Radical Restitution: τετραπλοῦς (Strong’s G5073: tetraplous) Shows True Repentance

Strong’s G5073: A compound adjective meaning “fourfold,” formed from τετρα- (four) and -πλοῦς (fold). Used in the context of Zacchaeus’s remarkable restitution, demonstrating genuine repentance through generous compensation that exceeded legal requirements for restoration of wrongfully acquired goods.

U- Unveiling the Word

τετραπλοῦς represents more than just a numerical multiplier in Scripture; it embodies the principle of generous restitution flowing from genuine repentance. This compound word combines the concept of “four” with a multiplying factor, creating the specific meaning of “fourfold” or “four times.” In its New Testament context, it appears in the powerful story of Zacchaeus’s conversion, where his promise of fourfold restitution exceeded both Roman law and Mosaic requirements. The early church saw this as a model of true repentance, where transformation leads to generous restoration. Today, it continues to challenge believers to demonstrate authentic faith through concrete actions that go beyond minimal requirements.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τετραπλοῦς, tetraplous, /te-tra-PLOOS/
• Detailed pronunciation: teh-trah-PLOOS (emphasis on PLOOS)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• τετρα- (tetra-) – prefix meaning “four”
• -πλοῦς (-plous) – suffix indicating multiplication or folding
• Derived from πλέκω (plekō) – “to fold” or “to multiply”

D – Defining Meanings

• Fourfold
• Four times the amount
• Quadruple

For compound words:
τετρα- (tetra-) establishes the base number four, while -πλοῦς (-plous) indicates multiplication, creating the meaning of multiplying by four or folding four times.

Translation Options:

• “Fourfold” – Most precise and traditional translation
• “Four times” – Modern equivalent emphasizing multiplication
• “Quadruple” – Technical equivalent preserving the meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διπλοῦς (diplous) /di-PLOOS/ – twofold, using a different numerical prefix. See G1362
• ἑκατονταπλασίων (hekatontaplasion) /he-ka-ton-ta-PLA-si-on/ – hundredfold, larger multiplier. See G1542
• πολλαπλασίων (pollaplasion) /pol-la-PLA-si-on/ – manifold, indefinite multiplier. See G4179

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as an Adjective:

• Case: Accusative
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter
• Declension: Second/Third mixed

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: τετραπλοῦς
• Genitive singular: τετραπλοῦ
• Dative singular: τετραπλῷ
• Accusative singular: τετραπλοῦν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes τετραπλοῦς’s significance in legal and ethical contexts, particularly noting its use in restitution scenarios. Thayer’s highlights its connection to Old Testament laws regarding restoration. LSJ provides evidence of its use in classical Greek for commercial and legal transactions. Vine’s explores its spiritual implications in the context of repentance and restoration. Strong’s details its mathematical precision and compound structure. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri for legal settlements and compensation agreements. The LEH notes its occurrence in the Septuagint regarding restitution laws, showing continuity between Old and New Testament concepts of justice and mercy.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him [fourfold] [τετραπλοῦς].” Luke 19:8

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τετραπλοῦς appears at a crucial moment in Luke’s Gospel, marking Zacchaeus’s transformation through his encounter with King Jesus. This word encapsulates the overflow of genuine repentance, showing how true conversion leads to generous restitution that exceeds legal requirements. Zacchaeus’s fourfold restoration proclaimed the good news that Jesus transforms not just hearts but actions, leading to concrete demonstrations of repentance that impact entire communities. This word continues to challenge believers to let their faith produce tangible fruit in generous restoration and economic justice.

D – Did You Know?

1. The fourfold restitution exceeded both Roman and Mosaic law requirements for most cases of theft.
2. This term was commonly used in ancient commercial contracts for penalty clauses.
3. Early church fathers often used this word as an example of perfect restitution, connecting it to the four Gospels.

Strong’s G5073: A compound adjective meaning “fourfold,” formed from τετρα- (four) and -πλοῦς (fold). Used in the context of Zacchaeus’s remarkable restitution, demonstrating genuine repentance through generous compensation that exceeded legal requirements for restoration of wrongfully acquired goods.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: multiplication, restitution, repentance, conversion, justice, restoration, transformation, generosity, numbers, ethics, salvation, Zacchaeus​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​