ἑπτακισχίλιοι (heptakischilioi)
heptakischilioi
seven thousand
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word heptakischilioi is a straightforward numerical term meaning "seven thousand." It combines the roots for seven and ten thousand to specify this exact quantity. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Romans 11:4.
Paul uses it here to cite Elijah’s experience on Mount Carmel. After Elijah prayed for judgment, God preserved a specific number of faithful followers who had not bowed to Baal. Paul references this figure to show that even when Israel seemed entirely apostate, a remnant remained chosen by grace.
This precise number highlights the reality of God’s preservation amidst widespread unfaithfulness. It serves as a concrete example in Paul’s argument about the ongoing validity of God’s promises to His people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The number seven thousand in Romans 11:4 tells us that God always keeps track of His people, even when we cannot see them. Elijah felt alone on Mount Carmel, believing he was the only one left who remained faithful. God corrected this view by revealing a hidden group of thousands who had not bowed to Baal. This shows that our sense of isolation is often wrong because God sees what we miss.
When you feel like your faith is a minority or that the world has moved away from truth, remember this promise. God has reserved for Himself those who remain loyal, even if they are unknown to you. You are part of a larger, unseen community of believers who have not compromised their devotion. This knowledge brings comfort and strength during times when standing for Christ feels difficult.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- seven thousand1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἑπτακισχιλίους1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 11:4
But how does God answer him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
Paul uses this specific count to prove that God’s promise to Israel remains valid despite widespread apostasy, showing a preserved remnant chosen by grace.