Lexical Summary tris: Thrice, three times Original Word: τρίς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance three times, thrice. Adverb from treis; three times -- three times, thrice. see GREEK treis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from treis Definition three times NASB Translation three times (12). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5151: τρίςτρίς (τρεῖς), adverb, thrice: Matthew 26:34, 75; Mark 14:30, 72; Luke 22:34, 61; John 13:38; 2 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 12:8; ἐπί τρίς (see ἐπί, C. I. 2 d., p. 235a bottom), Acts 10:16; Acts 11:10. (From Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Overview of “Thrice” in New Testament Usage The adverb τρίς (Strong’s 5151) marks an action repeated exactly three times. Its occurrence twelve times in the Greek New Testament forms a pattern of emphatic confirmation. In Hebrew culture a double witness established truth; a triple reiteration raises the matter to fullest certainty (compare Genesis 41:32). Thus, τρίς signals events or statements that God wants unmistakably established. Peter’s Triple Denial and Subsequent Restoration Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all preserve Jesus’ prophecy and its fulfillment: “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times” (Matthew 26:34; cf. Mark 14:30; Luke 22:34; John 13:38). The threefold denial (Matthew 26:75; Mark 14:72; Luke 22:61) highlights the completeness of Peter’s failure, while also setting the stage for the risen Lord’s threefold restoration, “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15-17, though τρίς is not used there). Believers are reminded that even total failure can be met with complete forgiveness and recommissioning through Christ. The Heavenly Vision to Peter: Inclusion of the Gentiles Acts 10:16 and 11:10 record that the sheet of clean and unclean animals was lowered and taken up “three times.” The thrice-repeated vision assures Peter—and the early Church—that God’s command to “call no man common or unclean” is irrevocable. The repetition dispels hesitation in crossing long-standing cultural walls, anchoring the gospel’s reach to every nation. Paul’s Record of Triple Hardships Paul uses τρίς in 2 Corinthians 11:25 to catalog his sufferings: “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked.” The apostle’s résumé of trials demonstrates both the authenticity of his apostleship and the sufficiency of divine grace amid repeated affliction. Paul’s Threefold Plea Concerning the Thorn “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me” (2 Corinthians 12:8). The completed cycle of petitions ends with Christ’s answer, “My grace is sufficient for you.” The numeric emphasis underscores that earnest, persistent prayer is right, yet God’s sovereign response may redirect the petitioner from removal to reliance. Symbolic and Theological Import of Triple Repetition 1. Assurance of divine determination (Genesis 41:32 principle). Practical Ministry Applications • Pastoral counsel: Genuine repentance meets complete restoration; Peter’s example encourages those crippled by failure. Historical Christian Reflection Church fathers often saw in the triple denial and triple vision an echo of the triune God working redemption’s fullness: the Father’s plan, the Son’s accomplishment, and the Spirit’s application. Liturgical traditions sometimes incorporate threefold acclamations (“Holy, holy, holy”) to mirror this biblical pattern of completeness. In every occurrence, τρίς heightens certainty, urging readers to receive God’s word as settled, His grace as sufficient, and His mission as universally expansive. Forms and Transliterations ετρίσσευσαν τρις τρίς τρὶς τρισκαίδεκα τρισκαιδεκάτη τρισκαιδέκατος τρισκαιδεκάτου τρισκαιδεκάτω τρισσαί τρισσεύσεις τρισσεύσω τρισσή τρισσοί τρισσούς τρισσώς τρισσώσατε τριστάται τριστάταις τριστάτας τριστάτην τριστάτης tris trís trìsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 26:34 AdvGRK: ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι τρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με NAS: crows, you will deny Me three times. KJV: thou shalt deny me thrice. INT: rooster crows three times you will deny me Matthew 26:75 Adv Mark 14:30 Adv Mark 14:72 Adv Luke 22:34 Adv Luke 22:61 Adv John 13:38 Adv Acts 10:16 Adv Acts 11:10 Adv 2 Corinthians 11:25 Adv 2 Corinthians 11:25 Adv 2 Corinthians 12:8 Adv |
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