Lexical Summary triménon: Three months Original Word: τρίμηνον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance three months. Neuter of a compound of treis and men as noun; a three months' space -- three months. see GREEK treis see GREEK men NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originneut. of a comp. of treis and mén Definition of three months NASB Translation three months (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5150: τρίμηνοςτρίμηνος, τρίμηνον (τρεῖς and μήν), of three months (Sophocles, Aristotle, Theophrastus, others); neuter used as a substantive, a space of three months (Polybius, Plutarch, 2 Kings 24:8): Hebrews 11:23. Topical Lexicon Overview of Biblical Usage Strong’s Greek 5150 appears a single time in the New Testament, Hebrews 11:23, to mark a span of three months. Although lexically simple, the word frames a pivotal moment in redemptive history: the concealment of the infant Moses. By highlighting this brief period, Scripture underscores themes of faith, providence, and courageous obedience despite hostile cultural pressures. Context of Hebrews 11:23 “By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict” (Hebrews 11:23). The Epistle to the Hebrews rehearses the faith of Israel’s heroes to exhort believers to persevering trust. The three-month concealment stands at the head of Moses’ story, illustrating that God’s deliverer was himself delivered through a parental faith willing to defy Pharaoh’s genocidal decree (Exodus 1:22). The writer of Hebrews presents this act as the first link in a chain that will culminate in Israel’s exodus, covenant, and wilderness journey—all pointing forward to the ultimate deliverance accomplished in Christ. Intertextual Parallels with Exodus 2:2 Exodus 2:2 records the same interval in Hebrew narrative form: “When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months.” The Greek Septuagint likewise uses a cognate of 5150 (τριμὴνον) in this verse, making Hebrews 11:23 a direct echo of the foundational text. The writer thus binds together Law and Gospel, anchoring new-covenant faith in old-covenant precedent. Symbolism of the Three-Month Period Three months equals roughly ninety days, a fraction of a year that allows time for observation yet demands decisive action before circumstances become untenable. In Moses’ case, the period ends when the child can no longer be hidden; faith must then transition from secrecy to public trust as the infant is placed in the Nile (Exodus 2:3). The span therefore illustrates the rhythm of faith: initial stewardship of what God entrusts, followed by surrender to His larger purposes when human control expires. Historical Background Pharaoh’s order to cast every Hebrew male infant into the Nile (Exodus 1:22) reflects state-sponsored persecution aimed at annihilating Israel’s future. Within that oppressive context, Amram and Jochebed’s three-month defiance signals that reverence for God supersedes fear of earthly authority (compare Acts 5:29). Their courage would have resonated with the first-century recipients of Hebrews, some of whom faced social ostracism and the threat of imperial hostility. Related Biblical Motifs of Three-Month Intervals While 5150 itself is rare, Scripture records other significant three-month periods: These examples associate a three-month span with divine testing, protection, and transition, themes consonant with Hebrews 11:23. Theological Significance 1. Providence and Sovereignty: The limited window underlines God’s meticulous oversight. Even seemingly minor timeframes are orchestrated for overarching redemptive ends (Romans 8:28). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Encouragement for Christian parents raising children in secular cultures: invest early, steward faithfully, and trust God’s providence when control must be relinquished. Conclusion Though occurring only once, Strong’s Greek 5150 spotlights a decisive three-month period that shaped the course of salvation history. The term invites believers to value small windows of faithful action, confident that God weaves even the shortest spans into His grand design. Forms and Transliterations τριμηνον τρίμηνον τριόδους τριπλαί trimenon trimēnon trímenon trímēnonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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