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G1180 · Greek · New Testament
δεκατέσσαρες
dekatessares
Numeral
Fourteen

Definition

The Greek numeral dekatessares means 'fourteen,' combining deka (ten) and tessares (four). It appears in the New Testament in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus and in Paul's testimony about his second visit to Jerusalem.

Usage & Theological Significance

Matthew's structuring of Jesus' genealogy into three sets of fourteen generations (Matthew 1:17) is a deliberate numerical pattern. In Hebrew gematria, 'David' (DVD) = 4+6+4 = 14, making the threefold fourteen a hidden acrostic of David's name — Matthew is announcing that Jesus is the ultimate Son of David, the promised Messianic King. Paul's use of 'fourteen years' for his Jerusalem visit (Galatians 2:1) establishes the apostolic timeline of the gospel's independent confirmation.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations.
Galatians 2:1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.
2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven.
Matthew 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh.

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External Resources

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