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ἀριθμός

arithmós

G706 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A sum or total composed of distinct units; a quantity ascertained through counting. By extension: a count or tally, an enumeration of items, or a collective designation for a group quantified by counting. In some contexts, denotes a numerical total, the sum of people or things, or the amount in a sequence or list.

Semantic Range

number, total, sum, count, tally, enumeration, quantity by counting, census

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root ἀρ- (relating to fitting, joining), possibly related by metathesis or folk etymology to αἴρω (to lift), but the relation is debated. Cognate with the verb ἀριθμέω (to count, to number), itself from ἀριθμός. Ultimately related to words for number or counting in Indo-European languages (cf. Latin 'arithmus', English 'arithmetic').

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀριθμός refers broadly to the concept of a number (whether a numeral, a total, or a count). In philosophical texts (e.g., Plato), can imply ordered arrangement or numerical principle. The Septuagint frequently uses ἀριθμός to translate Hebrew מִסְפָּר (mispar), meaning number, total, or census. In the New Testament, it tends to retain the sense of total or sum (e.g., number of people, beasts, or times something occurs). Later Christian and scientific writings develop abstract senses (e.g., 'number' as a mathematical concept). English translations as simply 'number' generally capture the main meaning but can obscure contexts where enumeration or census is implied. Distinguished from ποσός (amount, quantity, involving measure rather than countable units).

Translation Consistency

primary "number" 17 occurrences

Most common English equivalent in the P2 renderings and natural in context. 'Number' covers the primary semantic range (numerical total, count, tally, enumeration, group quantity) better than alternatives like 'sum' or 'count,' which are narrower or more verb-like. Using 'number' ensures consistent, natural-sounding translation across all forms of ἀριθμός.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"count" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from αἴρω; a number (as reckoned up):--number.

Root Family

ἀριθμός (arithmos) — number, count, total, tally, enumeration

Root ἀριθμ- to count, to enumerate, number

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G706-03 ἀριθμὸς arithmos N NOM M SG number the count the number 10
G706-02 ἀριθμὸν arithmon N ACC M SG number a total count a number 5
G706-04 ἀριθμοῦ arithmou N GEN M SG number of the total count of the number 2
G706-01 ἀριθμῷ arithmo N DAT M SG number by count count 1

Occurrences in Scripture

18 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G706-04 Luke 22:3 ἀριθμοῦ arithmou N GEN M SG number of the total count of the number
G706-02 John 6:10 ἀριθμὸν arithmon N ACC M SG number a total count a number
G706-03 Acts 4:4 ἀριθμὸς arithmos N NOM M SG number the count the number
G706-03 Acts 5:36 ἀριθμὸς arithmos N NOM M SG number the count the number
G706-03 Acts 6:7 ἀριθμὸς arithmos N NOM M SG number the count the number
G706-03 Acts 11:21 ἀριθμὸς arithmos N NOM M SG number the count the number
G706-01 Acts 16:5 ἀριθμῷ arithmo N DAT M SG number by count count
G706-03 Romans 9:27 ἀριθμὸς arithmos N NOM M SG number the count the number
G706-03 Revelation 5:11 ἀριθμὸς arithmos N NOM M SG number the count the number
G706-02 Revelation 7:4 ἀριθμὸν arithmon N ACC M SG number a total count the number
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