The Greek word trímēnon, represented by G5150, is a noun that means a three months' space. It is formed from a compound of words meaning "three" and "month." According to scriptural usage, it is a very specific term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse.
The sole appearance of G5150 is in Hebrews 11:23, which describes a pivotal moment in the life of Moses G3475. The verse states that by faith G4102, after he was born G1080, Moses was hid G2928 for three months by his parents G3962. This action was taken because G1360 they saw G1492 he was a proper G791 child G3813 and were not G3756 afraid G5399 of the king's G935 commandment G1297.
Several related words from its context help illuminate the meaning of this three-month period:
- G4102 pístis (faith): This is the core motivation for the actions of Moses's parents. Defined as "persuasion...moral conviction...reliance," their faith gave them the courage to hide their child Hebrews 11:23.
- G2928 krýptō (hide): This word means "to conceal." It is the central action that defines the three months, an act of preservation seen elsewhere in scripture, such as the life of a believer being hid with Christ in God Colossians 3:3.
- G5399 phobéō (afraid): The parents were not afraid of the king's edict. The term means "to be alarmed" or, by analogy, "to revere." Their lack of fear toward the king demonstrated a greater reverence for God Hebrews 11:23.
- G3962 patḗr (parents): Defined as a "father" and by extension "parent," this word highlights that this act of faith was a familial one, undertaken by the very people responsible for the child's life.
The theological significance of G5150 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
- A Test of Faith: The three months represent a sustained period where the faith G4102 of Moses's parents was actively tested against a decree from the highest human authority.
- Divine Perception: The parents' motivation was that they saw G1492 he was a proper child G791. This suggests a faith-based perception of God's special purpose for him, justifying the risk taken during this time.
- Courage and Preservation: This specific duration marks a successful act of defiance against a worldly king G935. It demonstrates that faith in God can lead to courage that overcomes fear of man, resulting in the preservation of what is divinely valued.
In summary, trímēnon G5150 is a term for a three months' space whose biblical importance is concentrated in one event. Its lone use in Hebrews 11:23 defines the critical period during which Moses was hidden by his parents. This time frame is not merely a chronological detail but a testament to an act of profound faith G4102, courage, and obedience to God over the commands of an earthly king.
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