Lexical Summary tetraplous: Fourfold Original Word: τετραπλοῦς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fourfold. From tessares and a derivative of the base of pleistos; quadruple -- fourfold. see GREEK tessares see GREEK pleistos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tessares and perhaps ploos Definition fourfold NASB Translation four times (1), four times as much (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5073: τετραπλῶςτετραπλῶς (τετραπλοῦς), τετραπλοη (τετραπλῇ), τετραπλων (τετραπλοῦν) (from τέτρα, and πλως, to which corresponds the Latin-plus induplus, triplus, from ΠΛΑΩ (but cf. Vanicek, p. 501)), quadruple, fourfold: Luke 19:8. (The Sept.; Xenophon, Josephus, Plutarch, others.) Topical Lexicon Overview of the ConceptStrong’s Greek 5073 (τετραπλοῦν) expresses the idea of giving or repaying “fourfold.” Although it appears only once in the Greek New Testament (Luke 19:8), the notion of fourfold restitution is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and carries enduring theological and pastoral implications. Old Testament Background The Mosaic Law established a pattern of restitution that often required a thief to restore multiples of what was stolen. Exodus 22:1 stipulates: “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.” David, confronted by Nathan after his sin with Bathsheba, judged that the offender in Nathan’s parable “must pay for the lamb four times over” (2 Samuel 12:6), reflecting an ingrained expectation that genuine repentance entails more than mere replacement. These passages frame fourfold repayment not as arbitrary penalty, but as a tangible demonstration of justice coupled with repentance. Usage in the New Testament Luke 19:8 presents the sole New Testament occurrence: “But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.’”. Here τετραπλοῦν underscores the depth of Zacchaeus’s transformation. The tax collector moves from exploitation to restitution, aligning his response with the highest Old Testament standard. His pledge functions as public evidence of a new heart, verifying the authenticity of his faith before witnesses and before Christ Himself. Theological Significance 1. Evidence of Repentance Zacchaeus’s promise illustrates the biblical principle that genuine repentance produces measurable fruit (Matthew 3:8). Fourfold restitution is not the means of salvation but the outworking of it, affirming that grace never leaves a person unchanged. 2. Justice Tempered by Mercy God’s law demands restitution to protect victims and restore social harmony. By setting restitution in multiples, Scripture demonstrates that wrongdoing bears real cost, yet allows the offender a defined path to restoration, reflecting the character of a God who is both just and merciful. 3. Christ’s Mission to Seek and Save The account concludes with Jesus proclaiming, “Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:9-10). The mention of τετραπλοῦν is integral to Luke’s narrative aim: showcasing the transformative power of Christ’s saving mission. Historical and Cultural Insights First-century tax collectors like Zacchaeus were often viewed as instruments of Roman oppression and notorious for fraud. In that context, a voluntary fourfold repayment would have astonished onlookers, signaling radical departure from accepted norms of greed. Early Christian writers—such as Tertullian and Cyprian—later cited Zacchaeus as a model of post-conversion generosity, reinforcing the Church’s teaching that tangible acts should accompany inner renewal. Practical Application for Ministry • Counseling and Church Discipline: When guiding a believer through repentance, pastors can reference fourfold restitution as a biblical precedent for concrete amends. Related Biblical Concepts • Restitution: Exodus 22; Leviticus 6:2-5 Conclusion Though τετραπλοῦν appears only once in the New Testament, it carries substantial weight. Rooted in the Torah and showcased in Zacchaeus’s story, fourfold restitution exemplifies heartfelt repentance, the pursuit of justice, and the transformative reach of Christ’s salvation—principles timelessly relevant for the Church’s witness and ministry. Forms and Transliterations τετραπλάσιον τετραπλουν τετραπλούν τετραπλοῦν τετραπλώς tetraploun tetraploûnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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