Bible Dictionary
COUNT
To count is to number, calculate, classify, or reckon something. Scripture also uses the word for evaluating a matter morally, such as counting former gains as loss for Christ.
Definition
To count is to number, calculate, classify, identify with, or reckon. The noun may denote an arithmetical count. In biblical language the verb can also express a moral estimate of the value or standing of something.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses counting for numbering people or things, calculating a cost, and reckoning someone among a class. The New Testament also uses it for the moral evaluation of former gains and losses.
Historical Background
One Greek term refers to calculating with pebbles, each pebble representing a unit. Other terms express reckoning or moral judgment.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kount (caphar, manah; psephizo): Used of arithmetical computation "to number" (Ps 139:18; Nu 23:10); also for kathabh, "to reckon," to indicate classification among or identification with, "count for a stranger" (Job 19:15); "count for his enemy" (Job 33:10). In the New Testament the arithmetical computation is less prominent, except in the sense of "calculate," psephizo, sumpsephizo, "to reckon with pebbles," each pebble representing a unit (Lu 14:28; Ac 19:19); of moral estimate, hegeomai and logizomai (Php 3:7,13). The noun, from Hebrew kacath, "a count of" (Ex 12:4), namely, in the arithmetical sense.</p><p>H. E. Jacobs</p>