ἀριθμέω (G705) — Greek Lexicon

ἀριθμέω

arithméō

G705 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To count, enumerate, calculate, or assign a number to something; to determine the number of entities in a set, or to reckon/calculate more generally. In specific contexts, also to keep an account or to assign a numerical value to an object or person.

Semantic Range

to count, to enumerate, to number, to reckon, to take account of, to calculate, to assign a number, to determine the number of, to keep a count

Root / Etymology

From ἀριθμός (arithmós, 'number'), which ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *ar- ('to join, fit together') via ἀρ- ('to fit, join'). ἀριθμέω is the denominative verb form constructed on the noun base.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀριθμέω primarily meant 'to count' or 'to enumerate,' used for counting objects, people, or units (Herodotus, Plato). The term was used in both practical (e.g., commerce, population) and abstract senses (e.g., calculation, philosophic speculation). In the Septuagint, ἀριθμέω frequently translates Hebrew סָפַר (sāpar, 'to count, recount'), often with reference to census, genealogies, or divine reckoning. In the New Testament, the verb appears in the passive (e.g., Revelation 7:9—'no one could number'), and in contexts of calculation or accounting (e.g., itemizing groups or calculating time). The core sense remains 'to count,' but usage can shift toward 'to reckon' or 'to assign a calculated value.' English translations like 'to number' generally capture the base sense, but can fail to reflect the broader semantic range, particularly where reckoning or calculation is involved (cf. cognate terms like λογίζομαι, which can also mean 'to reckon' or 'take into account'). The verb supplies the root for several mathematical terms in modern Greek (e.g., arithmetic).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀριθμός; to enumerate or count:--number.

Root Family

ἀριθμέω (arithmeō) — to count, to enumerate, to calculate, to assign a number

Root ἀριθμ- to count, to enumerate, to calculate, to assign a number

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G705-02`	ἠριθμημέναι	erithmemenai	`V PRF PASS PTCP NOM F PL`	are numbered	having been numbered	having been numbered	1
`G705-03`	ἠρίθμηνται	erithmentai	`V PRF PASS IND 3P PL`	are numbered	have been counted	have been counted	1
`G705-01`	ἀριθμῆσαι	arithmesai	`V AOR ACT INF`	to number	to count	to count	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G705-02`	Matthew 10:30	ἠριθμημέναι	erithmemenai	`V PRF PASS PTCP NOM F PL`	are numbered	having been numbered	having been numbered
`G705-03`	Luke 12:7	ἠρίθμηνται	erithmentai	`V PRF PASS IND 3P PL`	are numbered	have been counted	have been counted
`G705-01`	Revelation 7:9	ἀριθμῆσαι	arithmesai	`V AOR ACT INF`	to number	to count	to count

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