ψηφίζω (psēphizō)
psēphizō
to calculate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb psēphizō means to count or calculate, originally referring to the physical act of tallying expenses by casting pebbles into a container. In Luke 14:28, Jesus uses this concrete image when advising a builder to sit down and calculate the cost before starting construction, emphasizing practical foresight over impulsive action.
While classical Greek often used the word for voting by casting stones into an urn, the New Testament restricts its usage to arithmetic reckoning. This distinction is clear in Revelation 13:18, where readers are urged to calculate the number of the beast. Here, the focus remains on determining a specific value through careful computation rather than making a democratic choice.
The word’s root connects to psēphos, meaning pebble or stone, highlighting its ancient origins in simple counting tools. Translators typically render it as "calculate" or "count," preserving the sense of deliberate, numerical assessment. This usage underscores the importance of thoughtful planning and accurate evaluation in both daily decisions and spiritual discernment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word psēphizō brings us back to the simple, tactile act of counting with pebbles. In ancient times, people used small stones to tally expenses or make decisions. Jesus uses this image in Luke 14:28 to show that following Him requires the same careful planning as building a tower. Before we commit our time, energy, and resources to any task, we are invited to sit down and assess what is truly needed.
This practice is not about fear or hesitation, but about wisdom and stewardship. When we calculate the cost, we acknowledge that our strength is limited and that God’s calling often requires sustained effort. It is a practical step that honors both the reality of our circumstances and the reliability of God’s provision. By taking time to evaluate, we avoid the regret of starting something we cannot finish.
In Revelation 13:18, the call to calculate appears in a different context, urging discernment in confusing times. Whether we are managing daily resources or navigating complex spiritual truths, the principle remains the same: thoughtful evaluation leads to clearer faith. God invites us to bring our questions and calculations to Him, trusting that He guides our steps when we seek understanding with honest hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he should count1×
- he counts1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ψηφίζει1×
- ψηφισάτω1×
Key Verses
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Luke 14:28
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?
Jesus uses this word to illustrate the necessity of practical foresight and resource assessment before committing to a difficult task.
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Revelation of John 13:18
Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six.
The command to calculate here shifts from financial planning to spiritual discernment, requiring careful attention to symbolic numbers.