Lexical Summary hepta: Seven Original Word: ἑπτά Strong's Exhaustive Concordance seven. A primary number; seven -- seven. HELPS Word-studies 2033 heptá – seven. The number seven in Scripture often has the figurative meaning, "God's perfect, finished work." Indeed, this symbolic sense is often key to interpreting texts that use the number seven, both in the OT and NT. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition seven NASB Translation seven (87), seventh (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2033: ἑπτάἑπτά, οἱ, αἱ, τά, seven: Matthew 12:45; Matthew 15:34; Mark 8:5; Luke 2:36; Acts 6:3, etc.; often in the Apocalypse; οἱ ἑπτά, namely, διάκονοι, Acts 21:8. In Matthew 18:22 it is joined (instead of ἑπτάκις) to the numeral adv. ἑβδομηκοντάκις, in imitation of the Hebrew שֶׁבַע , Psalm 118:164 Topical Lexicon Symbolic Meaning of the Number SevenThroughout Scripture the number seven consistently conveys completeness, perfection, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes. Its first biblical appearance is the seven-day creation week, establishing a pattern of divine order and Sabbath rest that reverberates through redemptive history. In the New Testament the Greek term ἑπτά (hepta) continues this theological thread, marking pivotal moments in Jesus’ ministry, the life of the early church, and the climactic visions of Revelation. Seven in the Teaching and Miracles of Jesus • Provision and Satisfaction – In both wilderness feedings the disciples present “seven” as the quantity of bread on hand (Matthew 15:34; Mark 8:5). After the blessing, “they picked up seven baskets of broken pieces that were left over” (Mark 8:8). The repetition underscores Christ’s sufficiency to supply complete nourishment for Jew and Gentile alike. • Unlimited Forgiveness – Peter’s proposal of forgiving “up to seven times” is answered by Jesus: “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!” (Matthew 18:22). The numeric contrast moves forgiveness from a finite human calculation to total, God-like mercy. • Deliverance from Demonic Bondage – Mary Magdalene is twice described as the woman “from whom seven demons had gone out” (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9). The numeral emphasizes the thoroughness of her liberation and, by extension, Christ’s authority over the fullest demonic oppression. • Proof of Resurrection Authority – The hypothetical case of the woman married to seven brothers (Matthew 22:24-28; Mark 12:20-23; Luke 20:29-33) becomes Jesus’ platform for affirming bodily resurrection and the power of God to fulfill covenant promises beyond death. Seven in Acts and Apostolic Ministry • Servant Leadership – The Jerusalem church selects “seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to ensure equitable distribution to widows. The number signals a complete administrative response and provides a template for deaconal service. • Missionary Time-Markers – Paul’s journeys include multiple seven-day intervals (Acts 20:6; 21:4, 8; 28:14), suggesting deliberate rhythms of worship and fellowship tied to the weekly cycle. • Confrontation with Counterfeit Power – The seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19:14-16) attempt exorcism without submission to Christ, illustrating that spiritual completeness and authority reside exclusively in the name of Jesus. Seven in Hebrews Hebrews 11:30 recalls that “the walls of Jericho fell after the people had marched around them for seven days,” reinforcing faith’s persistence until God’s perfect timing brings victory. The Pervasive Sevens of Revelation John’s Apocalypse is architected around hepta’s symbolism, portraying the consummation of God’s redemptive plan. • Seven Churches – “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches” (Revelation 1:11). The literal congregations represent the universal Church in its totality. • Seven Spirits – Grace and peace flow “from the seven Spirits before His throne” (Revelation 1:4), a sevenfold designation of the Holy Spirit’s fullness (cf. Isaiah 11:2). • Sevenfold Christology – The glorified Son of Man holds “seven stars” (Revelation 1:16) and walks among “seven golden lampstands” (Revelation 2:1), asserting comprehensive lordship over His people. • Seals, Trumpets, Bowls – Judgment unfolds in three coordinated series of seven (Revelation 6–16), displaying ordered completeness in both warning and wrath. • Final Triumph – The slain yet standing Lamb possesses “seven horns and seven eyes” (Revelation 5:6), signifying perfect power and omniscience that direct history to its ordained conclusion. Intertextual Echoes with the Old Testament The New Testament sevens resonate with Old Covenant patterns: seven days of creation, sevenfold sprinkling of blood, seven branches of the menorah, seven annual feasts, and the seventy-sevens prophecy of Daniel 9. These echoes affirm scriptural unity, showing New Testament writers applying established symbolism to new covenant realities. Pastoral and Homiletical Implications 1. Assurance of Divine Completion – Believers can trust that every promise God begins He brings to perfect fulfillment. Summary Whether in miracles of provision, mandates for forgiveness, structures of church leadership, or the sweeping eschatology of Revelation, the New Testament’s use of ἑπτά weaves a tapestry of divine completeness. Each occurrence invites worship, strengthens confidence in God’s orderly governance of history, and points hearts toward the ultimate Sabbath rest found in the risen Lamb. Forms and Transliterations Επτα επτά Ἑπτά ἑπτὰ επταετή επτακαίδεκα επτακαιδέκατος επτακαιδεκάτω Epta Hepta Heptá heptàLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 12:45 AdjGRK: μεθ' ἑαυτοῦ ἑπτὰ ἕτερα πνεύματα NAS: and takes along with it seven other KJV: with himself seven other spirits INT: with itself seven other spirits Matthew 15:34 Adj Matthew 15:36 Adj Matthew 15:37 Adj Matthew 16:10 Adj Matthew 18:22 Adj Matthew 22:25 Adj Matthew 22:26 Adj Matthew 22:28 Adj Mark 8:5 Adj Mark 8:6 Adj Mark 8:8 Adj Mark 8:20 Adj Mark 8:20 Adj Mark 12:20 Adj Mark 12:22 Adj Mark 12:23 Adj Mark 16:9 Adj Luke 2:36 Adj Luke 8:2 Adj Luke 11:26 Adj Luke 20:29 Adj Luke 20:31 Adj Luke 20:33 Adj Acts 6:3 Adj |
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