δώδεκα (dōdeka)
dōdeka
twelve
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 62 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word dōdeka is the Greek numeral for twelve, formed by combining the words for ten and two. In the New Testament it appears frequently in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew and Mark, where it functions as a simple count of people or objects. For instance, Jesus feeds five thousand with food sufficient for twelve groups (Mark 6:43), and a woman is healed after suffering for twelve years (Mark 5:25). The term is straightforward and indeclinable, serving its basic arithmetic purpose across various contexts.
Beyond its numerical value, the phrase "the twelve" (hoi dōdeka) becomes a specific title for Jesus’ closest disciples. This designation appears regularly in the Gospels and Acts to identify this inner circle chosen by Jesus (Matthew 10:1; Mark 4:10). In Revelation, the number takes on symbolic weight, describing the foundations of the New Jerusalem and the tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:12-14), linking the historical group with theological completeness. The sources note that while some manuscripts use a different form for twelve in Acts, the standard numeral remains consistent throughout most of the text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The number twelve carries a quiet weight in Scripture, marking both ordinary time and divine order. In the Gospels, we see Jesus healing a woman who suffered for twelve years (Mark 5:25) and raising a girl of the same age (Mark 5:42). These moments show that God is present in the long, slow seasons of life, not just the sudden miracles.
Beyond individual stories, the phrase 'the twelve' defines Jesus’ closest circle. He chose them to be with Him and to share His mission (Mark 3:14). This group represents a community bound by presence and purpose. It reminds us that faith is lived out in relationship, not in isolation.
Later, Revelation uses the number to describe the foundations of the New Jerusalem, linking the historical disciples to the eternal people of God. Whether counting years, baskets of bread, or tribes of Israel, twelve signals completeness. It points to a God who brings order and wholeness to our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 62 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- twelve43×
- Twelve14×
- Twelve.6×
- twelve,4×
- Twelve,4×
- twelve.3×
- twelve [was]1×
- of the twelve1×
- Twelve;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δώδεκα58×
- δώδεκα,9×
- δώδεκα.5×
- δώδεκα.¶4×
- δώδεκα·1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:25
A certain woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years,
The word marks the duration of a woman's suffering, highlighting God's attention to long-term pain.
-
Mark 3:14
He appointed twelve, that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach
This verse establishes 'the twelve' as a specific group appointed to be with Jesus and preach.
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Matthew 10:2
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother;
It introduces the formal list of apostles, grounding the title in specific historical individuals.
-
Mark 6:43
They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish.
The number appears here to count the baskets of leftover bread, showing abundance beyond need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word dōdeka mean?
Why is the number twelve significant in the Bible?
How is 'the twelve' different from other disciples?
Every Occurrence (62 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 12 verses
Behold, a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;
Matthew 10:1He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal…
Matthew 10:2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the…
Matthew 10:5Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of…
Matthew 11:1When Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.
Matthew 14:20They all ate and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.
Matthew 19:28Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man…
Matthew 20:17As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,
Matthew 26:14Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
Matthew 26:20Now when evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples.
Matthew 26:47While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and…
Matthew 26:53Or do you think that I couldn’t ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?