ὄγδοος
eighth
Definition
The Greek adjective ὄγδοος means 'eighth' in a numerical sequence, denoting the position following the seventh. In the New Testament, it primarily functions as an ordinal number, as seen in Luke 1:59 where circumcision occurs on the 'eighth' day, and in Acts 7:8 where Isaac is circumcised on the 'eighth' day. It can also carry symbolic significance, particularly in Revelation, where it is associated with eschatological figures and completeness. For instance, in Revelation 17:11, the beast is described as an 'eighth' king, and in Revelation 21:20, the 'eighth' foundation stone of the New Jerusalem is jasper, contributing to the vision's symbolic structure.
Biblical Usage
This word is used five times in the New Testament across various contexts. In the Gospels and Acts, it appears in historical narratives concerning the Jewish rite of circumcision on the eighth day (Luke 1:59, Acts 7:8). In the epistles, 2 Peter 2:5 refers to Noah as a 'preacher of righteousness' and one of 'eight' persons saved, using the ordinal to emphasize the small, preserved group. In Revelation, the usage is more symbolic: the 'eighth' king in Revelation 17:11 is part of a complex apocalyptic vision, and the 'eighth' foundation in Revelation 21:20 is part of the symbolic description of the New Jerusalem, highlighting order and perfection.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek root for the number eight (ὀκτώ), ὄγδοος is the ordinal form meaning 'eighth.' It is cognate with other Indo-European words for eight, such as the Latin 'octavus.' The formation follows a standard Greek pattern for ordinal numbers, with no significant shift in meaning from its root.
Semantic Range
Theologically, 'eighth' can symbolize new beginnings or resurrection, as the day following the seventh (Sabbath) day. In circumcision (Luke 1:59, Acts 7:8), the eighth day signifies covenant inclusion and divine command. In Revelation, the 'eighth' king (Revelation 17:11) may represent a parody of resurrection or a culmination of evil, while the 'eighth' foundation stone (Revelation 21:20) in the New Jerusalem's twelvefold structure points to completeness and God's eternal order, enriching readings of covenant, eschatology, and divine fulfillment.
In ancient Jewish culture, the eighth day held specific ritual importance, most notably for male circumcision as commanded in Genesis 17:12, marking a child's entry into the Abrahamic covenant. This practice distinguished Jewish identity and obedience to God's law. The Greco-Roman world also used ordinal numbers in sequencing, but the Jewish religious significance of the eighth day for circumcision is a key cultural backdrop for its New Testament usage in Luke and Acts.
ὀκτώ (oktō, G3638) — the cardinal number 'eight,' whereas ὄγδοος is the ordinal 'eighth.'
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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