Resurrection Promise: τρίτος (Strong’s G5154: tritos) Reveals Victory’s Dawn

Strong’s G5154: An ordinal number meaning “third,” tritos appears prominently in resurrection prophecies and fulfillment. Its usage particularly emphasizes the timing of the Messiah’s resurrection “on the third day,” marking the definitive moment of victory over death.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρίτος (tritos) serves as the ordinal number “third” and carries profound theological significance in the New Testament. Most importantly, it appears in prophecies and accounts of Jesus’ resurrection “on the third day,” marking this timing as divinely appointed. Beyond resurrection contexts, it also appears in various biblical patterns and sequences where completion or divine purpose is emphasized. The early church fathers frequently highlighted τρίτος when discussing the resurrection’s timing and its fulfillment of prophecy. Today, this word continues to remind believers of God’s perfect timing and the victory secured through the Messiah’s resurrection.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρίτος, tritos, TREE-tos
• Detailed pronunciation: τρί (TREE) + τος (tos)
• Part of Speech: Adjective (Ordinal Number)

Etymology:

• Root: τρεῖς (treis) meaning “three”
• Suffix: -τος (-tos) forming ordinal number
• Combined meaning: “third”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “third”
• Third in sequence
• Third in order
• Third portion

For compound words: Not applicable as τρίτος is a simple ordinal number

Translation Options:

1. “third” – Basic ordinal meaning
2. “third one” – When used substantively
3. “third part” – When indicating portion

E – Exploring Similar Words

τρεῖς (treis) [TRACE] – three – See G5140
τριπλόος (triploos) [tree-PLO-os] – triple – See G5149
τετάρτος (tetartos) [teh-TAR-tos] – fourth – See G5067

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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

The adjective changes form based on the noun it modifies:

• Masculine: τρίτος
• Feminine: τρίτη
• Neuter: τρίτον
• Case endings follow regular adjective patterns

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide rich insight into τρίτος’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its crucial role in resurrection prophecies and fulfillment. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from cardinal to ordinal number. LSJ documents its extensive use in classical Greek for sequences and portions. Vine’s expands on its theological significance, particularly regarding the resurrection. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its common use in administrative and legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third [τρίτῃ] day be raised to life.” Matthew 16:21

Additional References:
Matthew 17:23, Luke 24:7, John 2:1, 1 Corinthians 15:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρίτος powerfully connects to the central event of Christian faith – the resurrection of Jesus. Its repeated use in prophecies and fulfillment emphasizes God’s sovereign timing and faithful completion of His promises. This word reminds us that the good news isn’t just about the Messiah’s death, but His victorious resurrection “on the third day,” demonstrating His power over death and securing our hope of eternal life.

D – Did You Know?

1. The phrase “on the third day” appears over 40 times in Scripture
2. Early Christians saw the third day pattern throughout the Old Testament
3. Ancient Jewish burial customs made the third day significant for resurrection claims

Strong’s G5154: An ordinal number meaning “third,” tritos appears prominently in resurrection prophecies and fulfillment. Its usage particularly emphasizes the timing of the Messiah’s resurrection “on the third day,” marking the definitive moment of victory over death.

Part of speech: Adjective (Ordinal Number)

Tags: third, resurrection, prophecy, fulfillment, divine timing, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, ordinal numbers, victory, completion, third day​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​