Cosmic Order: τέσσαρες (Strong’s G5064: tessares) Signifies Universal Completion

Strong’s G5064: A cardinal number meaning “four,” carrying symbolic significance in biblical numerology. Often represents completeness and universality, particularly in apocalyptic literature, referring to the four corners/winds of the earth and cosmic fullness.

U – Unveiling the Word

τέσσαρες represents more than just the numerical value of four; it symbolizes completeness and universality in biblical thought. First appearing in Matthew 24:31 referring to the four winds, it often describes cosmic completeness, particularly in Revelation’s imagery of the four living creatures, four corners of the earth, and four winds. The early church understood τέσσαρες as signifying the universal scope of God’s creation and redemptive work. Today, this number continues to remind us of God’s comprehensive rule over all creation and the universal reach of His gospel message.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τέσσαρες, tessares, tes’-sar-es
• Phonetic Guide: tes (as in “test”) + sar + es (as in “yes”)
• Part of Speech: Numeral (Cardinal)

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *kʷetwóres
• Related to Latin “quattuor”
• Basic numerical root for four

D – Defining Meanings

• Four
• Representing completeness
• Indicating universality

Translation Options:

• “four” – literal numerical value
• “all four” – emphasizing completeness
• “the four” – when referring to specific groups of four

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τεσσαράκοντα (tessarakonta) – forty See G5062
• τέταρτος (tetartos) – fourth See G5067
• τετράγωνος (tetragonos) – foursquare See G5068

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Numerical Features:

• Declinable cardinal number
• Case variations for masculine, feminine, and neuter
• Shows number agreement with modified nouns

Examples:

• Nominative: τέσσαρες
• Genitive: τεσσάρων
• Dative: τέσσαρσι(ν)
• Accusative: τέσσαρας

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources illuminate τέσσαρες’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in apocalyptic imagery. Thayer’s notes its role in expressing universality. LSJ documents its basic numerical meaning. Vine’s highlights its symbolic significance. Strong’s connects it to completeness in creation. Moulton and Milligan cite examples of its use in administrative documents. The combined evidence suggests τέσσαρες carried both literal and symbolic significance, particularly in religious and apocalyptic contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four [τεσσάρων] winds, from one end of the sky to the other.” Matthew 24:31

Additional References:
Mark 2:3, John 11:17, Acts 10:11, Revelation 4:6, Revelation 7:1, Revelation 9:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τέσσαρες powerfully expresses the universal scope of God’s dominion and redemptive work. From the four winds to the four corners of the earth, this number reminds us that nothing lies outside God’s control. In Revelation, it appears repeatedly to show the cosmic scope of God’s throne room and His judgments. This number proclaims that the Messiah’s redemption extends to all creation, and His kingdom encompasses every corner of the universe.

D – Did You Know?

• Four appears 278 times in Scripture (Old and New Testament)
• Ancient cosmology viewed four as the number of material completeness
• Early church fathers saw the four gospels as reflecting cosmic completeness

Strong’s G5064: A cardinal number meaning “four,” carrying symbolic significance in biblical numerology. Often represents completeness and universality, particularly in apocalyptic literature, referring to the four corners/winds of the earth and cosmic fullness.

Part of speech: Numeral

Tags: four, completeness, universality, creation, apocalyptic, winds, directions, cosmos, revelation, number-symbolism​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​