τρισχίλιοι

three thousand

Definition

τρισχίλιοι is a Greek numeral adjective meaning 'three thousand.' It is a compound word formed from τρεῖς (three) and χίλιοι (thousand), used to denote a specific, large quantity. In the New Testament, it appears only in Acts 2:41, describing the number of individuals who were baptized and added to the church following Peter's sermon at Pentecost. This precise number highlights the dramatic and immediate impact of the Holy Spirit's outpouring, marking a foundational moment in Christian history.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the New Testament, in Acts 2:41. It functions as a cardinal number quantifying the massive response to the gospel message on the Day of Pentecost. The context is historical narrative, specifically recording the explosive growth of the early church in Jerusalem immediately after Peter's preaching. The usage underscores a specific, countable result of the apostolic ministry and the Spirit's work.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words τρεῖς (treis, G5140), meaning 'three,' and χίλιοι (chilioi, G5507), meaning 'thousand.' It is a straightforward compound numeral, similar in construction to other Greek numbers like δισχίλιοι (two thousand) or τετρακισχίλιοι (four thousand). Its meaning is literal and arithmetical, with no significant semantic development beyond its component parts.

Semantic Range

The use of 'three thousand' in Acts 2:41 is theologically significant as it represents the first fruits of the New Covenant church, inaugurated by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This number echoes the three thousand who fell in the incident of the golden calf (Exodus 32:28), but here it signifies life and redemption instead of judgment. Understanding this specific numeral enriches the reading by connecting the birth of the church to both the fulfillment of prophecy (Joel 2:28-32) and the reversal of Old Testament patterns of sin, showcasing God's grace in building His community.

In the ancient world, a number like three thousand would have been perceived as a very large, almost overwhelming crowd, especially for a nascent religious movement. It signified a substantial and immediate public impact. For Jewish listeners, the number might also carry symbolic weight, potentially contrasting with the three thousand who died due to the idolatry of the golden calf, as noted in the theological notes.

χίλιοι (chilioi, G5507) — The base word meaning 'a thousand,' of which τρισχίλιοι is a multiple. τετρακισχίλιοι (tetrakischilioi, G5070) — Meaning 'four thousand,' another compound numeral used in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 15:38, Mark 8:9).

Word Details

Scripture References