δεκαπέντε

fifteen

Definition

The Greek word δεκαπέντε is a cardinal numeral meaning 'fifteen'. It functions exclusively as a number, specifying a precise quantity. In the New Testament, it is used to denote a literal count of fifteen units, such as years (Galatians 1:18), distance (John 11:18), or depth (Acts 27:28). No symbolic or alternative meanings are attested for this specific numeral in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

The word is used only three times in the New Testament, each time in a straightforward, literal sense to provide a specific measurement. In John 11:18, it describes the distance from Jerusalem to Bethany as 'fifteen stadia'. In Acts 27:28, sailors sound the sea and find a depth of 'fifteen fathoms'. In Galatians 1:18, Paul states he went to Jerusalem 'after three years' and then stayed with Peter for 'fifteen days'. Its usage is factual and descriptive.

Etymology

The word is a compound of the Greek words δέκα (deka, G1176), meaning 'ten', and πέντε (pente, G4002), meaning 'five'. It is a straightforward numerical construction common in Indo-European languages, directly equivalent to the English 'fifteen'. Its meaning is transparent and has not undergone significant development.

Semantic Range

The measurements associated with 'fifteen' in the biblical passages reflect common units of the time. A 'stadion' (John 11:18) was about 600 Greek feet or roughly 185 meters, making the journey about 2.8 km. A 'fathom' (Acts 27:28) was the distance between a man's outstretched hands, approximately 1.8 meters. The 'fifteen days' in Galatians 1:18 emphasizes the brevity of Paul's visit, underscoring his point that his apostolic authority was not derived from an extended tutelage under the Jerusalem apostles.

πέντε (pente, G4002) — The root word for 'five'. δεκαπέντε is its compound with 'ten'. δέκα (deka, G1176) — The root word for 'ten'.

Word Details

Scripture References