from עֶשֶׂר; twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth; (six-) score, twenty(-ieth).
Transliteration:ʻesrîym
Pronunciation:es-reem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֶשְׂרִים (ʻesrîym), Strong's number `{{H6242}}`, functions primarily as a cardinal number denoting "twenty." Its etymological root is derived from עֶשֶׂר (ʻeser), `{{H6235}}`, meaning "ten," indicating that ʻesrîym represents two sets of ten. Beyond its cardinal sense, it can also function as an ordinal, signifying "twentieth." In some contexts, particularly in older English translations, it is rendered as "score," which is an archaic term for twenty units. The semantic range of ʻesrîym is thus straightforwardly numerical, serving as a precise quantifier for various entities, ages, dimensions, and periods within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻesrîym appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, serving a crucial role in establishing precise quantities and measurements. Its occurrences can be broadly categorized:
1. **Age Threshold:** Most notably, "twenty years old and upward" marks a significant age of accountability and readiness for military service or census participation within Israel. This threshold determined who was counted among the fighting men and, conversely, who was subject to divine judgment in the wilderness (e.g., [[Numbers 1:3]], [[Numbers 1:18]], [[Numbers 14:29]], [[Numbers 26:2]]). It also appears in contexts of valuation for vows, where a male between twenty and sixty years was valued at fifty shekels (e.g., [[Leviticus 27:3]], [[Leviticus 27:5]]).
2. **Dimensions and Construction:** ʻesrîym is extensively used in the detailed specifications for the Tabernacle and Temple, highlighting the meticulousness of divine architectural instructions. Examples include the length of the Tabernacle curtains (e.g., [[Exodus 26:18]], [[Exodus 26:20]]), the dimensions of the brazen altar (e.g., [[Exodus 27:9]], [[Exodus 27:11]]), and various measurements within Solomon's Temple (e.g., [[1 Kings 6:20]], [[1 Kings 6:24]], [[1 Kings 7:23]]; [[Ezekiel 40:7]]).
3. **Quantities of Items or People:** The number "twenty" frequently quantifies various goods, animals, or individuals in diverse narratives. For instance, Jacob served Laban for twenty years (e.g., [[Genesis 31:38]], [[Genesis 31:41]]), Joseph gave Benjamin twenty changes of clothes (e.g., [[Genesis 45:22]]), and David's men were supplied with twenty loaves (e.g., [[1 Samuel 25:18]]).
4. **Periods of Time:** Beyond ages, ʻesrîym also denotes durations, such as the twenty years of oppression under Jabin, king of Canaan (e.g., [[Judges 4:3]]), or the lengths of reigns of various kings (e.g., [[1 Kings 16:23]], [[1 Kings 16:29]]).
5. **Ordinal Use:** In its ordinal form, ʻesrîym designates the "twentieth" in a sequence, such as the twentieth course of priests (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 24:16]]) or the twentieth year of a king's reign (e.g., [[2 Kings 13:1]]).
The consistent and precise use of ʻesrîym across these varied contexts underscores its function as a definite numerical marker, essential for the administrative, military, and cultic life of ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to ʻesrîym is its root, עֶשֶׂר (ʻeser), `{{H6235}}`, meaning "ten." This relationship highlights that "twenty" is fundamentally a doubling or two sets of "ten," a foundational number in the decimal system prevalent in biblical numeration. Other related concepts include:
* **Numerical Precision:** The consistent use of specific numbers like ʻesrîym in the Bible emphasizes a divine demand for accuracy and order, particularly in matters of worship, law, and community organization.
* **Census and Muster:** The frequent association of "twenty" with age for military service ties it to the concept of a census (פקד, paqad, `{{H6485}}`), the mustering of fighting forces, and the overall administrative organization of the Israelite tribes.
* **Completeness/Sufficiency:** While not bearing the symbolic weight of numbers like seven or forty, "twenty" often signifies a sufficient quantity or a complete unit for a specific purpose, whether it be the necessary number of cubits for a structure or the age at which one is deemed fully capable.
* **Biblical Numerology:** Although ʻesrîym does not carry extensive symbolic meaning on its own, its frequent appearance in contexts of accountability and divine instruction places it within the broader biblical understanding of numbers as indicators of divine order and human responsibility.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻesrîym is largely derived from the contexts in which it appears, rather than an inherent symbolic meaning of the number itself.
1. **Divine Order and Exactitude:** The meticulous use of "twenty" in the dimensions of the Tabernacle and Temple speaks volumes about God's demand for precision and order in worship and sacred spaces. It reflects a divine blueprint that required exact adherence, emphasizing that God is a God of order, not chaos. This precision underscores the sacredness and intentionality behind His commands.
2. **Human Responsibility and Accountability:** The age of "twenty years old and upward" serves as a crucial theological marker. It signifies the point at which an individual was considered mature enough to bear full responsibility within the covenant community. Those of this age were held accountable for their actions and decisions, subject to the blessings and judgments of the covenant. This threshold highlights the biblical emphasis on maturity, participation, and the consequences of obedience or disobedience within God's people (e.g., [[Numbers 14:29-30]]).
3. **Sufficiency for Purpose:** In various contexts, "twenty" denotes a sufficient quantity or measure to fulfill a specific divine or practical purpose. It is not an arbitrary number but one that meets the exact requirements for a given task, whether it is the number of years for a period of servitude or the precise dimensions for a sacred object. This illustrates God's provision and the exactness of His plans.
4. **Covenantal Relationship:** The numbering of Israel, often by those "twenty years old and upward," is intrinsically linked to the covenant between God and His people. It delineates the community with whom God is actively engaged, those who are capable of understanding and upholding their covenantal obligations.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻesrîym (`{{H6242}}`) refers to the cardinal number "twenty" and, less frequently, the ordinal "twentieth." Derived from the root ʻeser (`{{H6235}}`, "ten"), it signifies two units of ten. Biblically, ʻesrîym is extensively employed to denote precise ages, particularly the threshold of "twenty years old and upward" for military service and accountability within the Israelite community. It also frequently specifies dimensions for sacred structures like the Tabernacle and Temple, quantifies various items and people, and marks periods of time. Theologically, the consistent use of ʻesrîym underscores God's demand for divine order and exactitude in worship and sacred spaces. Furthermore, its application to age thresholds highlights the concept of human responsibility and accountability within the covenant, marking the point at which individuals were considered mature enough to bear the full obligations and consequences of their actions before God. In essence, ʻesrîym serves as a fundamental numerical marker, reflecting the precision and intentionality inherent in God's dealings with His creation and His people.
TRV