ἑξήκοντα

sixty

Definition

The Greek word ἑξήκοντα is a cardinal numeral meaning 'sixty'. It is used exclusively in its literal, numerical sense throughout the New Testament to denote the quantity sixty. In the Gospels, it appears in the Parable of the Sower, describing a yield of sixtyfold (Matthew 13:8, 13:23; Mark 4:8, 4:20). Elsewhere, it quantifies years (1 Timothy 5:9), distance in stadia (Luke 24:13), and periods of time in days and months (Revelation 11:3, 12:6).

Biblical Usage

ἑξήκοντα is used eight times across five New Testament books. Its usage is consistently literal, quantifying amounts, distances, or durations. In the Synoptic Gospels, it describes agricultural yield. In 1 Timothy 5:9, it sets a qualifying age for widows. In Luke 24:13, it measures the distance to Emmaus. In Revelation, it defines prophetic time periods (1,260 days = 42 months, often calculated as roughly sixty-day units).

Etymology

Derived from the cardinal number ἕξ (hex, G1803), meaning 'six', and the suffix -ήκοντα, which forms the tens (cf. πεντήκοντα, fifty). It is a straightforward compound meaning 'six tens'. This is part of the standard Greek decimal numbering system.

Semantic Range

In the ancient world, sixty was a significant number in various counting systems, notably the Babylonian sexagesimal system which influenced time measurement (60 seconds, 60 minutes). In the biblical context, sixty often appears in combination with other numbers (e.g., sixtyfold, sixty-six) but does not carry a standalone symbolic meaning distinct from its numerical value. Its use for a widow's age in 1 Timothy 5:9 reflects a cultural standard for maturity and eligibility for formal support.

ἑκατόν (hekaton, G1540) — one hundred, a larger round number. τριάκοντα (triakonta, G5144) — thirty, a smaller round number used in similar agricultural contexts (e.g., Matthew 13:8).

Word Details

Scripture References