ἕβδομος

seventh

Definition

The adjective ἕβδομος (hebdomos) means 'seventh' and is used in the New Testament primarily in a literal, ordinal sense to denote position in a sequence. It appears in chronological contexts, such as the seventh hour (John 4:52) or the seventh day (Hebrews 4:4, quoting Genesis 2:2). In the Book of Revelation, it takes on a highly symbolic role within structured visions, marking the final item in a series of sevens, such as the seventh seal (Revelation 8:1), trumpet (Revelation 10:7; 11:15), and bowl (Revelation 16:17), which often herald climactic divine judgments or the culmination of God's plan.

Biblical Usage

This word is used eight times across the Gospel of John, Hebrews, Jude, and predominantly Revelation. In John 4:52, it is a simple time indicator ('the seventh hour'). Hebrews 4:4 uses it theologically, referencing the seventh day of creation as a basis for the concept of Sabbath rest. Jude 14 references Enoch as the 'seventh from Adam,' a genealogical marker. Its most significant and patterned usage is in Revelation, where it consistently denotes the final, climactic element in sequences of seven judgments (seals, trumpets, bowls) and the seventh precious stone in the New Jerusalem's foundation (Revelation 21:20).

Etymology

Derived directly from the Greek cardinal number ἑπτά (hepta, G2033), meaning 'seven.' The ordinal form ἕβδομος follows a common Greek pattern for forming ordinals. It is a cognate with the Hebrew word 'shebiy'iy' (שְׁבִיעִי, H7637), also meaning 'seventh,' showing a shared semantic field across biblical languages for sequencing and sacred numbering.

Semantic Range

The word 'seventh' carries substantial theological weight, rooted in the creation week where God rested on the seventh day, establishing a pattern for Sabbath, completion, and divine rest (Hebrews 4:4-9). In Revelation, the repeated 'seventh' signals the fulfillment of God's judgment and redemption, echoing the completeness of creation. Understanding this Greek term highlights how biblical authors use the number seven structurally to signify perfection, finality, and God's orderly execution of his covenant promises.

In the ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman world, the number seven was widely recognized as symbolizing completeness, perfection, and sometimes sacredness, derived from the seven-day creation cycle. A 'seventh' item in a series was often seen as climactic or consummating. The reference to Enoch as 'seventh from Adam' (Jude 14) would resonate as a marker of significant lineage or prophetic position within Jewish tradition.

ἑπτά (hepta, G2033) — The cardinal number 'seven,' whereas ἕβδομος is the ordinal 'seventh.'

Word Details

Scripture References