Brief Overview of πέτρα (Strong’s G4073: petra)

Strong’s G4073: A noun meaning “rock” or “massive bedrock.” In biblical contexts, symbolizes stability, security, and foundation, particularly used metaphorically of Christ and faith-based foundations. Distinguished from πέτρος (individual stone), πέτρα represents immovable bedrock.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πέτρα (petra) refers to solid rock or bedrock, emphasizing immovability and permanence. In the New Testament, it carries profound theological significance, used both literally and metaphorically. Jesus employs it in His parable of the wise builder and in naming Peter (πέτρος), while Paul identifies Christ as the spiritual rock (πέτρα). Early church writers developed this imagery to discuss Christ’s role as the church’s foundation and the stability of faith. Today, it continues to represent the unshakeable foundation of faith in Christ and the security found in building life on His teachings.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πέτρα, petra, pet’-ra
• Detailed pronunciation: pet (as in “pet”) + ra (as in “raw”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:
From Proto-Indo-European *per- (through, forward) extended to mean “that which one comes through/against”

D – Defining Meanings

• Massive rock
• Bedrock
• Cliff
• Rocky ground
• Foundation stone

Translation Options:

1. Bedrock – emphasizes foundational nature
2. Massive rock – captures size and stability
3. Rocky outcrop – describes natural formation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πέτρος (petros) [pet’-ros] – stone, smaller rock
• λίθος (lithos) [lee’-thos] – stone, general term
• κρημνός (krēmnos) [krame-nos’] – steep rock, cliff

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• First Declension

Example forms:
Nominative singular: πέτρα
Genitive singular: πέτρας
Dative plural: πέτραις

Cross-references:

• Adjective: πετρώδης (rocky)
• Verb: πετρόω (to petrify)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its distinction from πέτρος. Thayer’s notes its metaphorical applications. LSJ documents various geological contexts. Vine’s connects it to Christ as foundation. Strong’s highlights its immovable nature. Moulton and Milligan note its use in describing permanent structures.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock [πέτρα].” (Matthew 7:24)

Additional References:
Matthew 16:18
Matthew 27:51
Mark 15:46
Luke 6:48
Romans 9:33
1 Corinthians 10:4
1 Peter 2:8
Revelation 6:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πέτρα powerfully illustrates the unshakeable foundation of faith in Christ. The good news of King Jesus is that He is our eternal rock, providing both stability and security. This word reminds us that building our lives on Christ and His teachings ensures spiritual stability against life’s storms.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient architecture texts to describe foundation stones.
2. Early Christians carved churches into rock faces, inspired by this term.
3. Influenced Christian symbolism of stability and permanence.

Strong’s G4073: A noun denoting massive rock or bedrock, symbolizing stability and security. Used metaphorically for Christ as foundation and the immovable nature of true faith. Distinguished from πέτρος by emphasizing larger, immovable rock formations.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #rock #foundation #stability #Christ #church #security #faith #teaching #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #spiritualFoundation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​