### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉmônîym**, represented by `{{H8084}}`, is a numerical term for **eighty** or **fourscore**, also used for **eightieth**. It is derived from the word for eight, `{{H8083}}` **shᵉmôneh**. Appearing 38 times across 37 unique verses, it is often used to quantify age, large groups of people, or significant periods of time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical accounts, `{{H8084}}` is used to denote significant ages and quantities. Moses was **fourscore** years old when he and Aaron spoke to Pharaoh [[Exodus 7:7]]. The land experienced a long period of peace, having rest for **fourscore** years after Moab was subdued [[Judges 3:30]]. It is also used to count large numbers of people in national undertakings, such as the **fourscore** thousand hewers Solomon employed in the mountains to build the house of the LORD [[1 Kings 5:15]]. In a time of great famine, the desperation was measured by the price of an ass's head selling for **fourscore** pieces of silver [[2 Kings 6:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related numerical terms provide context for `{{H8084}}`:
* `{{H8083}}` **shᵉmôneh** (eight): This is the root number from which eighty is derived. It appears in counts alongside eighty, as in a total of eight thousand and five hundred and **fourscore** [[Numbers 4:48]].
* `{{H705}}` **ʼarbâʻîym** (forty): A significant number often representing a generation or period of trial. Caleb recalls the **forty** and five years since the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness, stating he is now **fourscore** and five years old [[Joshua 14:10]].
* `{{H7657}}` **shibʻîym** (seventy): This number is frequently paired with eighty. A human lifespan is described as threescore and ten years, and by reason of strength, **fourscore** years [[Psalms 90:10]]. Solomon also employed threescore and ten thousand burden bearers alongside his **fourscore** thousand hewers [[1 Kings 5:15]].
### Theological Significance
The number `{{H8084}}` carries significant conceptual weight in scripture, often marking the fullness of a human lifespan or a major historical period.
* **Measure of a Full Life:** The age of **fourscore** is depicted as the upper limit of a long life, achieved only "by reason of strength" and characterized by "labour and sorrow" [[Psalms 90:10]]. Barzillai, at **fourscore** years, considers himself too old to appreciate life's pleasures and a burden to the king [[2 Samuel 19:35]].
* **Quantifying National Power and Projects:** The term is used to measure the scale of royal and military endeavors. Rehoboam assembled an army of one hundred and **fourscore** thousand chosen warriors to fight against Israel [[1 Kings 12:21]]. It also quantifies the vast labor force, with Solomon enlisting **fourscore** thousand hewers for his building projects [[2 Chronicles 2:2]].
* **Marking Significant Timeframes:** Beyond lifespan, **fourscore** can define an era. The land had rest for **fourscore** years under the judges, a significant period of peace [[Judges 3:30]]. The construction of the temple began in the four hundred and **eightieth** year after the Exodus, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's history [[1 Kings 6:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8084}}` functions as more than a simple number. It is a biblical benchmark for a full, and often arduous, human life. It quantifies the immense scale of national armies, labor forces, and even the desperation of a famine. As **fourscore** or **eightieth**, it marks lengthy periods of both divine peace and historic milestones, providing a tangible measure for concepts of age, power, and time in the scriptural narrative.
TRV