Divine Multiplication: τρισχίλιοι (Strong’s G5153: trischilioi) Reveals Pentecost Growth

Strong’s G5153: A cardinal number meaning “three thousand,” trischilioi appears in Acts describing the dramatic growth of the early church at Pentecost. The number symbolizes supernatural increase and divine blessing in the establishment of God’s new covenant community.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρισχίλιοι (trischilioi) represents the number three thousand and appears uniquely in Acts to document the explosive growth of the church at Pentecost. This dramatic numerical increase demonstrated the Holy Spirit’s power and fulfilled prophetic expectations of the new covenant’s reach. The early church fathers often referenced τρισχίλιοι when discussing church growth and the Spirit’s work in conversion. Today, this word continues to inspire believers with its testimony to God’s ability to bring dramatic spiritual transformation and growth to His church.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρισχίλιοι, trischilioi, trees-KILL-ee-oy
• Detailed pronunciation: τρισ (trees) + χί (KILL) + λι (lee) + οι (oy)
• Part of Speech: Numeral Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: τρεῖς (treis) meaning “three”
• Root: χίλιοι (chilioi) meaning “thousand”
• Combined meaning: “three thousand”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “three thousand”
• Three times one thousand
• Large numerical quantity
• Significant multitude

For compound words: The word combines tris- (three) with chilioi (thousand) to form the precise number three thousand

Translation Options:

1. “three thousand” – Precise numerical translation
2. “thousands” – When emphasizing magnitude
3. “multitude of three thousand” – Expanded meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

χίλιοι (chilioi) [KILL-ee-oy] – thousand – See G5507
δισχίλιοι (dischilioi) [dis-KILL-ee-oy] – two thousand – See G1367
πεντακισχίλιοι (pentakischilioi) [pen-ta-kis-KILL-ee-oy] – five thousand – See G4000

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Plural by nature
• Gender: Agrees with modified noun
• Declension: First/Second

The numeral changes form based on gender:

• Masculine: τρισχίλιοι
• Feminine: τρισχίλιαι
• Neuter: τρισχίλια

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide insight into τρισχίλιοι’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its unique appearance in Acts and historical significance. Thayer’s lexicon notes its compound formation and precise numerical value. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for large quantities. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in Acts, particularly regarding church growth. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use in administrative and historical records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand [τρισχίλιοι] were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:41

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τρισχίλιοι in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρισχίλιοι powerfully illustrates the supernatural growth of God’s kingdom through the Holy Spirit’s work. Its appearance at Pentecost marks a pivotal moment in salvation history, where the gospel’s power was demonstrated through mass conversion. Through this number, we see God’s ability to transform lives on a massive scale, reminding us that the good news of the Messiah has power to reach and change multitudes.

D – Did You Know?

1. Three thousand represents the largest single-day conversion in the New Testament
2. This number surpassed the size of many ancient city populations
3. Early church writers saw it as fulfilling Joel’s prophecy of Spirit outpouring

Strong’s G5153: A cardinal number meaning “three thousand,” trischilioi appears in Acts describing the dramatic growth of the early church at Pentecost. The number symbolizes supernatural increase and divine blessing in the establishment of God’s new covenant community.

Part of speech: Numeral Adjective

Tags: three thousand, numbers, Pentecost, church growth, conversion, Holy Spirit, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, evangelism, multiplication, early church​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​