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ἀναρίθμητος

anaríthmētos

G382 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Incapable of being counted or calculated; innumerable. Refers primarily to something whose quantity exceeds limits of counting or reckoning. The term can be used both literally (unable to be numbered) and metaphorically (boundless, unlimited in extent). In all contexts, it denotes an overwhelming vastness that surpasses ordinary enumeration.

Semantic Range

incapable of being counted, innumerable, countless, beyond enumeration, unquantifiable, boundless

Root / Etymology

From the privative prefix ἀ- (α as a negative particle, meaning 'not') and the verb ἀριθμέω (to count, enumerate), itself from ἀριθμός (number), hence, 'not able to be counted.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The adjective ἀναρίθμητος is rare in classical Greek, but is found in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and early Christian literature. Its primary sense is descriptive, designating an uncountable quantity—frequently of people, stars, possessions, or elements so myriad they defy enumeration. In biblical literature, this word often stands in parallel to expressions of overwhelming abundance ('like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted'). English translations such as 'innumerable,' 'countless,' or 'without number' capture the central sense but may obscure the Greek nuance that emphasizes not just large number but impossibility of calculation. There is no significant difference in meaning between LXX and New Testament usage, though in post-biblical Greek it can acquire a more metaphorical sense of 'boundless' or 'immeasurable.' No substantive terminological contrast with related words; its primary synonym is ἄπειρος (apeiros, boundless), though ἀναρίθμητος more specifically stresses the challenge to reckoning or number.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as a negative particle) and a derivative of ἀριθμέω; unnumbered, i.e. without number:--innumerable.

Root Family

ἀναρίθμητος (anarithmētos) — not able to be counted, innumerable, beyond enumeration

Root ἀριθμ- to count, to enumerate

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G382-01 ἀναρίθμητος anarithmetos ADJ.S NOM F SG innumerable innumerable innumerable 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G382-01 Hebrews 11:12 ἀναρίθμητος anarithmetos ADJ.S NOM F SG innumerable innumerable innumerable
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