Brief Overview of Πέτρος (Strong’s G4074: Petros)

Strong’s G4074: A masculine proper name meaning “rock” or “stone,” given by Jesus to Simon. Represents both a person and a profound theological truth about the foundational role of apostolic witness in the church. Distinguished from πέτρα (massive rock) as a detached stone.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πέτρος (Petros) represents both a personal name and a theological concept. Originally Simon, this name was given by Jesus to signify transformation and purpose. The distinction between πέτρος (detached stone) and πέτρα (bedrock) is significant, suggesting Peter’s role as built upon and witnessing to Christ, the true foundation. Early church writers extensively discussed this name’s significance in relation to church authority and apostolic witness. Today, it continues to illustrate how Christ transforms identity and purposes individuals for His kingdom work.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Πέτρος, Petros, pet’-ros
• Detailed pronunciation: pet (as in “pet”) + ros (as in “rose”)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:
Derived from πέτρα (petra), meaning “rock”
Masculine form created specifically as a name

D – Defining Meanings

• Stone
• Rock (detached piece)
• Peter (as proper name)
• Apostolic witness
• Foundation stone

Translation Options:

1. Peter – as proper name
2. Rock – literal meaning
3. Stone – emphasizing distinction from bedrock

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πέτρα (petra) [pet’-ra] – bedrock, massive rock
• λίθος (lithos) [lee’-thos] – stone, general term
• Κηφᾶς (Kēphas) [kay-fas’] – Aramaic equivalent of Peter

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Second Declension

Example forms:
Nominative: Πέτρος
Genitive: Πέτρου
Dative: Πέτρῳ
Accusative: Πέτρον

Cross-references:

• Related noun: πέτρα (bedrock)
• Aramaic equivalent: Κηφᾶς

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use as both name and theological concept. Thayer’s notes its relationship to πέτρα. LSJ documents its meaning as detached stone. Vine’s explores its significance in church foundation. Strong’s connects it to apostolic witness. Moulton and Milligan note its unique Christian usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called [Πέτρος]) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.” (Matthew 4:18)

Additional References:
Matthew 16:16-18
Mark 3:16
Luke 6:14
John 1:42
Acts 2:14
Galatians 2:7-8
1 Peter 1:1
2 Peter 1:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πέτρος beautifully illustrates Christ’s transforming power and purposeful calling. The good news of King Jesus includes His ability to take ordinary people like Simon and transform them into foundational witnesses of His kingdom. This name reminds us that Christ builds His church through transformed lives that witness to Him as the true foundation.

D – Did You Know?

1. First instance in history of petra being masculinized into a name.
2. Used extensively in early church art and inscriptions.
3. Influenced development of “Peter” as a common name worldwide.

Strong’s G4074: A masculine proper name derived from πέτρα, given by Jesus to Simon. Represents both personal transformation and apostolic witness. Distinguished from πέτρα as a detached stone, emphasizing dependence on Christ as ultimate foundation.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: #Peter #apostle #transformation #witness #church #foundation #name #Jesus #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #apostolicAuthority​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​