### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G5073 (τετραπλόος, *tetraplóos*) is a compound adjective derived from τέσσαρες (`{{G5064}}`, *tessares*), meaning "four," and a derivative of the base of πλεῖστος (`{{G4119}}`, *pleistos*), meaning "most" or "very many," here used in a multiplicative sense. Its core meaning is precisely "fourfold" or "quadruple." This term denotes a quantity or measure that is four times the original amount. Its semantic range is narrow and highly specific, referring exclusively to this numerical multiplication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5073 (τετραπλόος, *tetraplóos*) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 19:8]]**: "But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.'"
In this pivotal passage, Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, encounters Jesus. His declaration of restitution is a profound demonstration of repentance and transformation. The "fourfold" restitution (τετραπλόος) he pledges is significant. Under Mosaic Law, various forms of theft required different levels of restitution: typically double (e.g., [[Exodus 22:4]], [[Exodus 22:7]], [[Exodus 22:9]]), but specifically four or five times the value for stolen animals (e.g., [[Exodus 22:1]]). Zacchaeus's self-imposed penalty of "fourfold" for any ill-gotten gains aligns with the higher end of Old Testament restitution for certain offenses, and in some interpretations, exceeds the general requirement for theft. This goes beyond mere legal compliance, indicating a genuine and extraordinary change of heart, driven by a desire to make full amends and demonstrate true justice. His repentance is not merely verbal but is accompanied by concrete, costly actions that restore what was taken and more.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several terms and concepts are intrinsically linked to G5073 (τετραπλόος, *tetraplóos*) due to its singular biblical occurrence and root meaning:
* **τέσσαρες (`{{G5064}}`, *tessares*)**: The cardinal number "four," which is the direct numerical basis for "fourfold."
* **πλεῖστος (`{{G4119}}`, *pleistos*)**: The superlative of πολύς (`{{G4183}}`, *polys*), meaning "much" or "many." While πλεῖστος typically means "most" or "greatest," its derivative here contributes to the multiplicative sense, indicating a significant increase.
* **Restitution (ἀποδίδωμι, `{{G591}}`, *apodidōmi* - to give back/pay back)**: The act of making amends for wrong done, often by returning or repaying what was taken. Zacchaeus's pledge is a prime example of restitution, exceeding what was legally required for general theft.
* **Repentance (μετάνοια, `{{G3341}}`, *metanoia*)**: A fundamental theological concept involving a change of mind, heart, and direction, leading to a turning away from sin and toward God. Zacchaeus's actions illustrate the fruit of true repentance.
* **Justice (δικαιοσύνη, `{{G1343}}`, *dikaiosynē*)**: The quality of being morally right or just. Zacchaeus's restitution is an act of justice, seeking to right the wrongs he committed.
* **Generosity (δίδωμι, `{{G1325}}`, *didōmi* - to give)**: His pledge to give half of his possessions to the poor, alongside the fourfold restitution, demonstrates remarkable generosity and a radical reorientation of his priorities from self-enrichment to Christ-like benevolence.
* **Old Testament Law of Restitution**: Specific laws in the Pentateuch (e.g., [[Exodus 22:1]], [[Leviticus 6:5]], [[Numbers 5:7]]) mandated various levels of repayment for theft or damage, often double, but sometimes four or five times the value. Zacchaeus's "fourfold" payment resonates with these precedents, but his willingness to apply it universally to *any* person he cheated underscores the depth of his transformation.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of G5073 (τετραπλόος, *tetraplóos*) in [[Luke 19:8]] carries profound theological weight, primarily within the narrative of Zacchaeus's conversion:
1. **Evidence of True Repentance**: Zacchaeus's commitment to "fourfold" restitution serves as a powerful testament to the authenticity of his repentance. It is not merely a verbal confession but a costly, tangible demonstration of a changed heart. This illustrates that genuine repentance often involves making radical amends for past wrongs, going beyond minimum requirements.
2. **Exceeding Legalism**: While Old Testament law prescribed restitution, Zacchaeus's spontaneous and generous offer, particularly the "fourfold" repayment for *any* cheating, transcends mere legal obligation. It highlights a spirit of grace and a desire for radical righteousness that flows from an encounter with Christ, rather than adherence to a legal code. It exemplifies a heart transformed by love, willing to pay a high personal cost for restoration.
3. **The Transformative Power of Christ**: The encounter with Jesus prompts Zacchaeus to move from a life of extortion to one of extraordinary generosity and justice. The "fourfold" restitution is a direct consequence of Jesus's presence and the salvation He brings. It underscores the New Testament emphasis on inward transformation leading to outward action.
4. **Kingdom Ethics**: Zacchaeus's actions embody the ethical demands of the Kingdom of God, where justice, mercy, and radical generosity are paramount. His willingness to make such substantial restitution demonstrates a reordering of his life's priorities, valuing righteousness and reconciliation over material wealth. This narrative serves as a model for how the Kingdom's values should manifest in the lives of believers.
5. **Restoration and Reconciliation**: The "fourfold" payment is not just about financial compensation; it is deeply tied to the concept of restoration and reconciliation. It aims to heal the brokenness caused by injustice, both for the victim and, importantly, for the perpetrator, allowing Zacchaeus to find peace and right relationship with God and his community.
### Summary
The Greek word G5073 (τετραπλόος, *tetraplóos*), meaning "fourfold" or "quadruple," appears uniquely in [[Luke 19:8]]. In this verse, it describes the extraordinary restitution pledged by Zacchaeus, the tax collector, after his encounter with Jesus. His commitment to pay back "four times the amount" he had extorted signifies a profound and authentic repentance that transcends mere legal requirement, aligning with the higher end of Old Testament restitution for certain offenses. This "fourfold" act serves as a powerful theological statement, illustrating the transformative power of Christ, the true nature of repentance evidenced by costly action, and the ethical demands of the Kingdom of God that call for radical justice, generosity, and reconciliation. Zacchaeus's use of τετραπλόος encapsulates a pivotal moment of salvation, where an encounter with the divine leads to a complete reorientation of life and values.
TRV