ἕξ

six

Definition

The Greek adjective ἕξ (ex) means 'six,' a cardinal number used for counting and enumeration. In the New Testament, it consistently denotes the numeral six, with no extended metaphorical meanings. It appears in various contexts, such as quantifying days (John 12:1), water jars (John 2:6), or years (Luke 13:14). The number can signify completeness or a set quantity, as in the six waterpots at the wedding in Cana (John 2:6) or the six days before the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1).

Biblical Usage

ἕξ is used 12 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, to indicate the number six in literal counts. It appears in narratives involving time (e.g., six days in John 12:1), measurements (e.g., six waterpots in John 2:6), and durations (e.g., six years in Luke 13:14). There are no significant patterns beyond its straightforward numerical function, with occurrences spread across Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *s(w)eḱs, meaning 'six,' ἕξ is a basic Greek numeral with cognates in Latin (sex) and English ('six'). It has remained stable in meaning throughout Greek history, from classical to Koine periods, without significant semantic development.

Semantic Range

In the ancient world, the number six often carried cultural associations with incompleteness or imperfection, as it falls one short of the perfect number seven. This may subtly inform passages like the six waterpots in John 2:6, which, though used for Jewish purification rites, point toward the fullness Jesus brings. However, the New Testament does not explicitly theologize the number; it is primarily used literally.

ἕκτος (hektos, G1623) — ordinal form meaning 'sixth,' used for sequence rather than count.

Word Details

Scripture References