The Hebrew word ʻâsâr, represented by H6240, is a numerical component that functions as ten. It appears 335 times across 292 unique verses in the Bible. It is used exclusively in combination with other numerals to form the "teen" numbers, such as thirteen or fourteenth.
H6240 functions as the numeric base 'ten' in its construct form, typically preceding the unit digit in compound numbers from eleven to nineteen. This grammatical structure, where the unit (e.g., H8147 'two') is joined with H6240 'ten' to create 'twelve', is fundamental to Hebrew numerical expression. This distinguishes it from the standalone cardinal H6235 (ten) or the ordinal H6224 (tenth). The consistent use of H6240 in these combinations underscores its role as a stable semantic anchor for forming the next decade of numbers, building systematically upon the primary units.
In the biblical narrative, H6240 is essential for defining specific quantities and timeframes. It is frequently used to establish appointed times, such as the command to keep the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month Exodus 12:6. It also defines foundational groups and structures, such as the twelve sons of Jacob, which form the basis for the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 35:22, Genesis 49:28). The word is also used to measure reigns and ages, as when Rehoboam reigned for seventeen years 1 Kings 14:21 or when God added fifteen years to Hezekiah's life Isaiah 38:5.
Beyond defining established groups and durations, H6240 is frequently employed in describing architectural and structural dimensions, particularly within sacred contexts. For instance, the curtains for the tabernacle were specified as H6249 (eleven) in number Exodus 26:7, and the bronze pillars for the temple were eighteen cubits high 1 Kings 7:15. This precision in measurement underscores the meticulous detail commanded for Israel's worship spaces. Furthermore, H6240 is integral to marking significant historical and prophetic chronological events. The flood began on the seventeenth day of the second month Genesis 7:11, and the ark rested on the seventeenth day of the seventh month Genesis 8:4. Similarly, the timing of Haman's decree and its subsequent reversal are precisely dated to the thirteenth and fourteenth days of the twelfth month, Adar, respectively Esther 3:13, Esther 9:1. Such detailed chronological markers emphasize the divine orchestration of events and the importance of accurate record-keeping in biblical history.
Several related words are used in combination with H6240 to form specific numbers:
- H8147 shᵉnayim (two): This cardinal number combines with ʻâsâr to form twelve, a number of great significance, such as the twelve sons of Jacob Genesis 42:13.
- H702 'arbaʻ (four): This numeral combines with ʻâsâr to form fourteen, a number frequently associated with sacred time, such as the fourteenth day of the Passover Leviticus 23:5.
- H6249 ʻashtêy (eleven): Used with ʻâsâr to mean eleven or eleventh, this word appears in descriptions of construction, such as the eleven curtains of the tabernacle Exodus 26:7.
- H6235 ʻeser (ten): This is the primary cardinal number for "ten," serving as the root from which H6240 is derived for its use in compound numbers. It is the standalone form of the quantity.
- H6242 ʻesrîym (twenty): This word signifies "twenty," which is grammatically understood as "two tens." Its formation illustrates how the core concept of H6240 is extended to construct the next decade in the Hebrew numerical system.
The use of H6240 carries significant theological weight by forming numbers central to God's covenants and commands.
- Covenant Structure: The number twelve, created with H8147 and H6240, is fundamental to the structure of Israel. It represents the completeness of God's covenant people, from the twelve sons of Jacob Genesis 35:22 to the twelve tribes of Israel Genesis 49:28 and the twelve stones Elijah used to build an altar 1 Kings 18:31.
- Appointed Times: Its use in forming ordinals like fourteenth is critical for establishing God's sacred calendar. The Passover is consistently commanded to be observed on the fourteenth day of the first month, linking this number to a foundational act of remembrance and redemption Leviticus 23:5.
- Divine Promises: The numbers formed with H6240 are often tied to specific divine promises. God promised that Ishmael would beget twelve princes Genesis 17:20, and He promised to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life Isaiah 38:5, highlighting God's power to fulfill His word.
- Divine Provision and Temple Furnishings: Numbers formed with H6240 underscore God's meticulous instructions for sacred objects and provisions. The twelve oxen supporting the brazen sea in Solomon's Temple symbolize the comprehensive support for purification and worship 1 Kings 7:25, 2 Chronicles 4:4. Similarly, Ezra's return from captivity saw the offering of twelve bullocks for all Israel, signifying a renewed commitment to divine provision and atonement Ezra 8:35.
- Chronological Precision in Prophecy and Historical Record: The use of H6240 to form specific dates in prophetic literature and historical accounts emphasizes the divine ordering of time and events. The precise dating of Ezekiel's visions, such as the word of the Lord coming in the eleventh year, first month, seventh day Ezekiel 30:20, or the twelfth year, twelfth month, first day Ezekiel 32:1, highlights God's sovereignty over history and the exact fulfillment of His revealed word. Even historical accounts like the fourteenth year after Jerusalem's fall mark significant points in God's redemptive plan Ezekiel 40:1.
The Hebrew word H6240 ʻâsâr, functioning as the numerical component "ten," is an indispensable element in the biblical lexicon, primarily serving to construct the "teen" numbers from eleven to nineteen. This construct form of "ten" systematically builds upon unit digits, providing a foundational precision to numerical expression in the Old Testament. Its frequent appearance across 292 unique verses demonstrates its pervasive role in detailing the fabric of ancient Israelite life and divine revelation.
Beyond its basic numerical function, H6240 is integral to establishing the precise quantities and durations that shape the biblical narrative. It defines the structure of God's covenant people, as seen in the twelve sons of Jacob and the twelve tribes of Israel Genesis 35:22, Genesis 49:28. It marks sacred appointed times, such as the consistent observance of Passover on the fourteenth day of the month Exodus 12:6, and underpins divine promises, like the addition of fifteen years to Hezekiah's life Isaiah 38:5.
H6240 facilitates the meticulous recording of architectural dimensions for sacred spaces, from the eleven curtains of the tabernacle Exodus 26:7 to the eighteen cubit high pillars of the temple 1 Kings 7:15, reflecting the divine demand for order and exactitude in worship. Its use in specifying chronological markers for historical and prophetic events, such as the beginning of the flood on the seventeenth day of the second month Genesis 7:11 or the precise dating of Ezekiel's visions in the eleventh or twelfth years Ezekiel 30:20, Ezekiel 32:1, underscores God's sovereignty over time and His exact fulfillment of His word.
In essence, ʻâsâr is more than a mere numerical suffix; it is a linguistic cornerstone for conveying divine order, historical accuracy, and the specificity of God's interaction with His creation. From structuring Israel's lineage and feasts to detailing prophetic timelines and temple measurements, H6240 is crucial for understanding the precision inherent in the biblical account, revealing a God who orchestrates all things with perfect numerical clarity.
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