acts 11:21 and the churches "increased in number daily" Acts 16:5. The term also defines specific groups, such as Judas being "of the number of the twelve" Luke 22:3. In the book of Revelation, it is used for both immeasurably large quantities, like the number of angels being "ten thousand times ten thousand" Revelation 5:11, and for specific, symbolic figures, such as the infamous number of the beast Revelation 13:18.
Several related words clarify the concept of counting and quantity:
- G5585 psēphízō (to use pebbles in enumeration, i.e. (generally) to compute:--count): This verb is the action of calculating a number. It is used in the command to count the number of the beast Revelation 13:18.
- G4129 plēthýnō (to increase (transitively or intransitively):--abound, multiply): This word describes the action of a number growing. In Jerusalem, the number of the disciples multiplied greatly Acts 6:7.
- G1427 dṓdeka (two and ten, i.e. a dozen:--twelve): This specific numeral is used to define a particular group referenced by G706, as when Judas is identified as being of the number of the twelve Luke 22:3.
- G3461 myriás (a ten-thousand; by extension, a "myriad" or indefinite number:--ten thousand): This term for a large, specific quantity is used to describe the vast number of angels around the throne, which was "ten thousand times ten thousand" Revelation 5:11.
The theological significance of G706 is seen in its application to divine plans and spiritual realities.
- Church Growth: The word is frequently used in Acts to document the success of the gospel, showing how the number of disciples and churches "multiplied" and "increased" (Acts 6:7, Acts 16:5).
- Divine Election and Judgment: In Romans, the number of Israel is compared to the sand of the sea, yet only a remnant is saved, highlighting God's sovereign choice Romans 9:27. In Revelation, the precise number of the sealed shows God's specific knowledge of His people Revelation 7:4.
- Apocalyptic Symbolism: G706 is central to eschatological understanding, most notably in identifying the "number of the beast" and the "number of his name" (Revelation 13:17-18, Revelation 15:2). It also conveys the immense scale of heavenly and demonic armies (Revelation 5:11, Revelation 9:16).
In summary, G706 is a versatile term that moves beyond simple arithmetic. It is a fundamental tool for chronicling the growth of the early church, for defining specific groups like the twelve disciples, and for conveying the sheer scale of God's heavenly host. Its most profound use is in the symbolic language of Revelation, where it is key to understanding concepts of divine election, judgment, and the identity of the beast.
TRV