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G2033 · Greek · New Testament
ἑπτά
hepta
Cardinal Number
seven

Definition

Hepta is the Greek word for seven. It is one of the most theologically significant numbers in both Testaments — seven representing completeness, fullness, and divine perfection. The number seven pervades Revelation: seven churches, seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls, seven stars, seven lampstands, seven spirits of God. Seven also structures creation (Gen 1), the covenant (the Sabbath as the seventh day), and the calendar (seventh year = Sabbath year; 49th + 1 = Jubilee).

Usage & Theological Significance

Seven (hepta) is the number of divine completeness and covenant wholeness. The Sabbath on the seventh day declares that God's creative work is complete — and humanity's participation in rest is the seal of that completion. When Peter asks whether forgiving seven times is sufficient (Matt 18:21), Jesus replies 'seventy-seven times' (or seventy times seven) — meaning unlimited, complete, perfect forgiveness that can never be exhausted. In Revelation, the seven-fold repetition of signs and judgments communicates not merely quantity but the completeness of God's sovereign action over all of history.

Key Bible Verses

Revelation 1:4 John, To the seven [hepta] churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne.
Matthew 18:21-22 Peter asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven [hepta] times?' Jesus answered, 'Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'
Genesis 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Revelation 5:6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne... He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
Proverbs 9:1 Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.

Related Words

External Resources

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