ἑπτάκις

seven times

Definition

The Greek word ἑπτάκις is an adverb meaning 'seven times.' It functions as a precise numerical marker, indicating a specific and complete number of repetitions. In its New Testament usage, it is employed in the context of forgiveness, as seen in Matthew 18:21-22, where Peter asks if forgiving someone 'seven times' is sufficient, and Jesus responds with 'seventy-seven times.' This sets up a contrast between a limited, quantified forgiveness and an unlimited, gracious one. In Luke 17:4, it similarly appears in Jesus's teaching on rebuking and forgiving a repentant brother 'seven times in a day.'

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the teachings of Jesus about forgiveness, appearing only in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In Matthew 18:21-22, it is used in a dialogue to contrast human calculation with divine grace. In Luke 17:4, it emphasizes the repeated, patient nature of forgiveness expected among disciples. The pattern is consistent: it quantifies an act (forgiveness) to introduce a lesson on moving beyond mere counting.

Etymology

Derived directly from the cardinal number ἑπτά (hepta, G2033), meaning 'seven,' with the adverbial suffix -κις, which indicates 'times' or 'occasions.' It is a straightforward formation common in Greek for creating multiplicative adverbs (e.g., δίς for 'twice,' τρίς for 'thrice').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it introduces the concept of limitless forgiveness. By using the specific, complete number 'seven' (a number often symbolizing completeness or perfection in biblical literature), Jesus first engages with a legalistic, quantifiable mindset. His response, 'seventy-seven times' (Matthew 18:22), radically redefines forgiveness as an abundant, uncalculating grace that mirrors God's forgiveness toward us. Understanding this Greek term highlights the contrast between human limits and divine generosity.

In the ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman world, the number seven held strong symbolic weight, representing completeness, fulfillment, and sometimes sacredness (e.g., the seven-day week, sevenfold vengeance in Genesis 4:24). Peter's question in Matthew 18:21, offering 'seven times,' likely reflected a generous interpretation of contemporary teachings on forgiveness. Jesus's response, therefore, would have been startling, pushing beyond all conventional calculations of obligation into the realm of inexhaustible mercy.

ἑβδομηκοντάκις (hebdomēkontakis, G1441) — 'seventy times,' used by Jesus in Matthew 18:22 to contrast with and transcend the limited 'seven times.'

Word Details

Scripture References