### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]]).
### Summary
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