Lexical Summary murios: Ten thousand, countless, innumerable Original Word: μυρίος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ten thousand. Plural of an apparently primary word (properly, meaning very many); ten thousand; by extension, innumerably many -- ten thousand. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition countless, pl. ten thousand NASB Translation countless (1), ten thousand (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3463: μυρίοςμυρίος, μύρια, μυριον (from Homer down); 1. innumerable, countless (A. V. ten thousand): 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Corinthians 14:19. 2. with the accent drawn back (cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Sprchl. § 70 Anm. 15, vol. 1:278; Passow, under the word at the end; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, III.)), μύριοι, μύριαι, μύρια, ten thousand: Matthew 18:24. Strong’s Greek 3463 conveys the idea of an amount so large that it is practically innumerable. In Scripture it serves two principal functions: (1) to denote an impossibly high numerical value and (2) to evoke a qualitative sense of overwhelming magnitude. Old Testament Background The Septuagint employs the term for vast armies (Joshua 11:4), staggering financial sums (1 Chronicles 22:14), and celestial hosts beyond counting (Daniel 7:10). This background informs New Testament readers that the word is suited to contexts where the literal figure fades before the impression of immensity. New Testament Usage In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant the king’s slave owes “ten thousand talents.” The amount, using the word in question, equals an unpayable national debt. Jesus thereby exposes the servant’s utter helplessness and magnifies the king’s mercy: “Since he was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he owned, to repay the debt” (Matthew 18:25). The parable hinges on the contrast between immeasurable guilt and immeasurable grace. “For if you were to have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers…”. Paul sets spiritual mentors (“guardians”) against the singular role of a gospel father. Even an army of tutors cannot substitute for the unique bond created through the preaching of Christ that brings new birth. The exaggeration underscores paternal responsibility in discipleship. “Yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue”. The word contrasts a small, intelligible utterance with a torrent of uninterpreted speech. Paul’s hyperbole highlights edification as the supreme criterion for public worship. Theological Significance Grace beyond Measure Matthew 18 anchors forgiveness in God’s willingness to cancel a debt beyond human repayment. The term therefore becomes a cipher for divine grace: limitless, initiating, and transformative. Spiritual Paternity In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul upholds the irreplaceable influence of those who first proclaim the gospel. Spiritual fatherhood is not quantified by numbers but qualified by relationship—mirroring the Father’s love that calls sinners into sonship. Edification over Display In 1 Corinthians 14, the preferred “five words” demonstrate that clarity trumps volume. The church’s goal is never sheer abundance of speech but meaningful instruction that builds up the body. Ministry Applications 1. Forgiveness Counseling When guiding believers through reconciliation, Matthew 18:24–27 encourages leaders to frame grievances against God’s cancelled “ten-thousand-talent” debt, fostering humility and mercy. 2. Discipleship Strategy Mentoring programs benefit from distinguishing between many teachers and a few spiritual parents. Churches may cultivate intentional, covenantal relationships that reflect Paul’s model. 3. Corporate Worship Worship teams and pastors can apply 1 Corinthians 14:19 by prioritizing intelligibility—song lyrics, sermon outlines, and spiritual gifts should aim for comprehension and heart impact rather than impressive quantity. Related Concepts and Passages Hebrews 12:22 presents believers coming to “myriads of angels,” echoing the idea of a boundless heavenly assembly. Revelation 5:11 and Revelation 9:16 similarly draw on the imagery of uncountable hosts. Though the lexical form differs, these texts reinforce the theme of God’s overwhelming abundance—whether in judgment, worship, or salvation. Summary Across its three New Testament occurrences, Strong’s Greek 3463 magnifies divine generosity, authenticates apostolic fatherhood, and prioritizes edification. Whether depicting incalculable debt, countless instructors, or a deluge of tongues, the word consistently drives readers to acknowledge the surpassing worth of grace, relationship, and clarity within the life of the church. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 18:24 Adj-GMPGRK: αὐτῷ ὀφειλέτης μυρίων ταλάντων NAS: who owed him ten thousand talents KJV: which owed him ten thousand talents. INT: to him a debtor of ten thousand talents 1 Corinthians 4:15 Adj-AMP 1 Corinthians 14:19 Adj-AMP Strong's Greek 3463 |
    |