δωδέκατος
twelfth
Definition
The adjective δωδέκατος means 'twelfth' and functions as a simple ordinal number, indicating position in a sequence. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively to describe the twelfth foundational stone in the wall of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20). There are no other nuanced meanings or biblical passages where its sense differs; it consistently denotes the numerical position of twelve.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the entire New Testament, in the book of Revelation. It is used in a highly symbolic, apocalyptic context to describe the twelfth layer of precious stones in the foundation of the heavenly city (Revelation 21:20). There are no patterns of usage across different books or genres, as its occurrence is singular and specific to this visionary description.
Etymology
Derived directly from the Greek cardinal number δώδεκα (dōdeka, G1427), meaning 'twelve.' The suffix -τος is a standard Greek ending used to form ordinal numbers (e.g., πρῶτος for 'first'). Thus, δωδέκατος literally means 'pertaining to twelve' or 'the twelfth in order.'
Semantic Range
While the word itself is a simple number, its sole biblical usage in Revelation 21:20 is theologically significant. It identifies the twelfth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem, which is jasper, completing the symbolic representation of the twelve tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:12, 14). This connects the eternal city directly to God's covenant people, emphasizing the fulfillment and continuity of God's promises to Israel within the consummated kingdom. Understanding this Greek term anchors the reader in the precise, intentional symbolism of John's vision.
In the ancient Greco-Roman world, ordinal numbers like 'twelfth' were used in standard counting and list-making, just as today. The specific cultural weight comes from the Jewish symbolic use of the number twelve, representing the tribes of Israel. The description in Revelation 21 draws heavily on this Jewish cultural and religious symbolism to depict the perfected people of God.
δώδεκα (dōdeka, G1427) — The cardinal number 'twelve,' indicating quantity rather than sequential order.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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