Sacred Testing: τρίς (Strong’s G5151: tris) Reveals Redemptive Purpose

Strong’s G5151: An adverb meaning “three times,” tris appears in significant New Testament contexts, particularly Peter’s denial and Paul’s prayers. It often symbolizes divine completeness or testing, marking pivotal moments in spiritual journeys.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρίς (tris) specifically denotes the occurrence of something three times. In the New Testament, it appears in pivotal moments of spiritual testing and divine revelation. Most notably, it marks Peter’s predicted denial and Paul’s prayers concerning his “thorn in the flesh.” The early church fathers often interpreted τρίς as indicating divine completeness or thorough testing. They saw special significance in triple occurrences, connecting them to trinitarian theology and complete spiritual processes. Today, this word continues to remind believers that God often works through repeated experiences to accomplish His purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρίς, tris, TREES
• Detailed pronunciation: τρίς (TREES)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• Root: τρεῖς (treis) meaning “three”
• Adverbial ending: -ις (-is)
• Combined meaning: “three times”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “three times”
• Thrice
• Triple occurrence
• Complete repetition

For compound words: Not applicable as τρίς is a simple adverb

Translation Options:

1. “three times” – Most precise meaning
2. “thrice” – Archaic but exact
3. “repeatedly” – When emphasizing pattern

E – Exploring Similar Words

τρεῖς (treis) [TRACE] – three – See G5140
τριπλόος (triploos) [tree-PLO-os] – triple – See G5149
πολλάκις (pollakis) [pol-LAH-kis] – many times – See G4178

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• As an adverb, τρίς is indeclinable
• No case changes
• No gender changes
• No number changes

The word remains unchanged regardless of its position or function in the sentence.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide rich insight into τρίς’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of divine testing and completion. Thayer’s lexicon notes its importance in prophetic utterances and fulfilled predictions. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for complete or thorough actions. Vine’s expands on its theological significance, particularly in contexts of testing and prayer. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use in legal and religious contexts requiring complete testimony.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times [τρίς].'” Matthew 26:34

Additional References:
Mark 14:30, Luke 22:34, John 13:38, 2 Corinthians 12:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρίς powerfully illustrates God’s work through repeated experiences to accomplish His purposes. Whether in Peter’s denial or Paul’s prayers, these triple occurrences mark complete divine processes. Through failure and testing, God brings about restoration and strength. The good news shines through τρίς as we see that even our moments of weakness or repeated trials serve God’s redemptive purposes, leading to deeper faith and more effective service.

D – Did You Know?

1. τρίς appears in ancient legal formulas requiring triple confirmation
2. Early Christians saw trinitarian significance in triple repetitions
3. It was used in Greek magical papyri for complete spiritual efficacy

Strong’s G5151: An adverb meaning “three times,” tris appears in significant New Testament contexts, particularly Peter’s denial and Paul’s prayers. It often symbolizes divine completeness or testing, marking pivotal moments in spiritual journeys.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: three times, repetition, testing, completion, Peter’s denial, prayer, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, divine process, restoration, spiritual growth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​