The Greek word trís, represented by G5151, is an adverb meaning three times or thrice. It appears 12 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. Its function is to mark a specific, threefold repetition of an action or event, often emphasizing a complete or significant series of occurrences.
In biblical narratives, G5151 is used in several pivotal moments. Its most frequent use is in the prediction and fulfillment of Peter's denial of Jesus. Jesus foretells that Peter will deny G533 him thrice (Matthew 26:34, Mark 14:30, Luke 22:34, John 13:38). This prophecy comes to pass, and upon remembering the word G4487 of Jesus G2424, Peter weeps bitterly G4090 (Matthew 26:75, Luke 22:61). The word is also used by Paul to recount his sufferings, stating he was beaten with rods G4463 thrice and suffered shipwreck G3489 thrice 2 Corinthians 11:25. In Acts, a heavenly vision appears to Peter three times G5151, confirming its divine message (Acts 10:16, Acts 11:10).
Several related words provide context to the numerical emphasis of G5151:
- G1364 dís (twice): This adverb for "twice" is used in direct contrast to G5151 in the account of Peter's denial. Jesus predicts that before the cock G220 crows twice G1364, Peter will deny Him thrice Mark 14:30.
- G530 hápax (once): Meaning "one time," this word appears with G5151 in Paul's list of hardships. He states he was beaten thrice G5151 with rods but stoned once G530, creating a clear tally of his trials 2 Corinthians 11:25.
- G3870 parakaléō (beseech): This verb describes the action that Paul repeated three times. He besought G3870 the Lord G2962 thrice G5151 for his affliction to depart, demonstrating persistent prayer 2 Corinthians 12:8.
The theological weight of G5151 is seen in the patterns it establishes.
- Emphasis and Certainty: The repetition of an event three times serves to confirm its divine origin and importance. Peter's vision of the vessel from heaven G3772 was done G1096 thrice G5151 to remove any doubt about its meaning Acts 10:16.
- Complete Failure and Repentance: Peter's denial thrice G5151 represents a total failure in a critical moment. This threefold denial, prophesied by Jesus Matthew 26:34, becomes the catalyst for Peter's profound repentance when he remembered the Lord's words Matthew 26:75.
- Persistent Supplication: Paul's plea to the Lord G2962 thrice G5151 highlights a model of earnest and persistent prayer. This repeated act of beseeching in the face of suffering precedes the divine assurance of God's sufficient grace 2 Corinthians 12:8.
In summary, G5151 functions as more than a simple number. It is a deliberate marker used to frame key moments of failure, confirmation, and intensity. From the depths of Peter's denial to the certainty of a divine vision and the persistence of Paul's prayers, trís underscores events of significant narrative and theological weight, illustrating how a numerical adverb can define critical turning points in scripture.
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