εἴκοσι (eikosi)
eikosi
twenty
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word eikosi is a simple indeclinable numeral meaning twenty. It appears eleven times in the New Testament, serving as a straightforward count rather than carrying abstract theological weight. The sources note its occurrence in diverse contexts, from historical records to apocalyptic visions.
Its usage spans the Gospels, Acts, and Pauline letters. In Luke 14:31, it counts soldiers; in John 6:19, it measures furlongs traveled by boat; and in Acts 1:15, it numbers a gathering of believers. The Book of Revelation uses it repeatedly to describe the twenty-four elders surrounding the throne (Revelation 4:4, 10; 5:8; 11:16; 19:4), likely symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles.
Though numerically specific, eikosi often functions as a literary device to establish scale or order. Its presence in Revelation contributes to the structured imagery of heavenly worship, while its appearances in Acts and the Gospels ground the narrative in tangible, measurable reality. The word itself remains neutral, allowing the surrounding context to define its significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eikosi simply means twenty. In the New Testament, it appears in everyday situations: a king counting soldiers, disciples measuring distance on a lake, or believers gathering in a room. These numbers ground the story in reality. They show that God’s work happens in ordinary life, not just in abstract ideas.
In Revelation, the number twenty-four frames scenes of heavenly worship. While some see this as symbolic of Israel and the church united, others view it as a literal count of angelic beings. Either way, the image invites us to join a timeless chorus of praise. The specific number matters less than the posture of humility it represents.
When you read these verses, notice how the numbers serve the narrative. They help us visualise the scale of events or the order of worship. This simple word reminds us that God pays attention to details. Whether in a battle plan or a prayer circle, He is present and involved.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- twenty8×
- twenty,1×
- twenty —1×
- twenty four1×
- [were] twenty1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εἴκοσι9×
- εἴκοσιτέσσαρες1×
- εἴκοσι·1×
- εἴκοσι,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 14:31
Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
This verse uses the number to illustrate a practical calculation of resources before facing a greater threat.
-
Revelation of John 4:4
Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads.
The text introduces the twenty-four elders as a distinct group surrounding the throne, setting the scene for heavenly worship.
-
Acts 1:15
In these days, Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said,
Here the number appears in a historical record of the early church's size during a significant moment of leadership transition.