Πέτρος (Petros)

Petros

Peter

G4074 · Greek · New Testament · 154 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 154 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The name Petros means "a rock" or "a stone." In the New Testament it serves as the Greek translation of the Aramaic word Cephas, which Jesus gave to Simon (John 1:42). This naming act marked a shift in identity, linking the apostle’s personal character to the solid foundation upon which the church would be built.

While the related word petra refers to a massive rock formation or cliff, Petros denotes a distinct piece of stone. The distinction suggests that while Peter is part of the larger foundation, he is not the foundation itself. This nuance appears in Matthew 16:18, where Jesus declares He will build His church on this rock.

The name was common among early Christians outside the apostolic circle. Inscriptions in the first-century catacomb of Priscilla at Rome and early papyrus letters confirm its usage among ordinary believers. It reflects a widespread practice of adopting names that signified spiritual strength or permanence.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Petros means "a rock" or "a stone." Jesus used this image when He called Simon, a fisherman who often acted on impulse, to become a foundational figure in the early church. This shift from a man of uncertain footing to one named for stability shows how God can reshape our identity. It is not about your own strength, but about being placed where Christ builds His community.

Throughout the Gospels, we see Peter’s human side alongside this new calling. He walked on water when he kept his eyes on Jesus, yet he stumbled when fear took over. Even after denying his Lord, he was restored. This name reminds us that God uses imperfect people to carry out His work. Your own journey may feel rocky at times, but the One who calls you is faithful to sustain you.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 154 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Peter108×
Peter;19×
Peter,10×
to Peter;7×
to Peter4×
of Peter4×
Peter.3×
than Peter1×
in Peter1×
Peter —1×
Peter [with that]1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

Πέτρος83×
Πέτρον20×
Πέτρος·17×
Πέτρου10×
Πέτρῳ·7×
Πέτρῳ6×
Πέτρον,4×
Πέτρε,3×
Πέτρῳ,2×
Πέτρος,2×
Πέτρου·1×
Πέτρου.¶1×

Key Verses

Matthew 16:18
I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

This verse establishes the meaning of the name by linking Peter directly to the foundation of the church, showing that his identity is tied to Christ's building work rather than his own merit.
Matthew 4:18
Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

Here we see the moment Jesus first applies the name to Simon, marking the beginning of a new life path for a man who was previously known only by his trade and family ties.
Matthew 26:75
Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then he went out and wept bitterly.

This occurrence highlights Peter’s deep remorse after failing Jesus, illustrating that even those called to be strong rocks can falter under pressure, yet remain within the scope of grace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Petros mean?

Petros means "a rock" or "a stone." In the New Testament, it serves as the Greek translation of the Aramaic word Cephas. Jesus gave this name to Simon to signify a new identity and role in the emerging church.

How is Petros different from petra?

While both words relate to stone, petra usually refers to a massive rock formation or cliff face. Petros denotes a distinct piece of stone or boulder. This distinction suggests that Peter is part of the larger foundation rather than being the foundation itself.

Where does this name appear in the Bible?

The name appears frequently in the Gospels, such as Matthew 16:18 and John 1:42. It is also found in Acts and the Epistles, reflecting its common usage among early Christians who adopted names signifying spiritual strength.

Every Occurrence (154 verses across 8 books)

Matthew 24 verses

Matthew 4:18

Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net…

Matthew 8:14

When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever.

Matthew 10:2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the…

Matthew 14:28

Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”

Matthew 14:29

He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.

Matthew 15:15

Peter answered him, “Explain the parable to us.”

Matthew 16:16

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:18

I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail…

Matthew 16:22

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you.”

Matthew 16:23

But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your…

Matthew 17:1

After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by…

Matthew 17:4

Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one…

Matthew 17:24

When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, “Doesn’t your teacher…

Matthew 17:26

Peter said to him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt.

Matthew 18:21

Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven…

Matthew 19:27

Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

Matthew 26:33

But Peter answered him, “Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble.”

Matthew 26:35

Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” All of the disciples also said likewise.

Matthew 26:37

He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled.

Matthew 26:40

He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour?

Matthew 26:58

But Peter followed him from a distance to the court of the high priest, and entered in and sat with the officers, to…

Matthew 26:69

Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, “You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!”

Matthew 26:73

After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes…

Matthew 26:75

Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then…

Mark 20 verses

Luke 19 verses

John 32 verses

Acts 55 verses

Galatians 2 verses

I Peter 1 verse

II Peter 1 verse