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G1440 · Greek · New Testament
ἑβδομήκοντα
Hebdomekonta
Numeral (indeclinable)
Seventy

Definition

Hebdomekonta is the Greek numeral seventy. It appears in the sending of the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples (Luke 10:1), in Peter's question about forgiving 'seventy times seven' (Matthew 18:22), and in references to the Seventy elders of Israel (used in Exodus) and the Septuagint (LXX = seventy).

Usage & Theological Significance

Seventy in Scripture symbolizes the fullness of nations (Genesis 10 lists 70 nations) and organizational completeness among God's people. The seventy elders of Israel (Exodus 24:1), the seventy-year Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 29:10), Daniel's seventy weeks (Daniel 9:24), and Jesus sending out seventy disciples all connect to this number. Most profoundly, when Peter asked if forgiving 'up to seven times' was sufficient, Jesus replied 'seventy times seven' — not a cap of 490 acts of forgiveness but a call to limitless, uncountable forgiveness mirroring divine grace.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.
Matthew 18:22 Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times (or seventy times seven).'
Jeremiah 29:10 This is what the Lord says: 'When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.'
Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness.
Luke 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.'

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External Resources

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