ἀριθμέω

From the study of Matthew 10:30

Range of meaning

To count or number. It covers taking a full inventory (of a flock, an army, goods) and, by extension, keeping track of something because you are responsible for it or own it. The 'counted' item is known exactly, item by item.

Against the English

English 'numbered' is accurate, but it is a little stiff and today usually means 'given a number'. 'Counted' is plainer (Luke's parallel is often rendered that way). Also, 'are numbered' sounds like a present fact with no history. The Greek perfect says the counting has already been done and still stands.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) counting what cannot be counted is something only God does: 'Count the stars, if you are able to count them' (Gen 15:5); 'He counts the multitude of the stars and calls them all by name' (Ps 147:4, LXX 146:4); 'The sand of the seas, the drops of rain, the days of eternity: who can count them?' (Sirach 1:2). Shepherds counted their flocks as they passed 'under the hands of the one who counts them' (Jer 33:13), a mark of care and ownership. In the New Testament the verb appears only here, in the Luke parallel (Luke 12:7), and in Rev 7:9, where the great multitude is one 'no one could count'.

From the study of Luke 12:7

Range of meaning

To count or number: taking a tally, making an inventory, adding things up one by one. It is related to arithmos, 'number'. A count is usually taken of things someone owns or is responsible for, such as flocks, troops, money or stores.

Against the English

'Numbered' (KJV, BSB, ESV, NIV) and 'counted' (WEB) are both accurate. 'Counted' is plainer for modern ears, because 'numbered' can suggest 'limited' (as in 'his days are numbered'), which is not the sense here. Most English versions also flatten the perfect tense. YLT's 'have been all numbered' keeps the sense of a count already completed and still standing.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint), counting things that cannot be counted belongs to God. In Gen 15:5 Abraham is told to 'count the stars, if you are able'. In Ps 147:4 (LXX 146:4) God is 'the one who counts the multitude of the stars'. Jer 33:13 pictures flocks passing again 'under the hands of the one who counts them', the shepherd checking that none is missing. In the NT the verb appears only here, in the parallel Matt 10:30, and in Rev 7:9 ('a great multitude that no one could count').