Topical Encyclopedia
The term "myriad" is often used in the Bible to denote a large, indefinite number, typically understood as ten thousand. In the original Hebrew and Greek texts, the word is used to convey the idea of an innumerable multitude, often in the context of God's creation, His armies, or the vastness of His blessings.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "רִבּוֹת" (ribbōt) is frequently translated as "myriad" or "ten thousand." For example, in
Deuteronomy 33:2, Moses speaks of the Lord coming from Sinai with "myriads of holy ones" , emphasizing the vast number of heavenly beings accompanying God. This imagery underscores God's majesty and the overwhelming power of His divine entourage.
The Psalms also use the concept of myriads to describe the innumerable hosts of God.
Psalm 68:17 states, "The chariots of God are tens of thousands—thousands of thousands" , illustrating the immense strength and presence of God's heavenly army.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the Greek word "μυριάς" (myrias) is used similarly. In
Hebrews 12:22, believers are described as coming to "Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels" . This passage highlights the grandeur and glory of the heavenly realm, filled with countless angels worshiping God.
The Book of Revelation also employs the term to convey the vastness of heavenly beings.
Revelation 5:11 describes a vision of the throne room of God, where John sees "myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands" of angels encircling the throne . This depiction serves to magnify the glory and authority of God, surrounded by an innumerable host of worshipers.
Symbolic SignificanceThe use of "myriad" in Scripture often symbolizes the infinite nature of God's power, wisdom, and presence. It serves as a reminder of the vastness of God's creation and the innumerable blessings He bestows upon His people. The term also reflects the overwhelming nature of God's judgment and the multitude of His mercies.
In biblical literature, the concept of myriads often contrasts human limitations with divine infinitude. While humans may struggle to comprehend such vast numbers, the use of "myriad" in Scripture reassures believers of God's boundless resources and His ability to accomplish His purposes beyond human understanding.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the use of "myriad" underscores the transcendence and immanence of God. It highlights His ability to command vast armies of angels and to provide abundantly for His creation. The term also serves as a testament to the glory and majesty of God, who is worthy of worship from countless multitudes.
In conclusion, the biblical use of "myriad" serves as a powerful reminder of the infinite nature of God and His works. It calls believers to trust in His limitless power and to join the innumerable hosts in worshiping the Almighty.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) An immense number; a very great many; an indefinitely large number.
2. (n.) The number of ten thousand; ten thousand persons or things.
3. (a.) Consisting of a very great, but indefinite, number; as, myriad stars.
Greek
3461. murias -- ten thousand, amyriad... ten thousand, a
myriad. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: murias Phonetic
Spelling: (moo-ree'-as) Short Definition: a
myriad, ten thousand
...Strong's Hebrew
7233. rebabah -- multitude,myriad, ten thousand... 7232b, 7233. rebabah. 7234 . multitude,
myriad, ten thousand. Transliteration:
rebabah Phonetic Spelling: (reb-aw-baw') Short Definition: thousands.
...7239. ribbo -- ten thousand,myriad
... ribbo or ribbo. 7240 . ten thousand,myriad. Transliteration: ribbo or ribbo Phonetic
Spelling: (rib-bo') Short Definition: 20000....myriad, large number....
7240. ribbo --myriad
... 7239, 7240. ribbo. 7241 .myriad. Transliteration: ribbo Phonetic Spelling:
(rib-bo') Short Definition: myriads. Word Origin (Aramaic...
7231. rabab -- to be or become many or much
... properly, to cast together (compare rabiyb), ie Increase, especially in number;
also (as denominative from rbabah) to multiply by themyriad -- increase, be...
Library
The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Creation
... Whom did He consult when He determined the various and manifold arrangements,
adjustments, adaptations, relationships, equipments of Hismyriad creatures?...
Biogenesis
... itself. In Bastian's experiments, after every expedient to secure sterility,
life did appear inside inmyriad quantity. Therefore...
Lessons.
... listening from His glorified lips on the throne to those same exalted themes of
consolation which, for eighteen hundred years, have tomyriad,myriad mourners...
Palm Branches.
... thousands congregating in the earthly Jerusalem to the great Paschal Feast, was
but a feeble type of the profound interest with whichmyriad angel-worshippers...
A view of God's Glory
... is? If you knew all themyriad works of God, would your life be long enough
to make all God's creative goodness pass before you?...
Introduction
... meanwhile, in the intervals of travel, facing the perils and storms of the troubled
sea of East London society at its very worst, and from amyriad wrecks of...
A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... fall. "Reigning, guiding, all-commanding, rulingmyriad worlds of light;
Now exalting, now abasing, none can stay Thy hand of might!...
Life a Tale
... The heavens, which give amyriad hints of worlds beyond the grave, are, to many,
impenetrable walls, shutting them in to mere pursuits of sense,"the...
What the Traditional Number of the Angels Signifies.
... of intellectual attention, that the tradition of the Oracles concerning the Angels
affirms that they are thousand thousands, andmyriad myriads, accumulating...
Purity.
... all"that the forest, the valley, the flood, and the sea, are the same to all; and
yet all these things so seen, to different minds are amyriad of different...
Thesaurus
Myriad (12 Occurrences)... 3. (a.) Consisting of a very great, but indefinite, number; as,
myriad stars. Multi-Version Concordance
Myriad (12 Occurrences).
...Myriads (24 Occurrences)
... Daniel 7:10 A flood of fire is proceeding and coming forth from before Him, a thousand
thousands do serve Him, and amyriad of myriads before Him do rise up...
Pursue (104 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 26:8 and five of you have pursued a hundred, and a hundred of you do pursue
amyriad; and your enemies have fallen before you by the sword....
Eyed (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Eye. 2. (a.) Heaving (such or so many) eyes; -- used in composition;
as sharp-eyed; dull-eyed; sad-eyed; ox-eyed Juno;myriad-eyed....
Myria (1 Occurrence)
Pursued (75 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 26:8 and five of you have pursued a hundred, and a hundred of you do pursue
amyriad; and your enemies have fallen before you by the sword. (YLT)....
Proceeding (18 Occurrences)
... Daniel 7:10 A flood of fire is proceeding and coming forth from before Him, a thousand
thousands do serve Him, and amyriad of myriads before Him do rise up...
Beget (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:15 for if amyriad of child-conductors ye may have in Christ, yet
not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus, through the good news, I -- I did...
Child-conductors (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Corinthians 4:15 for if amyriad of child-conductors ye may have in Christ, yet
not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus, through the good news, I -- I did...
Conspicuous (11 Occurrences)
... can't be hidden. (See RSV). Song of Songs 5:10 My beloved 'is' clear and
ruddy, Conspicuous above amyriad! (YLT). Ezekiel 17:5 And...
Resources
Whom should I donate to? How should I decide which charity/organization/cause to financially support? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I care if God exists? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that women will be "saved" through childbearing (1 Timothy 2:15)? | GotQuestions.orgMyriad: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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