Strong’s G5147: A feminine noun meaning “path” or “beaten track,” tribos appears in prophecies about preparing the way for the Messiah. It symbolizes the spiritual preparation and straightening of paths for God’s coming, particularly in John the Baptist’s ministry.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρίβος (tribos) represents a well-worn path or beaten track, created through consistent use. In the New Testament, it appears specifically in quotations from Isaiah regarding preparation for the Messiah’s coming. Its use emphasizes both the physical preparation of roads for important visitors and the spiritual preparation needed in human hearts. The early church fathers frequently used τρίβος when discussing spiritual preparation and the path of righteousness. Today, this word continues to remind believers about the importance of preparing their hearts and making straight paths for the Lord’s work in their lives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρίβος, tribos, TREE-bos
• Detailed pronunciation: τρί (TREE) + βος (bos)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τρίβω (tribo) meaning “to rub” or “wear down”
• Derivational ending: -ος (-os)
• Basic meaning: “worn path”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “beaten path”
• Well-worn track
• Established route
• Prepared way

For compound words: Not applicable as τρίβος is a simple noun

Translation Options:

1. “path” – Basic physical meaning
2. “beaten track” – Emphasizing established use
3. “highway” – In prophetic contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

ὁδός (hodos) [ho-DOS] – way, road – See G3598
ἀτραπός (atrapos) [ah-tra-POS] – path, trail – See G824
πορεία (poreia) [po-RAY-ah] – journey, way – See G4197

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Second declension

Greek nouns change form based on their function:

• Nominative: τρίβος (subject)
• Genitive: τρίβου (possession)
• Dative: τρίβῳ (indirect object)
• Accusative: τρίβον (direct object)
• Plural forms add appropriate endings

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into τρίβος’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its connection to preparatory work for important visitors. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from physical paths to spiritual preparation. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for well-established routes. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in Messianic prophecy. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage, particularly in prophetic texts. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use in documents about road maintenance and travel.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths [τρίβους] for Him.”‘” Matthew 3:3

Additional References:
Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρίβος beautifully illustrates the preparation needed for divine visitation. Just as ancient roads were prepared for royal visitors, John the Baptist called people to prepare their hearts for the Messiah. This word reminds us that God’s coming requires intentional preparation and straightening of our spiritual paths. Through τρίβος, we see that the good news includes not only the Messiah’s arrival but also the privilege of preparing ourselves and others for His transforming presence.

D – Did You Know?

1. τρίβος often referred to trade routes in ancient times
2. It implied regular maintenance and preparation
3. Early Christians saw it as a metaphor for discipleship

Strong’s G5147: A feminine noun meaning “path” or “beaten track,” tribos appears in prophecies about preparing the way for the Messiah. It symbolizes the spiritual preparation and straightening of paths for God’s coming, particularly in John the Baptist’s ministry.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: path, way, preparation, John the Baptist, prophecy, Isaiah, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, spiritual preparation, repentance, discipleship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​