### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **tetartaîos**, represented by `{{G5066}}`, pertains to the **fourth day**. It appears **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its singular use marks a specific and critical point in time, emphasizing the duration of a condition to highlight the significance of the event it describes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5066}}` is used to establish the dire circumstances surrounding the death of Lazarus. When Jesus `{{G2424}}` commands the stone to be taken away from the tomb, Martha `{{G3136}}`, the sister `{{G79}}` of the deceased, objects. She states that her brother has been dead **four days** [[John 11:39]], underscoring the perceived finality of the situation and the onset of physical decay.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from this context clarify the gravity of the situation:
* `{{G2348}}` **thnḗskō** (to die): This word describes the state of Lazarus, the one who was **dead** [[John 11:39]]. Martha uses the same root to express her belief that if Jesus had been present earlier, her brother would not have **died** [[John 11:21]].
* `{{G2235}}` **ḗdē** (by this time): Martha uses this adverb to stress that too much time has passed, saying "**by this time** he stinketh" [[John 11:39]]. It signifies a state that is already well-established.
* `{{G3605}}` **ózō** (to scent (usually an ill "odor")): This word describes the direct physical consequence of being dead for four days. Martha’s statement that Lazarus **stinketh** [[John 11:39]] is a blunt confirmation of death and decay.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5066}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, providing a crucial detail that magnifies the subsequent miracle.
* **Establishing the Reality of Death:** The mention of **four days** is not incidental. It serves to establish the irreversible reality of Lazarus's death from a human perspective, as confirmed by Martha's protest that he already stinks [[John 11:39]].
* **Demonstrating Divine Authority:** By raising a man who had been dead for **four days**, Jesus `{{G2424}}` demonstrates his absolute power as Lord `{{G2962}}` over death and decay. The specific time frame eliminates any doubt about the miracle's authenticity.
* **Setting the Stage for a Sign:** The detail provided by `{{G5066}}` ensures the miracle is understood not as a mere resuscitation, but as a profound sign of Jesus's identity and power over the most definitive human endpoint.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5066}}` is a precise temporal marker with significant narrative and theological purpose. Though used only once, **tetartaîos** is essential to the account in John 11. It establishes the certainty and finality of Lazarus's death, thereby amplifying the power of Jesus Christ, who demonstrates that even a body that has been in a tomb for **four days** is subject to His command.
TRV