Lexical Summary pséphizó: To count, to calculate, to reckon Original Word: ψηφίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to count up, calculateFrom psephos; to use pebbles in enumeration, i.e. (generally) to compute -- count. see GREEK psephos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pséphos Definition to count, calculate NASB Translation calculate (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5585: ψηφίζωψηφίζω; 1 aorist ἐψηφισα; (ψῆφος, which see); to count with pebbles, to compute, calculate, reckon: τήν δαπάνην, Luke 14:28; τόν ἀριθμόν, to explain by computing, Revelation 13:18. (Polybius, Plutarch, Palaeph., Anthol.; commonly and indeed chiefly in the middle in the Greek writings to give one's vote by casting a pebble into the urn; to decide by voting.) (Compare: συγψηφίζω, καταψηφίζω, συμψηφίζω.) Topical Lexicon psēphizō – Strong’s Greek 5585Biblical Usage Overview The verb appears twice in the New Testament and always in a context that calls God’s people to thoughtful calculation rather than impulsive action. Both occurrences link the mental act of reckoning with spiritual responsibility: in Luke 14:28 the term undergirds deliberate discipleship, and in Revelation 13:18 it underscores discerning eschatological wisdom. Luke 14:28 – Counting the Cost of Discipleship “Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?” (Luke 14:28). Jesus sets psēphizō at the heart of His call to follow Him. The image of a builder tallying expenses warns against superficial allegiance. Genuine discipleship involves: Pastoral ministry draws from this verse when counseling baptismal candidates, church-planters, missionaries, or any believer facing costly obedience. The verb reminds congregations that emotional decisions, however sincere, must be matched by informed commitment. Revelation 13:18 – Calculating the Number of the Beast “Here is wisdom: Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and that number is six hundred sixty-six.” (Revelation 13:18). In apocalyptic setting, psēphizō signals the need for Spirit-guided discernment amid deception. Key observations: Old Testament Background to Counting and Reckoning Though psēphizō itself belongs to the New Testament era, the act of enumeration permeates Scripture. From the census in Numbers 1 to Jesus’ exhortation that believers “count the cost,” careful reckoning safeguards covenant fidelity. Proverbs repeatedly links counting with prudence (Proverbs 27:23-24), and Daniel’s prophetic timelines model sanctified calculation (Daniel 9:24-27). Historical Interpretation and Theological Reflection Early church writers viewed Luke 14:28 as a baptismal catechesis text, urging converts to weigh persecution’s demands. In contrast, Revelation 13:18 drew exegetical debate: Irenaeus favored the name “Lateinos,” others proposed “Nero Caesar,” yet all agreed that the exhortation aims at perseverance, not sensationalism. Reformation commentators such as John Calvin highlighted the balance between human diligence and reliance on divine revelation. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Discipleship Training – Leaders should foster environments where prospective servants assess their readiness in prayer, financial stewardship, and doctrinal grounding. Connection to Wisdom Literature Both uses of psēphizō echo wisdom motifs: fear of the Lord begins knowledge (Proverbs 1:7) and culminates in discerning “the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:3). Counting rightly is therefore an act of worship—aligning the mind with divine truth. Conclusion psēphizō frames calculation as a holy discipline—whether gauging the sacrifice of following Christ or unmasking counterfeit authority in the last days. The Spirit who inspired the command also supplies the wisdom to obey it, ensuring that thoughtful reckoning advances faithfulness until Christ is revealed. Forms and Transliterations ψηφιζει ψηφίζει ψηφισατω ψηφισάτω ψήφισμα psephisato psephisáto psēphisatō psēphisátō psephizei psephízei psēphizei psēphízeiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 14:28 V-PIA-3SGRK: πρῶτον καθίσας ψηφίζει τὴν δαπάνην NAS: sit down and calculate the cost KJV: first, and counteth the cost, INT: first having sat down counts the cost Revelation 13:18 V-AMA-3S Strong's Greek 5585 |
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