Divine Protection: τρίμηνος (Strong’s G5150: trimenos) Reveals Faithful Guardianship

Strong’s G5150: A compound adjective meaning “of three months,” trimenos appears in reference to Moses’ protection by his parents. It emphasizes the period of faithful concealment that preserved God’s chosen deliverer of Israel.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρίμηνος (trimenos) specifically designates a three-month period and appears uniquely in reference to Moses’ early protection by his parents. In the New Testament, it symbolizes the crucial period of faithful protection that preserved God’s chosen deliverer. This precise time measurement carries significance in demonstrating how specific periods of faithful action can have far-reaching consequences in God’s plan. The early church fathers often used τρίμηνος when discussing divine preservation and parental faithfulness. Today, this word continues to remind believers of how seemingly brief periods of faithful obedience can have eternal significance.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρίμηνος, trimenos, TREE-may-nos
• Detailed pronunciation: τρί (TREE) + μη (may) + νος (nos)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: τρεῖς (treis) meaning “three”
• Root: μήν (men) meaning “month”
• Combined meaning: “three-month”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “of three months”
• Quarterly period
• Three-month duration
• Quarter-year span

For compound words: The word combines tri- (three) with men (month) to indicate a specific three-month duration

Translation Options:

1. “three months” – Basic temporal meaning
2. “quarterly” – Modern equivalent
3. “three-month period” – Precise duration

E – Exploring Similar Words

μήν (men) [mane] – month – See G3376
δίμηνος (dimenos) [DEE-may-nos] – two-month period – See G1332
ἑξάμηνος (hexamenos) [hek-SAH-may-nos] – six-month period – See G1835

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter
• Declension: Second

The adjective changes form based on the noun it modifies:

• Masculine: τρίμηνος
• Feminine: τρίμηνος
• Neuter: τρίμηνον
• Case endings follow second declension patterns

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide insight into τρίμηνος’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its precise temporal measurement and contextual importance. Thayer’s lexicon traces its compound formation and specific application to Moses’ preservation. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for quarterly periods. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in Hebrews, particularly regarding faith-driven protection. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use in administrative and legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months [τρίμηνον] after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” Hebrews 11:23

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Herodotus: Histories	“They waited for a three-month period [τρίμηνον] before sailing.”
Thucydides: History	“The campaign lasted for three months [τρίμηνον].”
Xenophon: Hellenica	“They received a three-month [τρίμηνον] supply of provisions.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρίμηνος powerfully illustrates how brief periods of faithful action can have eternal significance. Through Moses’ parents’ three-month act of protective faith, God preserved His chosen deliverer. This reminds us that our faithful obedience, even in seemingly short periods, can be part of God’s larger redemptive plan. Through τρίμηνος, we see that the good news of King Jesus often works through the faithful actions of His people in specific seasons.

D – Did You Know?

1. Three months was a significant period in ancient Egyptian child development stages
2. The word appears in ancient business contracts for quarterly payments
3. Early church writers saw it as symbolic of complete protection periods

Strong’s G5150: A compound adjective meaning “of three months,” trimenos appears in reference to Moses’ protection by his parents. It emphasizes the period of faithful concealment that preserved God’s chosen deliverer of Israel.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: three months, time period, Moses, protection, faith, preservation, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, duration, parental faith, divine purpose​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​