### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **treîs**, represented by `{{G5140}}`, is a primary number meaning **three**. It appears 69 times across 60 unique verses in the Bible, establishing it as a significant number in various scriptural contexts, particularly concerning time, testimony, and divine groupings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5140}}` is frequently used to denote specific periods of time. Jesus speaks of raising the **temple** `{{G3485}}` in **three** `{{G5140}}` **days** `{{G2250}}` [[John 2:19]], a period that also marks the time he would be in the **heart** `{{G2588}}` of the **earth** `{{G1093}}` [[Matthew 12:40]]. The word is also central to establishing testimony, as seen in the principle that every **word** `{{G4487}}` should be established by the **mouth** `{{G4750}}` of two or **three** `{{G5140}}` **witnesses** `{{G3144}}` [[2 Corinthians 13:1]]. Furthermore, it appears in divine contexts, such as the **three** `{{G5140}}` that **bear record** `{{G3140}}` in **heaven** `{{G3772}}`: the **Father** `{{G3962}}`, the **Word** `{{G3056}}`, and the **Holy** `{{G40}}` **Ghost** `{{G4151}}` [[1 John 5:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help contextualize the use of `{{G5140}}`:
* `{{G5154}}` **trítos** (third): The ordinal form of 'three', it is used to mark sequence, such as Jesus being raised again the **third** `{{G5154}}` day [[Matthew 16:21]] or an event occurring for the **third** `{{G5154}}` time [[2 Corinthians 13:1]].
* `{{G1417}}` **dýo** (two): This word is frequently paired with `{{G5140}}` to establish a minimum number for gathering or testimony, as in "where **two** `{{G1417}}` or **three** `{{G5140}}` are gathered together" [[Matthew 18:20]].
* `{{G3144}}` **mártys** (a witness): This term is often quantified by `{{G5140}}`, establishing the legal and spiritual principle of requiring **two** `{{G1417}}` or **three** `{{G5140}}` **witnesses** `{{G3144}}` [[Hebrews 10:28]].
* `{{G2250}}` **hēméra** (day): This word for 'day' is commonly associated with `{{G5140}}` to define critical timeframes, most notably the **three** `{{G5140}}` **days** `{{G2250}}` between Jesus' death and resurrection [[Mark 8:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5140}}` is significant, often pointing to concepts of divine completeness, testimony, and redemption.
* **Divine Witness and Unity:** The number is used to structure the concept of divine testimony. There are **three** `{{G5140}}` that bear record in **heaven** `{{G3772}}`—the **Father** `{{G3962}}`, the **Word** `{{G3056}}`, and the **Holy** `{{G40}}` **Ghost** `{{G4151}}`—and these **three** `{{G5140}}` are **one** `{{G1520}}` [[1 John 5:7]]. This is mirrored by the **three** `{{G5140}}` witnesses on **earth** `{{G1093}}`: the **Spirit** `{{G4151}}`, the **water** `{{G5204}}`, and the **blood** `{{G129}}` [[1 John 5:8]].
* **Completeness and Foundation:** `{{G5140}}` is used to frame foundational spiritual truths. The enduring virtues of **faith** `{{G4102}}`, **hope** `{{G1680}}`, and **charity** `{{G26}}` are presented as a complete set of **three** `{{G5140}}` [[1 Corinthians 13:13]]. The principle of establishing truth by **two** `{{G1417}}` or **three** `{{G5140}}` **witnesses** `{{G3144}}` provides a basis for spiritual and communal judgment [[Matthew 18:16]].
* **Redemptive Timeline:** The number is crucial in defining the timeline of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus prophesied He would be killed and after **three** `{{G5140}}` **days** `{{G2250}}` **rise again** `{{G450}}` [[Mark 8:31]]. This period is typified by **Jonas** `{{G2495}}` being **three** `{{G5140}}` **days** `{{G2250}}` and **three** `{{G5140}}` **nights** `{{G3571}}` in the whale's belly [[Matthew 12:40]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5140}}` **treîs** is more than a mere numerical value. It serves as a structural element in scripture to convey completeness, sufficiency, and divine order. From establishing the required number of **witnesses** `{{G3144}}` for a matter to be confirmed [[2 Corinthians 13:1]], to defining the critical timeframe of Christ's resurrection [[John 2:19]], and to describing the very nature of heavenly and earthly testimony [[1 [[John 5:7]]-8]], the number **three** `{{G5140}}` carries significant theological weight. It demonstrates how a simple number can underscore foundational principles of faith, judgment, and redemption.
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