forty (in number)
| Root | τεσσαράκοντα (tessarakonta) |
| Core Meanings | forty, a count of forty, four tens |
| Semantic Range | the number forty; a period or group of forty (days, years, persons); symbolically a generation or significant period of testing |
| Conceptual Significance | In biblical literature, forty frequently signifies a full period of testing, trial, or preparation (e.g., forty days, forty years). It often marks transitional phases in redemptive history, underscoring themes of judgment, purification, and covenant formation. |
| Morphological Notes | Gr,EN = Greek numeral; indeclinable cardinal number. Though appearing in contexts labeled accusative feminine plural (AFP) and dative neuter plural (DNPI), the form itself remains unchanged and functions adjectivally with plural nouns. |
| Rendering Rationale | τεσσαράκοντα is an indeclinable cardinal numeral meaning “four tens.” Because it does not change form across case, gender, or number (as reflected in the identical surface forms with varying case contexts such as accusative feminine plural and dative neuter plural), the rendering “forty (in number)” preserves its quantitative force while acknowledging its function modifying plural nouns. |
AI-generated (openai/gpt-5.2-chat-latest)