δώδεκα

twelve

Definition

The Greek word δώδεκα is the cardinal number 'twelve'. In the New Testament, it most frequently refers to the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus (Matthew 10:1-2, Luke 6:13), forming the foundational group of his closest followers. It also denotes the number twelve in other contexts, such as the twelve baskets of leftovers after the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:20) or the twelve tribes of Israel, a concept Jesus evokes when speaking of the apostles' future role in judgment (Matthew 19:28). The number consistently carries symbolic weight, connecting the new covenant community with the historic people of God.

Biblical Usage

δώδεκα is used 59 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels and Acts, which narrate the ministry of Jesus and the early church. Its primary usage is as a title, 'the Twelve', referring to the apostolic group (e.g., Mark 3:14, Acts 6:2). It is also used in narrative counts, such as the twelve years of the woman's hemorrhage (Mark 5:25) or the twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53). The Book of Revelation uses it symbolically, referencing the twelve gates and twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:12, 14).

Etymology

Derived directly from the ancient Greek words δύο (dyo, 'two') and δέκα (deka, 'ten'), meaning 'two and ten'. It is a cognate with the Latin 'duodecim'. As a basic numeral, its form and meaning remained stable throughout Greek usage.

Semantic Range

The number twelve is deeply theological, representing divine governance and covenant people. Jesus' choice of twelve apostles deliberately mirrors the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28), signifying that his followers constitute the restored and true Israel, the foundation of the new covenant community. The term 'the Twelve' becomes almost an official title for this unique, foundational group of witnesses to Christ's resurrection (Acts 1:21-26). Understanding this symbolic connection enriches the reading of passages about the apostles' authority and the church's continuity with God's historic promises.

In first-century Jewish culture, the number twelve was inextricably linked to the identity of Israel as the people descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. It represented wholeness, completeness, and God's covenantal organization of his people. When Jesus formed a group of twelve, his contemporary Jewish audience would have immediately understood the symbolic claim to authority and renewal he was making.

δέκα (deka, G1176) — the number 'ten', a component of twelve. δύο (dyo, G1417) — the number 'two', a component of twelve. ἕνδεκα (hendeka, G1733) — the number 'eleven', used after Judas's defection (Acts 1:26).

Word Details

Scripture References