☀️
← Back to Lexicon
G382 · Greek · New Testament
ἀναρίθμητος
anarithmētos
Adjective
innumerable, countless

Definition

The adjective anarithmētos means innumerable or beyond counting — too vast to be enumerated. It appears once in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:12), describing the innumerable descendants promised to Abraham, as numerous as the stars of the sky and the sand of the seashore.

Usage & Theological Significance

The promise of innumerable descendants was made to Abraham when he had no children and his wife was barren (Genesis 15:5, 22:17). Against all human probability, God spoke of anarithmētos offspring. Hebrews 11 holds up Abraham as the supreme example of faith — believing the innumerable promise while holding a single, miracle-born son. This tension between the singular and the countless is the heartbeat of biblical faith: trusting God's word about an unseen multitude while holding only what is visible in hand. The fulfillment is both physical (the nation of Israel) and spiritual (the church as Abraham's family of faith from every nation — Galatians 3:29).

Key Bible Verses

Hebrews 11:12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
Genesis 15:5 Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be.
Genesis 22:17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.
Revelation 7:9 A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language.
Galatians 3:29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️