ὀκταήμερος (oktaēmeros)
oktaēmeros
eighth day
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective oktaēmeros literally means "of the eighth day" or "eight days old." It is a rare term in biblical Greek, appearing only once in the New Testament within Philippians 3:5. Here, the Apostle Paul uses it to describe his circumcision status, marking him as having been circumcised on the eighth day after birth.
This specific timing was not arbitrary but followed the Mosaic law’s requirement for male infants (Genesis 17:12). By citing this detail, Paul highlights his complete adherence to Jewish ritual from infancy. The word underscores his claim to full Jewish identity and pedigree, which he later counts as loss for the sake of knowing Christ.
Etymologically, the word combines okto ("eight") and hēmera ("day"). It functions as a temporal adjective indicating age or duration. In this single occurrence, it serves as a precise historical marker rather than a theological symbol, anchoring Paul’s argument in his physical lineage before he contrasts it with spiritual rebirth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oktaēmeros appears only once in the New Testament, in Philippians 3:5. It describes Paul as being circumcised on the eighth day after birth. This detail was not just a random fact about his childhood. It followed the strict requirement of the Mosaic law found in Genesis 17:12.
Paul lists this early obedience to show his complete Jewish heritage. He had every right to boast in his religious pedigree from infancy. Yet, he counts all these credentials as loss for the sake of knowing Christ. This shift reminds us that our past achievements or religious status do not save us. Only a personal relationship with Jesus matters.
For your faith, this word highlights the contrast between external ritual and internal transformation. You do not need to prove your worth through perfect adherence to rules. God values the heart that trusts in Christ above all else. This truth offers freedom from the pressure to earn salvation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- on [the] eighth day,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀκταήμερος,1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 3:5
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
This verse uses the term to anchor Paul's claim of flawless Jewish lineage, which he later rejects as inferior to knowing Christ.