τρίς

three times

Definition

The Greek particle τρίς means 'three times' or 'thrice,' indicating a specific, repeated action or event occurring on three separate occasions. In the New Testament, it is used both literally, as in Jesus predicting Peter's denial (Matthew 26:34), and in a more emphatic or symbolic sense, such as in the triple vision to Peter in Acts 10:16, which underscores divine insistence and completeness. The word consistently quantifies repetition, never implying a continuous action but three distinct instances.

Biblical Usage

τρίς is used exclusively in narrative contexts within the Gospels and Acts to mark significant, prophetic moments of denial and divine revelation. Its primary pattern is in the Passion narratives, detailing Jesus' prediction of Peter's threefold denial (e.g., Mark 14:30, Luke 22:34) and Peter's subsequent, remorseful fulfillment (Matthew 26:75, John 13:38). The sole non-Gospel usage is in Acts 10:16, where a sheet descends 'three times,' emphasizing the certainty and importance of God's message to Peter about Gentile inclusion.

Etymology

Derived directly from the Greek cardinal number τρεῖς (treis, G5140), meaning 'three,' with the adverbial suffix -ις. It is a primary numeral adverb, closely related to the ordinal τρίτος (tritos, G5154), meaning 'third.' Its formation is straightforward, indicating repetition in relation to the number three, a common pattern in Indo-European languages.

Semantic Range

τρίς carries theological weight in highlighting human failure and divine grace. Peter's threefold denial (Luke 22:61) contrasts sharply with his later threefold restoration by Jesus (John 21:15-17), symbolizing complete repentance and forgiveness. In Acts 10:16, the triple vision breaks Peter's resistance, signifying the thoroughness and authority of God's new directive to include Gentiles. Understanding this repetition enriches the narrative symmetry and underscores themes of prophecy, human frailty, and God's persistent revelation.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds, the number three often carried symbolic meaning related to completeness, emphasis, or divine significance (e.g., three days, three witnesses). While τρίς can be a simple numeral, its biblical usage frequently taps into this cultural resonance, making the repetition more than just a tally—it signals a fulfilled pattern or a moment of profound importance.

τρεῖς (treis, G5140) — The cardinal number 'three,' whereas τρίς is the adverb 'three times.' τρίτος (tritos, G5154) — The ordinal 'third,' indicating sequence or position, not repetition.

Word Details

Scripture References