τρίτος

third

Definition

The adjective τρίτος (tritos) primarily means 'third' in a sequential or ordinal sense, denoting position in a series. It is used literally to indicate the third item in a list (e.g., the third hour in Mark 15:25) or the third occurrence of an event (e.g., Jesus predicting his resurrection 'on the third day' in Matthew 16:21). It can also function substantively to mean 'a third part' or 'one third,' as seen in Revelation 8:7-12 where a third of various elements of creation are destroyed. In some passages, it carries an idiomatic force implying repetition or persistence, such as Jesus praying a 'third time' in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:44), emphasizing the intensity of his prayer.

Biblical Usage

τρίτος is used 49 times across the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation. A dominant pattern is its use in the phrase 'on the third day' (τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ) concerning Jesus' resurrection, a key theological formula found in passages like Matthew 16:21 and 1 Corinthians 15:4. It frequently marks narrative sequence, such as the third watch of the night (Luke 12:38) or the third time an action is performed (John 21:17). In Revelation, it is used quantitatively with the genitive to mean 'a third of' (e.g., Revelation 8:7-12). Its usage is straightforward and consistent across texts.

Etymology

Derived directly from the Greek cardinal number τρεῖς (treis, G5140), meaning 'three.' The ordinal form τρίτος follows a common Indo-European pattern for forming sequence numbers (cf. Latin 'tertius'). It is a primary, inherited adjective without a more complex derivational history, maintaining its core meaning of 'third' from classical through Koine Greek.

Semantic Range

The word is theologically significant primarily in the phrase 'on the third day,' which anchors the historical reality of Christ's resurrection (Matthew 16:21, 1 Corinthians 15:4). This timing fulfills Old Testament patterns (e.g., Jonah 1:17, Hosea 6:2) and became a central creedal element of the early church. Understanding 'third' in this context connects the event to a divine timetable of redemption and victory over death, enriching the reader's appreciation of the resurrection as a deliberate, prophesied act rather than a random occurrence.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, the 'third day' often carried connotations of a significant turning point or a divinely appointed time for action or revelation, based on patterns in Hebrew scripture. The third hour (Mark 15:25) corresponded to about 9 AM, a common time for prayer and daily business. The idiomatic use of 'a third time' to emphasize the certainty or fullness of an action (2 Corinthians 12:14) reflects a cultural rhetorical pattern.

τρείς (treis, G5140) — The cardinal number 'three,' indicating quantity rather than sequence. τρίς (tris) — The adverbial form 'thrice' or 'three times,' emphasizing repetition of an action.

Word Details

Scripture References