שְׁמֹנִים

The Hebrew numeral שְׁמֹנִים (sheh-moh-NEEM) consistently denotes the quantity of eighty or the position of eightieth in biblical texts. Its usage primarily occurs in contexts describing census counts, military forces, or durations of time. The term is straightforward in its numerical meaning, lacking significant theological or symbolic connotations beyond its literal value. It functions as a precise numerical descriptor, contributing to the historical and administrative details within the biblical narrative.

In various historical accounts within the Old Testament, שְׁמֹנִים is frequently employed when enumerating individuals, such as the total number of people in a lineage, the size of a military contingent, or the number of officials. It also appears in chronological references, specifying the number of years for events like periods of peace or the reign of a king. These instances highlight the importance of exact figures in ancient record-keeping and convey a sense of historical accuracy within the biblical record.

While the term itself does not carry intrinsic theological weight, its consistent application in detailing the scale of biblical events and populations underscores the meticulous nature of the record and the divine oversight of the people and their history. The numerical precision often serves to convey the magnitude of God's actions or the organization within the Israelite community, even though the number eighty itself is not a specific object of theological reflection.