### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻeser**, represented by `{{H6235}}`, is the primary term for the number **ten**. It is defined as "ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)." Appearing **175 times** across **157 unique verses**, `{{H6235}}` signifies a complete set and serves as a foundational unit for measurement, civil organization, divine law, and periods of trial.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H6235}}` is used in various significant contexts. It denotes a specific quantity, such as the **ten** curtains of the tabernacle [[Exodus 26:1]] or the **ten** camels Abraham's servant took on his journey [[Genesis 24:10]]. It is famously the number of God's core commandments given to Israel, referred to as the **ten** commandments [[Deuteronomy 4:13]]. The term also establishes civic and military structure, as seen in the appointment of "rulers of **tens**" [[Exodus 18:21]]. Furthermore, it signifies a full measure of testing or trial, as Israel tempted God **ten** times in the wilderness [[Numbers 14:22]] and Daniel was tested for **ten** days [[Daniel 1:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the concept of ten and its function as a foundational number:
* `{{H6242}}` **ʻesrîym** (twenty): This multiple of ten appears in measurements, such as a breadth of **twenty** cubits [[Ezekiel 41:2]] and dimensions of twenty-five thousand by **ten** thousand [[Ezekiel 45:1]], demonstrating how `{{H6235}}` is a base for larger numerical values.
* `{{H505}}` **ʼeleph** (thousand): This word is frequently used with `{{H6235}}` to describe large groups, such as the **ten** thousand men Barak took into battle [[Judges 4:6]] or the **ten** thousand captives taken from Jerusalem [[2 Kings 24:14]].
* `{{H8255}}` **sheqel** (shekel): As a standard unit of weight and currency, it is often quantified by ten. Examples include bracelets of **ten** shekels weight [[Genesis 24:22]] and an annual wage of **ten** shekels of silver [[Judges 17:10]].
* `{{H259}}` **ʼechâd** (one): This word for a single unit is often used in relation to ten, highlighting a proportional relationship, such as bringing **one** of **ten** to dwell in Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 11:1]] or **ten** women baking bread in **one** oven [[Leviticus 26:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6235}}` is evident in its application across scripture.
* **Divine Law and Order:** The "ten commandments" establish the number as a symbol of divine law and moral completeness [[Exodus 34:28]]. This theme of order is reflected in the civil structure of Israel, with "captains over **tens**" [[Deuteronomy 1:15]].
* **A Full Measure of Testing:** The number ten often represents a complete cycle of trial or probation. This is seen when Jacob's wages were changed **ten** times [[Genesis 31:7]] and Israel tempted God **ten** times [[Numbers 14:22]], signifying a full measure of unfaithfulness.
* **Sufficiency and Value:** Ten can represent a sufficient or complete amount. In Abraham's intercession for Sodom, **ten** righteous men would have been enough to save the city [[Genesis 18:32]]. Elkanah uses the number to express a complete blessing, asking Hannah if he is not better to her than **ten** sons [[1 Samuel 1:8]].
* **Prophetic Completeness:** The number is used to signify a representative whole in prophecy. Ten men from all nations clinging to one Jew represents a full turning of the Gentiles to God [[Zechariah 8:23]], while a remnant of **ten** after judgment signifies a complete tithe [[Amos 5:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6235}}` functions as more than a mere numerical value. It is a cornerstone of biblical structure, defining divine law, societal organization, and standards of value. From the **ten** commandments that form the foundation of God's covenant to its use signifying a full period of testing, **ʻeser** illustrates a divinely ordered completeness that is woven throughout the fabric of scripture.
TRV