ἕνδεκα (hendeka)
hendeka
eleven
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word hendeka simply means "eleven." It is a straightforward numerical term that appears six times in the New Testament, primarily within the Gospels and the book of Acts. Its usage is tightly linked to the specific group of Jesus’ followers who remained after Judas Iscariot’s departure.
Lexical sources consistently note its application to "the eleven" disciples alive after Judas’ death. This phrase appears in Matthew 28:16, Mark 16:14, Luke 24:9 and 33, and Acts 1:26 and 2:14. The term serves as a precise identifier for the remaining apostolic group during the critical period between Jesus’ resurrection and the selection of Matthias to replace Judas.
Unlike other Greek numbers that might carry symbolic weight, hendeka functions here with strict historical clarity. It marks the transition from the original twelve to a temporary eleven, highlighting the specific community present when Jesus appeared to them or when they gathered in Jerusalem. The word anchors these narrative moments in a concrete historical reality rather than abstract theology.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hendeka simply means eleven. In the New Testament, it appears only six times, always referring to the group of disciples who remained after Judas Iscariot left. This specific number marks a brief but vital moment in Christian history. It identifies the community present for Jesus’ final appearances and the early days of the church before Matthias was chosen to restore the twelve.
Seeing this word helps us understand that faith often grows in small, imperfect groups. The eleven disciples were not a perfect team; they struggled with doubt and confusion after the resurrection. Yet God used them. Their story shows that Jesus meets us where we are, even when our numbers are few or our understanding is incomplete.
This historical detail reminds us that the early church was built by real people facing real uncertainty. It invites you to trust that God works through ordinary moments and imperfect communities. The promise of Christ’s presence does not depend on having a perfect group, but on His faithfulness to those who remain with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- eleven5×
- the eleven1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἕνδεκα6×
Key Verses
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Matthew 28:16
But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.
This verse shows the eleven obeying Jesus' command to go to Galilee, marking their active response to His final instructions.
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Mark 16:14
Afterward he was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table; and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn’t believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
Here Jesus rebukes the eleven for their unbelief, highlighting their struggle to trust the reports of His resurrection.
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Acts 2:14
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
Peter stands with the eleven to preach at Pentecost, showing their unified role in launching the church's public witness.