Perfect Completion: τρεῖς (Strong’s G5140: treis) Reveals Divine Pattern

Strong’s G5140: The cardinal number “three,” treis appears frequently in both literal and symbolic contexts throughout Scripture. It often signifies divine completeness, perfection, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes, particularly in relation to the Messiah’s resurrection.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρεῖς (treis) represents the cardinal number “three” and carries profound theological significance throughout Scripture. Beyond its basic numerical meaning, it often symbolizes divine completeness, perfection, and fulfillment. In the New Testament, it appears most notably in references to Jesus’ resurrection “on the third day” and other pivotal events in salvation history. The early church fathers frequently highlighted the theological significance of τρεῖς in their writings, seeing in it patterns of divine action and completion. Today, this number continues to remind believers of God’s perfect timing and the completeness of His work, particularly in the resurrection of the Messiah.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρεῖς, treis, TRACE
• Detailed pronunciation: τρ (tr) + εῖς (ace)
• Part of Speech: Numeral Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: Proto-Indo-European *treyes
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Basic cardinal number

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “three”
• Cardinal number 3
• Symbol of completion
• Divine perfection

For compound words: Not applicable as τρεῖς is a basic numeral

Translation Options:

1. “three” – Basic cardinal number
2. “a trio of” – When emphasizing grouping
3. “triple” – When describing multiplication

E – Exploring Similar Words

τρίτος (tritos) [TREE-tos] – third (ordinal number) – See G5154
τριάκοντα (triakonta) [tree-ah-KON-tah] – thirty – See G5144
τρίς (tris) [TREECE] – three times – See G5151

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Always plural by nature
• Gender: All genders
• Declension: Special numeral pattern

The numeral changes form based on case:

• Nominative/Accusative: τρεῖς
• Genitive: τριῶν
• Dative: τρισί(ν)
• All forms retain the basic meaning “three”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide extensive insight into τρεῖς’s significance. BDAG documents its frequent use in both literal counting and symbolic contexts. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development and theological usage patterns. LSJ shows its widespread use in classical Greek mathematics and philosophy. Vine’s emphasizes its spiritual significance, particularly in relation to the resurrection. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage, where the number often appears in significant contexts. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence demonstrates its common use in administrative and commercial documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“For as Jonah was three [τρεῖς] days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40

Additional References:
Matthew 13:33, Matthew 17:4, Mark 8:2, Luke 1:56, John 2:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Plato: Republic	“The soul has three [τρεῖς] distinct parts.”
Homer: Iliad	“Three [τρεῖς] times he charged against the wall.”
Pythagoras: Fragments	“The perfect number is three [τρεῖς].”

N – Noteworthy Summary

The number τρεῖς carries profound significance throughout Scripture, particularly in relation to God’s redemptive work. Its most significant use points to the Messiah’s resurrection on the third day, the ultimate demonstration of God’s power and faithfulness. The number appears in patterns throughout Scripture, often marking completeness and divine perfection. Through τρεῖς, we see God’s perfect timing and the completeness of His work in salvation history, culminating in the resurrection of Jesus which validates His sacrifice and promises.

D – Did You Know?

1. τρεῖς appears exactly three times in some key resurrection passages
2. Ancient Greek philosophers considered three the first complete number
3. Early Christians saw the number three as representing the Trinity

Strong’s G5140: The cardinal number “three,” treis appears frequently in both literal and symbolic contexts throughout Scripture. It often signifies divine completeness, perfection, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes, particularly in relation to the Messiah’s resurrection.

Part of speech: Numeral Adjective

Tags: three, numbers, completion, perfection, resurrection, divine patterns, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, numerology, symbolism, Trinity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​