A hundred ways to have it together

Jesus uses the Greek word for "hundred", as in the number 100, four times in Matthew. It is used 17 times in the GNT (Greek New Testament) and 193 times in the LXX (Septuagint).

"ἑκατόν" ≈ "hundred" (cardinal).
"ἑκᾰτοστός" ≈ "hundredth" (ordinal).
"ἑκᾰτοντᾰ́κις" ≈ "hundred (times)" (adverbial).
"ἑκατοντάς" ≈ "hundred" (collective).

The ancient Greek word "ἑκατόν" ≈ "hundred" and is cognate with the English word "hundred" and the Latin word "centum" ≈ "hundred" and many other PIE (Proto Indo-European) languages.

The Roman symbol for "hundred" is the letter "C".
The Greek symbol for "hundred" is the letter "ρ" or "Ρ" (rho).

The English word "hectometer" is a hundred meters.

Unit	Number	Latin	Greek
Legion	5000	legio	λεγεών
Cohort	500	cohortis	σπεῖρα
Century	80	centuria	κεντύριον

Numbers are approximate as military unit size has historically varied (for the same unit in the same country) over time.

"κεντύριον" ≈ "century" (singular)
"κεντυρίων" ≈ "century" (plural).
"ἑκατόνταρχος" ≈ "centurion". Appears 24 times in the GNT.

More: Roman and Greek military terminology

*G1540 *17 ἑκατόν (hek-at-on') : of uncertain affinity; a hundred:--hundred.

Words: εκατον=17

The ancient Greek word "ἑκατόν" ≈ "hundred" (cardinal). The KJV (King James Version) (and other) translation sometimes translates this as "hundredfold" even though the Greek word is just "hundred".

*G1540 *17 ἑκατόν (hek-at-on') : of uncertain affinity; a hundred:--hundred.

Usage

All

εκατον *17 of 17

Matthew 13:8 ... brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

Matthew 13:23 ... and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Matthew 18:12 ... a man have an hundred sheep, and one ...

Matthew 18:28 ... which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands ...

Mark 4:8 ... sixty, and some an hundred.

Mark 4:20 ... sixty, and some an hundred.

Mark 6:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

Luke 15:4 ... of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose ...

Luke 16:6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And ...

Luke 16:7 ... thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And ...

John 19:39 ... and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

John 21:11 ... full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were ...

Acts 1:15 ... together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Revelation 7:4 ... of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand ...

Revelation 14:1 ... and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, ...

Revelation 14:3 ... that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, ...

Revelation 21:17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, ...

A relation R on set A is an equivalence relation if the following properties hold.


1. Reflexive: ∀ x ∈ A : x R x	2. Symmetric: ∀ x, y ∈ A : x R y ⇒ y R x	3. Transitive: ∀ x, y, z ∈ A : x R y ∧ y R z ⇒ x R z

Equivalence classes reduce the amount of information that must be considered when working with properties of the set A. An equivalence class induces equivalence sets on a set, provided a suitable relation R can be defined. If a suitable relation R cannot be defined, there are only two conclusions.

More: Equivalence relations: math

"ἑκατόν" ≈ "hundred".
"ἔχω" ≈ "(I) have/keep".
"ἔχε" ≈ "(you) have/keep" (imperative).
"τον" ≈ "the/it" (accusative masculine).

If everyone in a group or set of members says "(I) have" "it" and "(you) have" "it" then (if true) the relation on "it" is reflexive, symmetric and transitive (by induction) and thus forms an equivalence relation and induces an equivalence set (of the entire group). Note that the reasoning only requires the "(you) have" "it" (imperative) within the group.

How well does this play on words fit for the times when Jesus uses the word for "hundred"?

That is, does the "hundred" refer to a group that has some relation, called "it", that holds for the entire group (member by member)?

Matthew 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. [kjv]

και πας οστις αφηκεν οικιας η αδελφους η αδελφας η πατερα η μητερα η τεκνα η αγρους ενεκεν του εμου ονοματος πολλαπλασιονα λημψεται και ζωην αιωνιον κληρονομησει [gnt]

"πολλαπλασίων" ≈ "many times as much".
"πολλᾰ́" ≈ "many, much, a lot" (neuter plural nominative/accusative) from "πολύς" ≈ "many, much, a lot".
"πλάσσον" ≈ "formed in clay" as in "sand".

Note that this verse shows that there a way to say "many times" or "manifold times" in an abstract sense. Jesus says it.

One can do things in the "name" of Jesus. One can also deceive in the "name" of Jesus. One may be good. One is not good. It can be hard to determine the difference.

"πράσον" ≈ "leak".

More: Matthew 19:25-30 Division of thrones

Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. [kjv]

αλλα δε επεσεν επι την γην την καλην και εδιδου καρπον ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

… terram bonam … fructum … centesimum … sexagesimum … tricesimum [v]

The ancient Greek word "ἑκατόν" ≈ "hundred" (cardinal). The KJV (and other) translation sometimes translates this as "hundredfold" even though the Greek word is just "hundred".

The Latin word "centesimus" ≈ "hundredth" and appears to be the origin of the English adding "fold" or "times" to the Greek "hundred". This "fold" or "times" was then used in other verses even when the Latin has just the number "hundred".

Note that the play on words of the Greek "good" with "raca" (not doing what the council wants when it conflicts with what Jesus wants) is lost in the Latin word for "good" as "bonam" ≈ "good" as in the English word "bona fide".

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. [kjv]

αλλα δε επεσεν επι την γην την καλην και εδιδου καρπον ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

Are the numbers a time sequence of events? Could these be happening at the same time (e.g., in different places or hands). Does using the Greek meaning of "on the one hand" change usual meaning of the verse?

... gave fruit ...
... on the one hand 100 fold ...
... on the other hand 60 fold ...
... on another hand 30 fold ...

Does the play on words with Latin "omen" have any meaning here? With the modified meaning (i.e., declarative statements), does it matter that Mark reverses the order of the numbers?

More: Omens on the one hand

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. [kjv]

αλλα δε επεσεν επι την γην την καλην και εδιδου καρπον ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

Note: The "fold" or "times" is not in the Greek and needs to be assumed. Even the Berean Literal Bible includes it.

NIV (New International Version): Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

NLT (New Living Translation): Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!

Berean Literal Bible: And others fell upon the good soil and were giving fruit—some indeed a hundredfold, and some sixty, and some thirty.

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [kjv]

ο δε επι την καλην γην σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και συνιεις ος δη καρποφορει και ποιει ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "καρπός" ≈ "fruit" and is related to the English word "harvest". What is the difference between the following?

English: "bring forth fruit". The older meaning of "bear" in English is that of "carrying".
Greek: "carry fruit". It must be inferred from context from where and how the fruit came into being.

The ancient Greek word "καρποφορέω" ≈ "carry fruit, fertile, bear fruit".

The modern Greek word "καρποφορέω" (kar-po-fo-REH-o) ≈ "bear fruit" which is a narrowed meaning from what was decided for the meaning of the word in the GNT.

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [kjv]

ο δε επι την καλην γην σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και συνιεις ος δη καρποφορει και ποιει ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

"δορυφόρος" ≈ "carrying a (long) spear".
"κοντοφόρος" ≈ "carrying a (short) spear".
"καρποφόρος" ≈ "carrying fruit" and "καρπός" ≈ "fruit". [twig]
"ἑξήκοντα" ≈ "sixty" and "τριάκοντα." ≈ "thirty".
"δόρῠ" ≈ "(long) spear, lance" and "κοντός" ≈ "short, (short) spear"
"φέρω" ≈ "carry, bear" and is related by Grimm's Law to the English word "bear".

The modern Greek word "δορυφόρος" (tho-ree-FO-ros) ≈ "satellite".

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [kjv]

ο δε επι την καλην γην σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και συνιεις ος δη καρποφορει και ποιει ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

The modern Greek word "φόρεμα" (FO-reh-ma) ≈ "dress (clothing)" from the ancient Greek word "φόρημα" ≈ "that which is carried, worn" from "φορέω" ≈ "bear carry, wear". The ancient Greek word "φόρος" ≈ "tribute, tax" from "φέρω" ≈ "bring, bear, carry". Thus, there are several play on words here.

100: Birds: "tax" "fruit" (of the group via the millstone deception).
60: Sheep: "bear/carry" "fruit".
30: Goats: "wear" "fruit" (as a badge of honor from the birds who have branched them to the tree).

The birds may use the "millstone deception" where the goat (or sheep) owes a 100 of "through a lamb" but, in reality, it is 100 of "through a bird"

Making a play on words with the Greek word for bear is reasonable and might be called, "bear play"!

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [kjv]

ο δε επι την καλην γην σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και συνιεις ος δη καρποφορει και ποιει ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

Greek: the one then (that) on the good [raca] ground (is) seeded is the one (who) the reasoning hears (with understanding) and understands then as (he) carries fruit and (he) makes/creates (he) on the one hand hundred [according to it - reasoning] (he) on the other hand sixty [shadow - short (speer)] (he) on another hand thirty [not three/tree - short (speer)].

How did the Greek change from attributes about the one (third person singular) to a generalization about many (some)? For some it is then a time-sequence of events for different groups.

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [kjv]

ο δε επι την καλην γην σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και συνιεις ος δη καρποφορει και ποιει ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

There are no specific units on the numbers. To what does each number refer? Is it the same or different attributes?

The "good" [raca] produces three variations of "carried-fruit" (in the same person).

understanding

reasoning

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [kjv]

ο δε επι την καλην γην σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και συνιεις ος δη καρποφορει και ποιει ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

qui vero in terra bona seminatus est hic est qui audit verbum et intellegit et fructum adfert et facit aliud quidem centum aliud autem sexaginta porro aliud triginta [v]

The Latin has just numbers, just as the Greek. The English decides to add "fold" or "times".

The Latin word "aliud" ≈ "other, another, else, different" (nominative/accusative/vocative neuter singular) of "alius" ≈ "other, another, else, different". It is sometimes used as the "on the one hand" and "on the other hand"

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [kjv]

ο δε επι την καλην γην σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και συνιεις ος δη καρποφορει και ποιει ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

… gode land … word … waestme bringð … sum hund-fealdne. sum sixtig-fealdne. sum þrittig-fealdne. [wes]

… sowun … good loond… herith … word… vnderstondeth… bryngith … fruyt… summe … hundrid fold… anothir sixti fold… another thritti fold. [wy]

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [kjv]

… ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

Greek, like Hebrew, associated letters with numbers. The study of this is called gematria. The most famous instance of gematria is the 666 from Revelation 13.

100 = "Ρ" or "ρ" or "rho".
60 = "Ξ" or "ξ" or "ski".
30 = "Λ" or "λ" or "lambda".

Any gematria meaning of 100, 60 and 30 is not clear but may indicate some interesting connections.
Keep in mind that the historical connection of this parable is that of the time of Jesus in Judea where the Romans ruled and had let Herod (and descendent's) have some local rule.

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

The symbol of Rome, the ruling power of the world at that time, in letters was SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus) (as an initialism) from the Latin phrase "senātus populusque rōmānus" ≈ "The Roman Senate and People".

Gematria
value	upper	lower	letter	connection
100	Ρ	ρ	rho	R for "Rome" (Latin and Greek)
60	Ξ	ξ	ski	(composite letter KS)
‑	Κ	κ	kappa	K for "and" (Greek)
‑	Σ	σ	sigma	S for "Senate" (Latin)
30	Λ	λ	lambda	L for "people" (Greek)

This is just one of many possible gematria connections.

Latin "Senatus" ≈ "Senate" and "Populusque" ≈ "people and" and "Romanus" ≈ "Rome".
Greek "και" ≈ "and" and "λαός" ≈ "people".

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [kjv]

ο δε επι την καλην γην σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και συνιεις ος δη καρποφορει και ποιει ο μεν εκατον ο δε εξηκοντα ο δε τριακοντα [gnt]

Mark 4:8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. [kjv]

και αλλα επεσεν εις την γην την καλην και εδιδου καρπον αναβαινοντα και αυξανομενα και εφερεν εις εν τριακοντα και εν εξηκοντα και εν εκατον [gnt]

Mark repeats some of what Matthew writes but also changes and adds some things. Many details in Matthew are not in Mark (or Luke). Note the order of the numbers. Discuss:

Who is right? Does it matter? Who copied from whom?
How might this discrepancy have arisen?

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

Matthew 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? [kjv]

τι υμιν δοκει εαν γενηται τινι ανθρωπω εκατον προβατα και πλανηθη εν εξ αυτων ουχι αφησει τα ενενηκοντα εννεα επι τα ορη και πορευθεις ζητει το πλανωμενον [gnt]

… centum oves … nonaginta novem … [v]

The ancient Greek word "ἑκατόν" ≈ "hundred" (cardinal number). The Latin word "centum" ≈ "hundred".

Are these "sheep" all "together" as a group?

More: Matthew 18:12-14 Sheep astray downward from the mountains

Matthew 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. [kjv]

εξελθων δε ο δουλος εκεινος ευρεν ενα των συνδουλων αυτου ος ωφειλεν αυτω εκατον δηναρια και κρατησας αυτον επνιγεν λεγων αποδος ει τι οφειλεις [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ἑκατόν" ≈ "hundred" and is cognate with the English word "hundred" and the Latin word "centum" ≈ "hundred" and many other PIE languages.

This, by analogy and projection, is the "millstone" "deception/entrapment".

This servant, is told that he owns a "hundred", as a group together, as if it is "through a lamb" but, in actuality, it is "through a bird" that is for the benefit of the unforgiving servant.

More: Matthew 18:23-35 Parable of the unforgiving servant