שִׁבְעִים

seventy

Definition

The Hebrew word שִׁבְעִים (shibʻîym) is the cardinal number 'seventy', used both literally and symbolically in the Old Testament. Literally, it denotes the exact number seventy, such as the seventy descendants of Jacob who went to Egypt (Genesis 46:27) or the seventy elders appointed by Moses (Numbers 11:16). Symbolically, it often represents a large, complete, or divinely appointed group, as seen in the seventy years of Babylonian exile prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:11). In some cases, like the seventy-sevenfold vengeance in Genesis 4:24, it functions as an idiom for limitless or perfect retribution.

Biblical Usage

This word appears approximately 90 times across the Pentateuch, historical books, and prophets. It is frequently used in genealogical and census contexts to specify exact counts, such as the ages of the patriarchs (e.g., Genesis 5:12, 25:7). A significant pattern is its use in contexts of divine judgment or provision: the seventy years of exile (Jeremiah 25:11; Daniel 9:2) and the seventy elders (Numbers 11:16, 24-25). It also appears in measurements, like the seventy shekels in Ezra 8:26.

Etymology

שִׁבְעִים is the masculine plural form derived from the root שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651), meaning 'seven'. It follows the standard Hebrew pattern for forming multiples of ten. The number seventy is thus intrinsically linked to the symbolic and covenantal significance of 'seven', which often denotes completeness or perfection in biblical thought.

Semantic Range

The number seventy carries theological weight as a number of completeness and divine order. The seventy-year exile (Jeremiah 25:11) was a full measure of judgment for covenant unfaithfulness. The appointment of seventy elders (Numbers 11:16) established a representative leadership structure for Israel. In the New Testament, Jesus sends out seventy(-two) disciples (Luke 10:1), potentially echoing this motif of appointed, complete mission. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting how precise numbers in Scripture can convey symbolic, covenantal truths.

In the ancient Near East, numbers like seventy (a multiple of the sacred number seven) were often used to signify a large, rounded, or ideal totality, not always a strict literal count. This is seen in other ancient texts where 'seventy' can represent a large group of people or a long period. The biblical usage reflects this cultural understanding, where it can denote a complete set, such as the traditional number of nations in Genesis 10.

שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651) — the root word meaning 'seven', denoting a smaller unit of completeness. שִׁבְעָה (shivʻah, H7651) — the feminine form of 'seven'. עֶשְׂרִים (ʻesrîym, H6242) — 'twenty', another common multiple used in genealogies and counts (e.g., 'threescore' meaning sixty).

Word Details

Scripture References