Original Word: διακόσιοι
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: diakosioi
Pronunciation: dee-ak-os'-ee-oy
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ak-os'-ee-oy)
KJV: two hundred
NASB: two hundred, one hundred
Word Origin: [from G1364 (δίς - twice) and G1540 (ἑκατόν - hundred)]

1. two hundred

two hundred.

From dis and hekaton; two hundred -- two hundred.

see GREEK dis

see GREEK hekaton

Word Origin
pl. cardinal number from dis and hekaton
Definition
two hundred
NASB Translation
one hundred (1), twelve hundred* (1), two hundred (6).

STRONGS NT 1250: διακόσιοι

διακόσιοι, διακόσιαι, διακόσια, two hundred: Mark 6:37; John 6:7, etc.

Overview

Strong’s Greek 1250 designates the cardinal number “two hundred,” a figure employed by New Testament writers to convey precise, concrete detail. Its eight occurrences span narrative, didactic, and apocalyptic settings, underscoring Scripture’s historical reliability and providing subtle theological accents that enrich the inspired record.

Meaning and Numerical Significance

While never presented as a symbolic code, the number regularly signals sufficiency, notable magnitude, and divine provision in moments when human resources or security appear stretched. Whether attached to money, distance, personnel, or time, “two hundred” frames situations in which God’s purpose prevails beyond merely human calculation.

Occurrences in the Gospels

1. Mark 6:37 and John 6:7 anchor “two hundred” in the Feeding of the Five Thousand.
• Mark 6:37: “But Jesus told them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘Should we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread and give it to them to eat?’”
• John 6:7: “Philip answered, ‘Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.’”

Here the sum—roughly eight months’ wages—highlights the disciples’ limited vision versus Christ’s boundless sufficiency. The Spirit-inspired precision invites believers to acknowledge the inadequacy of human resources when contrasted with the Lord’s miraculous provision.

2. John 21:8 records the resurrection-era fishing miracle: “The other disciples came with the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits away.”

The measured distance (around one hundred yards) underscores eyewitness authenticity and sets the stage for the risen Jesus’ gracious invitation to breakfast, affirming His ongoing fellowship and care.

Occurrences in Acts

1. Acts 23:23 (twice): “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.”

Luke’s double use reveals Roman efficiency in safeguarding Paul. God marshals imperial forces—no fewer than four hundred men—to preserve His servant and the gospel’s advance to Rome.

2. Acts 27:37: “Altogether there were 276 of us on board.”

The figure combines “two hundred” with additional numerals, emphasizing the scale of those rescued through Paul’s God-given counsel. The detail authenticates the narrative and magnifies God’s mercy toward both believer and unbeliever.

Occurrences in Revelation

1. Revelation 11:3: “They will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
2. Revelation 12:6: “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place for her to be nourished for 1,260 days.”

Within the prophetic total of 1,260 days, “two hundred” sits between the thousand and the sixty, contributing to a time span that portrays God’s meticulous sovereignty over eschatological events. The repeated period affirms divine care for witnesses and covenant people amid tribulation.

Thematic Synthesis

• Human Insufficiency versus Divine Provision: In the feedings, 200 denarii prove inadequate, yet Christ feeds multitudes.
• Divine Protection of the Gospel: Two hundred soldiers and spearmen escort Paul, illustrating God’s ability to use secular power for sacred ends.
• Eyewitness Veracity: Exact counts (distance, passengers) exhibit the historical trustworthiness of the record.
• Prophetic Precision: Revelation’s 1,260 days exhibit God’s precise timetable in redemptive history.

Historical and Ministry Significance

The Spirit’s choice to preserve these numbers encourages careful attention to detail in biblical interpretation while fostering confidence that God works through both the ordinary (money, soldiers) and the extraordinary (miracles, prophecy). Church history shows pastors and missionaries citing these passages to reassure believers that the Lord oversees material needs, personal safety, and the unfolding of future events.

Practical Reflections

1. Stewardship: Like the disciples, ministry leaders must recognize when resources seem inadequate and look to Christ for multiplication.
2. Courage in Mission: Paul’s guarded transfer demonstrates that God can mobilize unexpected means to protect His servants.
3. Assurance in Suffering: Revelation’s measured days remind believers that tribulation is neither random nor endless.
4. Attention to Detail: The biblical writers’ numeric exactitude models conscientious testimony, calling Christians to integrity in all reporting and teaching.

διακόσια διακοσιαι διακόσιαι διακοσιας διακοσίας διακόσιοι διακοσίοις διακόσιοις διακοσιους διακοσίους διακοσιων διακοσίων diakosiai diakósiai diakosias diakosías diakosion diakosiōn diakosíon diakosíōn diakosious diakosíousInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts