### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word τέταρτος (tetartos) is an ordinal numeral, directly meaning "fourth." It is derived from the cardinal number τέσσαρες (tessares, `{{G5064}}`), which signifies "four." Its semantic range is precise and narrow, primarily denoting position in a numerical sequence or a division into four equal parts. Consequently, it refers to the fourth item, person, event, or time period within a series, or a quarter of a whole.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term τέταρτος appears consistently in the New Testament, maintaining its core meaning of "fourth" across various contexts.
In the Gospels, τέταρτος primarily refers to a division of time:
* [[Matthew 14:25]]: "And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea."
* [[Mark 6:48]]: Similarly, "And about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea."
In these instances, the "fourth watch" (approximately 3 AM to 6 AM) signifies the darkest and final period of the night, often preceding dawn. It is a time when Jesus demonstrates His divine power and sovereignty over creation, revealing Himself in a moment of great need for His disciples.
In the book of Revelation, τέταρτος takes on a highly significant role, marking a precise sequence within God's unfolding apocalyptic plan:
* [[Revelation 4:7]]: "The fourth living creature was like a flying eagle." This creature is part of the four cherubim surrounding God's throne, symbolizing aspects of creation and divine majesty.
* [[Revelation 6:7]]: "When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, 'Come!'"
* [[Revelation 6:8]]: "And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth." Here, τέταρτος denotes both the sequence of the seal judgment and the specific, devastating scope of its impact—a quarter of the earth's population.
* [[Revelation 8:12]]: "The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. And a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night." This marks another stage in the trumpet judgments, affecting celestial bodies.
* [[Revelation 16:8]]: "The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire." This continues the sequence of divine judgments, intensifying the plagues upon the earth.
* [[Revelation 21:19]]: "The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald." This describes the precise order of the precious stones in the foundations of the New Jerusalem, emphasizing its divine construction and beauty.
Across these contexts, τέταρτος consistently points to a specific, ordered position within a series, underscoring divine precision and the structured unfolding of God's purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to τέταρτος is its cardinal root, τέσσαρες (tessares, `{{G5064}}`), meaning "four." Understanding the significance of the number four in biblical numerology often enriches the meaning of "fourth." The number four frequently symbolizes:
* **Universality or Completeness in Creation**: The four corners of the earth ([[Revelation 7:1]]), the four winds ([[Ezekiel 37:9]]), the four rivers of Eden ([[Genesis 2:10]]), and the four living creatures around God's throne ([[Revelation 4:6-8]]). This connection suggests that the "fourth" item in a series can relate to the created order or earthly scope.
* **Other Ordinal Numbers**: τέταρτος is part of a sequence of ordinal numbers (e.g., πρῶτος - first, `{{G4413}}`; δεύτερος - second, `{{G1208}}`; τρίτος - third, `{{G5154}}`). The consistent use of these ordinals emphasizes sequence, order, and progression in prophetic and narrative accounts, highlighting God's meticulous design and execution of His plans.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of τέταρτος is deeply interwoven with the contexts in which it appears, particularly in Revelation.
* **Divine Order and Precision**: The recurring use of "fourth" in Revelation's sequences of seals, trumpets, and bowls powerfully communicates the highly structured and divinely orchestrated nature of God's judgments. These events are not chaotic or random but unfold according to a precise, pre-determined plan, revealing God's absolute sovereignty over history and destiny.
* **Scope of Judgment and Sovereignty**: In [[Revelation 6:8]], the authority given to Death and Hades over "a fourth of the earth" is profoundly significant. This specific fraction indicates a devastating yet limited scope of judgment, highlighting that while divine wrath is real and severe, it is also measured and controlled by God. It signifies a partial, rather than total, destruction at this stage, leaving room for further events and the ultimate consummation.
* **Climax within a Sequence**: While "four" can denote earthly completeness, the "fourth" item in a series often marks a significant turning point or a new dimension of divine action. In the "fourth watch of the night," Christ's appearance signifies His mastery over the darkest hours. In Revelation, the fourth judgment often brings a distinct and intensified phase of suffering or cosmic disruption.
* **God's Unfolding Plan**: Each instance of τέταρτος serves as a marker in the unfolding of God's overarching redemptive and judgmental plan. It underscores that every event, even those of severe judgment, is a deliberate step in God's sovereign will, leading towards His ultimate purposes.
### Summary
τέταρτος (tetartos) is a Greek ordinal numeral meaning "fourth," derived from τέσσαρες (tessares, `{{G5064}}`), "four." While its basic meaning is straightforward, its usage in the New Testament, especially in Revelation, carries profound theological weight. In the Gospels, it denotes a specific time division—the "fourth watch of the night"—often associated with Christ's miraculous power and timely intervention. In Revelation, τέταρτος consistently marks a precise sequence within God's unfolding apocalyptic judgments (seals, trumpets, bowls), emphasizing the divine order and structured progression of these events. The specific mention of "a fourth of the earth" in [[Revelation 6:8]] highlights the measured yet devastating scope of divine wrath. Thus, τέταρτος functions as a critical indicator of divine precision, sequence, and the purposeful, sovereign unfolding of God's plan within the created order and human history.
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