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ὀγδοήκοντα (ogdoēkonta)

ogdoēkonta

eighty

G3589 · Greek · New Testament · 2 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
2 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The word ogdoēkonta is a straightforward numerical term meaning eighty. It functions as a simple count, lacking the complex theological or emotional layers found in many other Greek words. Its structure reflects its origin: it combines roots related to "eight" and "ten," logically constructing the number eight times ten.

In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both within the Gospel of Luke. It is used in genealogical records to mark specific ages or generations, such as when describing the age of Seth or other ancestors. These instances serve a purely factual purpose, anchoring the narrative in historical detail rather than symbolic meaning.

Translators consistently render it as "eighty" without variation, as there is no ambiguity in its usage. The word does not carry metaphorical weight or spiritual nuance; it simply denotes quantity. Its rarity in Scripture highlights how specific numbers are reserved for particular contexts, here serving to establish the timeline of human lineage.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word ogdoēkonta simply means eighty. In the New Testament, it appears only twice in Luke’s Gospel. One instance records a woman’s long service in the temple, highlighting her steady devotion over many years. The other shows a practical calculation in a parable about managing resources wisely.

These brief uses remind us that Scripture values both faithful endurance and honest stewardship. Numbers like eighty ground our faith in real life, showing that God cares about the details of our daily walk. Whether serving faithfully or handling responsibilities with integrity, these moments reflect a heart aligned with God’s purposes.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • eighty.1×
  • eighty [and]1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ὀγδοήκοντα.1×
  • ὀγδοήκοντα1×

Key Verses

  • Luke 2:37
    and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day.

    This verse uses the number to emphasize Anna’s long, faithful service in the temple, showing how persistent devotion is valued by God.

  • Luke 16:7
    Then he said to another, ‘How much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred cors of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’

    Here the term appears in a parable about debt, illustrating the importance of clear and honest management in everyday transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ogdoēkonta mean?

It is the Greek word for eighty. It functions as a straightforward numerical term without additional metaphorical meaning, simply indicating quantity or age in biblical texts.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It occurs only twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospel of Luke. One instance describes Anna’s time as a widow, and the other appears in a parable about debt.

Does eighty have special spiritual significance here?

In these specific verses, the number serves a factual purpose rather than carrying deep symbolic weight. It highlights duration in Anna’s case and practical calculation in the parable, showing God’s attention to real-life details.

Every Occurrence (2 verses across 1 books)