ψηφίζω
psēphízō
G5585 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To count, calculate, or reckon, typically by means of pebbles or markers; hence, to enumerate or determine a total through calculation. In extended contexts, the term may refer to considering, evaluating numerically, or even to 'casting a vote' using pebbles as tokens.
Semantic Range
to count, to calculate, to compute, to enumerate, to vote (by casting pebbles), to tally, to reckon numerically
Root / Etymology
Derived from ψῆφος (psēphos), meaning 'pebble' or 'small stone,' which were used in the ancient world for counting, tallying, and voting. The verb ψηφίζω (psēphízō) thus developed from the action of handling pebbles in such practices.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ψήφίζω appears in classical Greek from the 5th century BCE, often in contexts of public voting (using pebbles to cast votes) as well as general counting and calculation. In the Septuagint and New Testament, its core meaning is 'to count' or 'to calculate,' as in Revelation 13:18, where it refers specifically to calculating a number. In non-biblical Greek, the term retained its association with civic processes like voting, but in biblical usage, it focuses on arithmetic or enumerative calculation. English translations often render it as 'count' or 'reckon,' but in some ancient texts (outside the biblical corpus), it can mean 'to vote.' Related terms: λογίζομαι (to reckon, consider) and ἀριθμέω (to count numerically) offer close semantic parallels, but ψηφίζω uniquely evokes the imagery and practice of counting with physical markers such as pebbles.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ψῆφος; to use pebbles in enumeration, i.e. (generally) to compute:--count.
Root Family
ψηφίζω (psēphizō) — to count, to calculate, to reckon, to enumerate
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5585-02 |
ψηφίζει | psephizei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
calculate | he counts | counts | 1 |
G5585-01 |
ψηφισάτω | psephisato | V AOR ACT IMP 3P SG |
let him calculate | let him calculate | let him calculate | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5585-02 |
Luke 14:28 | ψηφίζει | psephizei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
calculate | he counts | counts |
G5585-01 |
Revelation 13:18 | ψηφισάτω | psephisato | V AOR ACT IMP 3P SG |
let him calculate | let him calculate | let him calculate |