μυριάς

a myriad, ten thousand

Definition

The Greek word μυριάς (myrias) primarily means 'ten thousand' as a specific number, but in biblical usage it often signifies an indefinitely large multitude or a vast, uncountable number. In its literal sense, it denotes a military unit of ten thousand soldiers, as seen in Revelation 9:16. More frequently, it functions as a hyperbolic expression for an immense crowd, such as the 'tens of thousands' of people in Luke 12:1 or the 'myriads' of angels in Hebrews 12:22 and Revelation 5:11. This dual usage—both precise and symbolic for vastness—is key to its meaning in the New Testament.

Biblical Usage

μυριάς is used seven times in the New Testament, appearing in narrative, prophetic, and doctrinal contexts. In historical books like Acts, it describes large groups of people, such as the 'many thousands' of Jewish believers in Acts 21:20. In apocalyptic literature (Revelation, Jude), it emphasizes the incalculable scale of heavenly hosts (Revelation 5:11, Jude 1:14) or armies (Revelation 9:16). The word consistently conveys magnitude, whether of physical crowds, spiritual beings, or symbolic forces, underscoring themes of abundance and divine power.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root μύριος (myrios), meaning 'countless' or 'infinite,' μυριάς literally denotes a unit of ten thousand. It is the source of the English word 'myriad.' In classical Greek, it could refer to the number 10,000 or, more broadly, to an innumerable quantity. This semantic range—from a specific large number to a general term for multitude—was carried into Koine Greek and the New Testament, where both senses are employed.

Semantic Range

μυριάς is theologically significant as it vividly portrays the vastness of God's kingdom and resources. It emphasizes the innumerable company of angels and saints worshiping God (Hebrews 12:22, Revelation 5:11), highlighting His supreme majesty and the cosmic scale of redemption. In Jude 1:14, it underscores the overwhelming judgment power of the Lord coming with 'myriads' of holy ones. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing how biblical authors used numerical hyperbole to convey the infinite nature of divine glory, assurance for believers, and the certainty of God's sovereign purposes.

In the Greco-Roman world, a 'myriad' (10,000) was the largest numerical unit in common use, often representing an ideal or maximum count. Militarily, a myriad was a standard large division. Culturally, it symbolized an ultimate limit or an uncountable multitude. This context informs its biblical usage, where it would resonate with readers as the largest conceivable number, thus effectively communicating ideas of limitless divine power, infinite heavenly hosts, or immeasurable crowds beyond human calculation.

πλῆθος (plēthos, G4128) — a general term for a multitude or crowd, without the specific numerical connotation of ten thousand. ὄχλος (ochlos, G3793) — typically refers to a common crowd or mob, often with a sense of pressing throng, less focused on vast numbers. χιλιάς (chilias, G5505) — means a thousand; used in Revelation for smaller, specific groupings compared to the larger scale of myriads.

Word Details

Scripture References