δεκαπέντε

Pronunciation Guide: deh-kah-PEN-teh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1178: δεκαπέντε (dekapente) is a cardinal numeral meaning “fifteen” in Biblical Greek. It combines the words for “ten” (δέκα) and “five” (πέντε) to form the compound number fifteen. This numeral appears in several significant contexts in Scripture, often marking specific measurements, distances, or time periods that carry theological significance.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Cardinal Numeral
• Origin: Compound word formed from δέκα (deka, “ten”) and πέντε (pente, “five”)
• Primary Usage: Measurement contexts, chronological references, and spatial descriptions
• Language Family: Indo-European, Hellenic branch
• Dialect: Koine Greek

δεκαπέντε Morphology:

• δεκαπέντε (invariable cardinal numeral) – fifteen

Origin & History

The term δεκαπέντε represents a straightforward numerical combination in Greek, following the pattern of joining the words for “ten” and “five.” In classical Greek literature, this construction appears in works such as Herodotus’ “Histories,” where he uses it to mark specific distances and chronological periods. The word maintains consistency across ancient Greek literature, showing little semantic shift from classical to Koine Greek periods.

In the Septuagint (LXX), δεκαπέντε appears in Genesis 7:20 to describe the height of the floodwaters above the mountains (fifteen cubits), and in Exodus 27:14-15 regarding the measurements of the tabernacle court. The consistent use of this numeral throughout Greek literature demonstrates its stability as a cardinal number without significant metaphorical expansion beyond its mathematical meaning. When the seventy Jewish scholars translated the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, they maintained a consistent rendering of the Hebrew מִשֶּׁה עָשָׂר (chamesh asar, “fifteen”) as δεκαπέντε.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The cardinal number fifteen, representing the sum of ten and five
• A measurement used in architectural specifications in biblical contexts
• A chronological marker indicating specific periods of time
• A distance measurement used in geographical contexts

δεκαπέντε Translation Options:

• Fifteen – The most direct and common translation, appropriate in all contexts where the cardinal number is intended
• Fifteenth – When context requires an ordinal form, though the Greek would typically use πεντεκαιδέκατος for this purpose
• About fifteen – In some contexts where approximate measurement is implied
• A group of fifteen – When referring collectively to fifteen items or persons

Biblical Usage

The term δεκαπέντε appears sparingly but significantly in the New Testament. Its first appearance is in John 11:18, where it describes Bethany as being “fifteen stadia” from Jerusalem—approximately 1.7 miles or 2.8 kilometers. This geographical detail helps establish the historical reliability of the narrative while emphasizing the proximity of Jesus’ miracle of raising Lazarus to the religious authorities in Jerusalem, heightening the tension in the narrative.

In Acts 27:28, sailors measure the depth of water during Paul’s stormy sea journey, finding it had decreased from twenty to “fifteen fathoms,” signaling their approach to land in a dangerous situation. In Galatians 1:18, Paul notes that he went to Jerusalem to visit Peter “fifteen days” after his conversion experience, a chronological detail that establishes the timeline of early church history and Paul’s developing relationship with the apostles.

• “Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen [δεκαπέντε] stadia away.” John 11:18
• “They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen [δεκαπέντε] fathoms.” Acts 27:28
• “Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen [δεκαπέντε] days.” Galatians 1:18
• “The water prevailed fifteen [δεκαπέντε] cubits higher, and the mountains were covered.” Genesis 7:20 (LXX)
• “For the one side shall be fifteen [δεκαπέντε] cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.” Exodus 27:14 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Hebrew culture, numbers often carried symbolic significance beyond their mathematical value. The number fifteen represents the sum of 7 (completion, perfection) and 8 (new beginnings), potentially symbolizing the completion of one order and the beginning of another. This becomes particularly meaningful in the Jewish liturgical calendar, where the 15th day of Nisan marks the beginning of Passover—the transition from slavery to freedom.

Interestingly, in ancient Jewish tradition, the number fifteen was sometimes written as ט״ו (tet-vav, 9+6) rather than י״ה (yod-hey, 10+5), because the latter formed the beginning of God’s sacred name יהוה (Yahweh). This reverence for the Divine Name extended even to numerical notations, demonstrating the pervasive awareness of God’s holiness in daily Jewish life. The fifteen Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) were traditionally sung by pilgrims ascending the fifteen steps to the Temple in Jerusalem, connecting this number with worship and drawing near to God’s presence.

Theological Significance

While δεκαπέντε itself does not possess inherent theological meaning, the contexts in which it appears often point toward God’s sovereignty and provision. In Genesis 7:20 (LXX), the floodwaters rising fifteen cubits above the mountains emphasizes both God’s judgment upon sin and His provision of the ark as salvation. The precise measurements reflect a God who exercises control even in apparent chaos, reminding us that what appears as disorder to human eyes remains under Divine management.

The fifteen-day visit between Paul and Peter mentioned in Galatians 1:18 carries theological significance as an important moment in early church history—a time of connection between two apostles who would become pillars of the early church. This meeting represents a Divine appointment that helped unite the nascent Christian community and establish apostolic authority for the future church. The specificity of “fifteen days” suggests an intentional, substantive period of fellowship and learning rather than a merely casual encounter.

In biblical numerology, fifteen can be seen as a combination of 5 (grace) and 10 (law or order), suggesting a harmony between God’s law and His grace—a theme central to the gospel message itself. While we must be cautious not to overinterpret numerical symbolism, these patterns remind us that every detail in Scripture, even seemingly mundane numerical references, may contain layers of meaning that reveal the character and purposes of יהוה.

Personal Application

When we encounter measurements like δεκαπέντε in Scripture, we’re reminded that our God is a God of precision and purpose. Nothing in His word is arbitrary or meaningless. Just as He specified fifteen cubits for the floodwaters and fifteen stadia from Jerusalem to Bethany, He orders the circumstances of our lives with equal care and intention. The specific numbers remind us that we serve a God who pays attention to details.

Consider how the fifteen days Paul spent with Peter transformed both men and, by extension, the early church. Similarly, our seemingly ordinary time measurements—fifteen minutes in prayer, fifteen days in a spiritual discipline, fifteen weeks in a particular season of life—can carry profound spiritual significance when surrendered to the Messiah’s purposes. Ask yourself: “What ‘fifteen’ has God placed in my life right now, and what might He be accomplishing through this specific time or circumstance?” By recognizing God’s hand in the precise measurements of our lives, we develop greater trust in His sovereign timing and provision.

Related Words

• δέκα (deka) – “ten”; the first component of the compound word δεκαπέντε, representing the foundation of the decimal system and often associated with completeness or fullness in biblical symbolism. See G1176
• πέντε (pente) – “five”; the second component of δεκαπέντε, frequently associated with God’s grace and divine favor throughout Scripture. See G4002
• δεκατέσσαρες (dekatessares) – “fourteen”; similar compound construction (ten plus four), appearing in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus and Paul’s timeline in Galatians. See G1180
• εἴκοσι (eikosi) – “twenty”; the next significant numeral after fifteen, used in Acts 27:28 alongside δεκαπέντε to mark the decreasing water depth. See G1501
• τριάκοντα (triakonta) – “thirty”; a number that appears in various significant biblical contexts, including Jesus’ age at the beginning of His ministry. See G5144

Did you Know?

• In the traditional Jewish festival calendar, the 15th day of the month consistently marks important celebrations. The 15th of Nisan begins Passover, the 15th of Tishri starts Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), and the 15th of Av was a joyous day of matchmaking in ancient Israel. This connection between fifteen and celebration suggests a divine pattern in Israel’s relationship with יהוה.
• The ancient Egyptians used a lunar calendar with three ten-day weeks plus five extra days per month, totaling fifteen days to reach the full moon. When God established Passover on the 15th of Nisan—coinciding with the full moon—He was not only creating a new calendar system for Israel but also symbolically declaring freedom from Egyptian chronology and worldview.
• In the Dead Sea Scrolls community at Qumran, fifteen was considered significant, as evidenced by their “Community Rule” scroll which outlines fifteen men who constituted the leadership council of the sect—twelve laymen representing the tribes of Israel and three priests. This reflects how numerical patterns like fifteen were integrated into the organizational structures of ancient Jewish religious communities.

Remember This

The number δεκαπέντε reminds us that in God’s economy, even the most precise measurements and seemingly ordinary timeframes are woven into His greater purposes, revealing a Creator who orchestrates both cosmic events and intimate details with equal sovereignty and love.