Lexical Summary októ: Eight Original Word: ὀκτώ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance eight. A primary numeral; "eight" -- eight. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. cardinal number Definition eight NASB Translation eight (6), eighteen* (1), thirty-eight* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3638: ὀκτώὀκτώ, eight: Luke 2:21; John 20:26; Acts 9:33, etc. ((From Homer on.)) Topical Lexicon Biblical DistributionThe numeral occurs ten times in the Greek New Testament: Luke 2:21; Luke 9:28; Luke 13:4; Luke 13:11; Luke 13:16; John 5:5; John 20:26; Acts 9:33; Acts 25:6; 1 Peter 3:20. In half of these passages the figure stands alone, and in the rest it forms the second element in compound numbers (eighteen, thirty-eight). The contexts gather around three main arenas: covenant initiation (circumcision), revelation of Christ’s glory (Transfiguration and Resurrection), and deliverance from peril or infirmity (healings, the Flood). Covenantal Significance Luke 2:21: “And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, He was named Jesus”. The eighth day marked the covenantal seal given to Abraham (Genesis 17:12) and continued in Israel. By submitting to the rite on the eighth day, the incarnate Son fully identified with the covenant people, fulfilling the law at its earliest legal requirement. Thus the number eight stands at the threshold of the New Covenant, uniting promise and fulfillment. Revelatory Milestones in Christ’s Ministry Luke 9:28 places the Transfiguration “about eight days” after Peter’s confession. The disciples move from recognition (“You are the Christ”) to unveiled glory in just over a week, underscoring eight as the moment when hidden identity becomes manifest. John 20:26 records that “Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside, and Thomas was with them”. The risen Christ accommodates a struggling disciple, granting tangible proof and pronouncing blessing on all who will believe without sight. The new creation week climaxes with assurance and mission. Together these two mountain-top moments—Transfiguration and Resurrection appearance—frame eight as the number of unveiled glory and confirming faith. Healing and Restoration John 5:5 notes a man ill for thirty-eight years; Acts 9:33 features Aeneas bedridden eight years. Both healings signal total reversal after a period measured with the numeral. Luke 13 repeats “eighteen years” (twice) for the woman bent double. Whether eight stands alone or anchors a compound, the theme of long-standing bondage yields to instantaneous freedom once Christ or His servants intervene. Judicial and Administrative Context Acts 25:6: Festus remains in Jerusalem “eight or ten days” before transferring Paul’s case to Caesarea. The short span underscores the governor’s brisk handling, paving the way for Paul’s appeal to Caesar. Here eight falls within historical narrative, but even bureaucratic increments advance the redemptive storyline by moving the apostle toward Rome. Petrine Reflection on Salvation History 1 Peter 3:20 recalls Noah: “in which a few people—only eight souls—were saved through water”. Peter links the Flood to baptism (verse 21), making the eight survivors a prototype of the church rescued through judgment by entering God’s appointed refuge. The number thus marks the boundary between an old world under wrath and a cleansed world under promise. Symbolic and Theological Motifs 1. New Beginning: The first day after a seven-day cycle inaugurates a fresh start; resurrection on the “eighth day” anticipates the eternal Sabbath rest. Historical and Liturgical Echoes Early Christian baptisteries were often octagonal, visually preaching new birth after the pattern of Noah’s eight and the resurrection morning. Patristic writers called Sunday “the eighth day,” celebrating weekly the dawn of the new creation. Pastoral Implications Believers facing prolonged affliction (John 5; Acts 9) can take heart: in God’s time an “eighth day” arrives when paralysis ends and disciples stand. Parents dedicate children, trusting the covenant-keeping God who first named His Son on the eighth. The church gathers each Lord’s Day anticipating the final “eighth day” when faith turns to sight, as it did for Thomas. Forms and Transliterations οκτω οκτώ ὀκτώ ὀκτὼ οκτωκαίδεκα οκτωκαιδέκατος οκτωκαιδεκάτω ολέθριον okto oktō oktṓ oktṑLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 2:21 AdjGRK: ἐπλήσθησαν ἡμέραι ὀκτὼ τοῦ περιτεμεῖν NAS: And when eight days had passed, KJV: And when eight days were accomplished INT: were fulfilled days eight for the circumcising Luke 9:28 Adj Luke 13:4 Adj Luke 13:11 Adj Luke 13:16 Adj John 5:5 Adj John 20:26 Adj Acts 9:33 Adj Acts 25:6 Adj 1 Peter 3:20 Adj |
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