Perfect Design: τετράγωνος (Strong’s G5068: tetragonos) Reveals Heaven’s Architecture

Strong’s G5068: A compound adjective meaning “four-cornered” or “square,” from τετρα- (four) and γωνία (angle/corner). Used in Revelation to describe the New Jerusalem’s perfect symmetry, symbolizing divine completeness and architectural perfection.

U – Unveiling the Word

τετράγωνος represents perfect geometric symmetry and completeness in its description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16. As a compound word combining “four” and “angle,” it describes the city’s perfect square form, symbolizing divine order and completeness. The early church saw in this geometric perfection a reflection of God’s perfect design and the completeness of His redemptive work. This architectural feature of the heavenly city continues to remind believers that God’s eternal dwelling place with His people will manifest perfect order, beauty, and completion.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τετράγωνος, tetragonos, tet-rag’-o-nos
• Phonetic Guide: tet (as in “tent”) + rag + o + nos
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• τετρα- (tetra-) – prefix meaning “four”
• γωνία (gonia) – angle, corner
• Compound word literally meaning “four-angled”

D – Defining Meanings

• Square
• Four-cornered
• Having four equal sides

For compound words:

• τετρα- provides the numerical value four
• γωνία contributes the concept of angles or corners

Translation Options:

• “square” – emphasizes equal sides
• “four-cornered” – literal translation
• “foursquare” – traditional rendering

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τετράπους (tetrapous) – four-footed See G5074
• γωνία (gonia) – corner, angle See G1137
• τέσσαρες (tessares) – four See G5064

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjectival Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Masculine nominative: τετράγωνος
• Feminine nominative: τετράγωνος
• Neuter nominative: τετράγωνον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources reveal τετράγωνος’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its architectural precision. Thayer’s notes its symbolic representation of perfection. LSJ documents its use in classical architecture and geometry. Vine’s connects it to divine completeness. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from building contracts and architectural specifications. The combined evidence suggests τετράγωνος represented both literal geometric precision and symbolic perfection.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“The city is laid out as a square [τετράγωνος], and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal.” Revelation 21:16

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Plato: Republic	“The perfect state is built on a square [τετράγωνος] foundation.”
Euclid: Elements	“A square [τετράγωνος] figure has four equal sides and angles.”
Vitruvius: Architecture	“The temple court was perfectly square [τετράγωνος] in form.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

τετράγωνος symbolizes the perfect design of God’s eternal dwelling with His people. Its use in describing the New Jerusalem reveals that heaven’s architecture reflects divine completeness and order. This word proclaims that the Messiah is preparing a perfect city for His people, where every dimension reflects God’s completeness. It reminds us that our eternal home will manifest the perfect symmetry of God’s design and the completeness of His redemptive work.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient architects considered square designs the most perfect form
• The cube shape of the New Jerusalem reflects the Holy of Holies
• Early church writers saw symbolic meaning in the equal dimensions

Strong’s G5068: A compound adjective meaning “four-cornered” or “square,” from τετρα- (four) and γωνία (angle/corner). Used in Revelation to describe the New Jerusalem’s perfect symmetry, symbolizing divine completeness and architectural perfection.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: square, foursquare, New-Jerusalem, architecture, perfection, geometry, symmetry, heaven, completion, design​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​