τρεῖς

three

Definition

The Greek adjective τρεῖς (treis) means 'three' and is used for the cardinal number. It denotes a precise quantity of three items, persons, or periods of time. In the New Testament, it can refer to a literal count, such as the three days and nights Jesus prophesied he would be in the earth (Matthew 12:40), or the three measures of flour in a parable (Matthew 13:33). It also appears in significant groupings, like the three persons present to establish a matter (Matthew 18:16) or the threefold divine name in the baptismal formula (Matthew 28:19).

Biblical Usage

The word is used 60 times across the New Testament, appearing in all four Gospels, Acts, and the epistles. It frequently marks important periods of time (e.g., three days) and is central to narrative structure. Key examples include the three days of Jesus's resurrection prophecy (Matthew 12:40), the three tabernacles Peter wished to build (Matthew 17:4), and the principle that 'where two or three are gathered' in Jesus's name (Matthew 18:20). In Paul's writings, it can denote a short, indefinite period, as in being 'three days without sight' (Acts 9:9).

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *tréyes, it is the standard Greek cardinal number for 'three'. It is cognate with Latin 'tres' and English 'three'. Its form is irregular in declension (nominative/accusative: τρεῖς; genitive: τριῶν; dative: τρισί), which is a common feature of ancient number words.

Semantic Range

The number three carries significant theological weight in Scripture, often associated with divine completeness, testimony, and God's activity. Key instances include the triune nature of God implied in the baptismal formula (Matthew 28:19), the three-day resurrection pattern central to the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:4), and the threefold witness establishing truth (Matthew 18:16, 2 Corinthians 13:1). Understanding its use highlights patterns of divine timing and the importance of God's testimony.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, the number three often symbolized completeness, sufficiency, and a short but significant period. Jewish law required two or three witnesses to establish a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15), a principle Jesus and Paul reaffirm. The 'three days' motif was a common idiom for a critical, transformative period, not necessarily 72 literal hours.

τρίτος (tritos, G5154) — the ordinal number 'third', indicating sequence or position. τρὶς (tris, G5151) — the adverbial form 'three times', indicating repetition.

Word Details

Scripture References