Lexical Summary tritos: Third Original Word: τρίτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance thirdOrdinal from treis; third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly -- third(-ly). see GREEK treis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originord. num. from treis Definition third NASB Translation third (47), third one (1), third time (8). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5154: τρίτοςτρίτος, τρίτῃ, τρίτον, the third: with substantives, Mark 15:25; Luke 24:21; Acts 2:15; 2 Corinthians 12:2; Revelation 4:7; Revelation 6:5; Revelation 8:10; Revelation 11:14, etc.; τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρα, Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:23; Matthew 20:19; Mark 9:31 (Rec.); Topical Lexicon Frequency and Distribution The adjective translated “third” (Strong’s Greek 5154) appears fifty-six times across twelve New Testament books. It marks time (days, hours, watches), sequence (third son, third visit), proportion (a third part), and identity (third living creature, third angel). The word therefore moves freely between historical narrative, apostolic correspondence, and prophetic vision, binding them together by a common vocabulary of ordered progression. Chronological Marker in Narrative Flow Writers often employ “third” to establish a precise timeline. Mark records, “It was the third hour when they crucified Him” (Mark 15:25), anchoring the Passion event in the morning hours. Luke notes the shipwreck story: “On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands” (Acts 27:19). Such details give the narratives credibility and allow readers to trace God’s sovereign control over unfolding events. Christ’s Resurrection and the “Third Day” The phrase “on the third day” forms a golden thread in the Gospels and Acts: • “He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Luke 9:22). This recurring declaration fulfills prophetic patterns (Hosea 6:2; Jonah 1:17) and certifies the reliability of Jesus’ own predictions (Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19). The “third day” becomes shorthand for the climactic victory of the gospel—suffering answered by resurrection, death swallowed up by life. The Third Hour and the Rhythm of Prayer Peter explains the Pentecost phenomenon by reminding the audience, “These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day!” (Acts 2:15). Early Christian tradition subsequently adopted the third hour (approximately 9 a.m.) as a set time for prayer, joining first-century believers to the rhythm of temple devotion and testifying that the Spirit’s outpouring sanctifies ordinary hours. Three-fold Patterns in Jesus’ Ministry The adjective frequently highlights repetition designed to expose the heart. In Gethsemane, “He prayed the third time, saying the same thing once more” (Matthew 26:44). After the resurrection, “This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples” (John 21:14), and He asked Peter “the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’” (John 21:17). Each triad probes deeper, driving home lessons of submission, assurance, and restoration. Paul’s Emphasis on the Third Visit Twice Paul reminds the Corinthians, “Now for the third time I am ready to come to you” (2 Corinthians 12:14; 13:1). The stated number underscores patient forbearance as well as final accountability: witnesses had been established; now discipline or affirmation would follow. Similarly, his catalogue of church gifts lists “third teachers” (1 Corinthians 12:28), signaling ordered plurality rather than hierarchy. “Third” in Apocalyptic Imagery Revelation employs “third” more than all other books combined. One-third of the earth, trees, sea, rivers, sun, moon, stars, and even mankind are struck (Revelation 8:7-12; 9:15, 18). Judgment is real yet restrained; two-thirds remain, leaving room for repentance. The dragon’s tail sweeps “a third of the stars” (Revelation 12:4), hinting at limited but significant rebellion. Seals, trumpets, bowls, angels, and foundations all bear the ordinal, weaving the concept of measured severity and orderly completion into eschatological hope. The Third Heaven Paul speaks of a man “caught up to the third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12:2), a realm beyond the visible sky and stellar heavens, where the presence of God is unveiled. The reference reassures believers that revelation is granted according to God’s sovereign initiative and that the unseen world is structured and purposeful. Theological and Pastoral Themes 1. Fulfillment: The “third day” confirms God’s promises and the integrity of Scripture. Practical Application for Contemporary Ministry • Preach the resurrection with “third day” confidence; it is the New Testament’s central chronological marker of hope. Strong’s 5154 therefore points beyond mere counting; it testifies to a Lord who governs time, sequence, and proportion to accomplish redemption and final restoration. Forms and Transliterations τριτη τρίτη τρίτῃ τριτην τρίτην τριτης τρίτης τρίτοι τριτον τρίτον τριτος τρίτος τριτου τρίτου τρίτους τρίτω τρίχαπτα τριχάπτω trite tritē tríte trítē trítei trítēi triten tritēn tríten trítēn trites tritēs trítes trítēs triton tríton tritos trítos tritou trítouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 16:21 Adj-DFSGRK: καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι NAS: and be raised up on the third day. KJV: and be raised again the third day. INT: and the third day to be raised Matthew 17:23 Adj-DFS Matthew 20:3 Adj-AFS Matthew 20:19 Adj-DFS Matthew 22:26 Adj-NMS Matthew 26:44 Adj-GNS Matthew 27:64 Adj-GFS Mark 12:21 Adj-NMS Mark 14:41 Adj-ANS Mark 15:25 Adj-NFS Luke 9:22 Adj-DFS Luke 12:38 Adj-DFS Luke 13:32 Adj-DFS Luke 18:33 Adj-DFS Luke 20:12 Adj-AMS Luke 20:31 Adj-NMS Luke 23:22 Adj-ANS Luke 24:7 Adj-DFS Luke 24:21 Adj-AFS Luke 24:46 Adj-DFS John 2:1 Adj-DFS John 21:14 Adj-ANS John 21:17 Adj-ANS John 21:17 Adj-ANS Acts 2:15 Adj-NFS Strong's Greek 5154 |
    |