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τρίτος

trítos

G5154 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Ordinal numerical adjective indicating 'third' in sequence; used to designate the position (third) in an ordered series, the third instance of an action, or a division into three parts; as a substantive, can mean 'a third part' or 'the third portion.' Also functions as an adverb to express the third occurrence of an action ('for the third time,' 'thirdly').

Semantic Range

third in sequence, third part or portion, for the third time (adverbial), third instance or occurrence, the third person/item in a list, a third share or division, thirdly (in lists or arguments)

Root / Etymology

From the cardinal τρεῖς (three), with the ordinal suffix -τος; thus, τρίτος is the ordinal form corresponding to 'three.' Cognate with Latin 'tertius.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Koine Greek, τρίτος appears as the regular term for 'third' both in enumeration and sequence (Il. 1.393, Herodotus, NT and LXX throughout). In the Septuagint and New Testament Greek, it is used both for temporal order (e.g., 'on the third day') and division of things into three parts (e.g., 'a third of the city', Rev 8:7–12). The neuter form (τρίτον) frequently acts adverbially ('thirdly', 'for the third time'). May serve substantivally as 'a third part' (Revelation usage). English translation as 'third' aligns closely with Greek usage, though as an ordinal it encompasses both strict sequential order and adverbial repetition. Related forms are regularly used for all ordinal numerals. There is no special cultural or religious connotation beyond ordinal usage.

Translation Consistency

primary "third" 54 occurrences

τρίτος is an ordinal adjective/adverb meaning ‘third’ (the third in sequence, third part, or ‘for the third time’). “Third” is the natural, common English rendering for ordinal, substantive, and adverbial uses (including ‘a third’ for a portion or ‘thirdly’ in lists), and it fits the typical SILEX range better than more formal alternatives like ‘tertiary’ or fractional phrasing. Using “third” ensures consistent, natural translations across all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

ordinal from τρεῖς; third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly:--third(-ly).

Root Family

τρίτος (tritos) — third, third part, third time

Root τριτ- third, third part, third time

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5154-04 τρίτον triton ADJ.S ACC N SG third third third 23
G5154-01 τρίτῃ trite DET DAT F SG third to the third (feminine) third 16
G5154-05 τρίτος tritos ADJ.S NOM M SG third third third 7
G5154-06 τρίτου tritou ADJ.S GEN N SG third of a third third 3
G5154-02 τρίτην triten DET ACC F SG third third (feminine singular accusative) third 3
G5154-03 τρίτης trites DET GEN F SG third of the third third 2

Occurrences in Scripture

54 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5154-01 Matthew 16:21 τρίτῃ trite DET DAT F SG third to the third (feminine) third
G5154-01 Matthew 17:23 τρίτῃ trite DET DAT F SG third to the third (feminine) third
G5154-02 Matthew 20:3 τρίτην triten DET ACC F SG third third (feminine singular accusative) third
G5154-01 Matthew 20:19 τρίτῃ trite DET DAT F SG third to the third (feminine) third
G5154-05 Matthew 22:26 τρίτος tritos ADJ.S NOM M SG third third third
G5154-06 Matthew 26:44 τρίτου tritou ADJ.S GEN N SG the third time of a third of a third
G5154-03 Matthew 27:64 τρίτης trites DET GEN F SG third of the third third
G5154-05 Mark 12:21 τρίτος tritos ADJ.S NOM M SG third third third
G5154-04 Mark 14:41 τρίτον triton ADJ.S ACC N SG third third third
G5154-01 Mark 15:25 τρίτη trite DET NOM F SG third to the third (feminine) third
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