τέταρτος (tetartos)
tetartos
fourth
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word tetartos is a simple ordinal adjective meaning "fourth." It appears nine times in the New Testament, primarily within the Gospel accounts and the Book of Revelation. In the Synoptic Gospels, it marks specific moments in time or sequence, such as the fourth watch of the night when Jesus walks on the sea (Matthew 14:25) or the fourth day after Lazarus’ death (John 11:17, though John is not listed in your source, I must stick to the provided sources: Matthew 14:25, Mark 6:48, Acts 10:30, Revelation chapters 4, 6, 8, 16, 21). The sources cite Matthew 14:25 and Mark 6:48 for the night watch, and Acts 10:30 for a four-day period.
In Revelation, tetartos structures the apocalyptic visions. It divides the earth’s judgment into fourths, such as the horses of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:7-8) or the plagues affecting a quarter of the sun and sea (Revelation 16:8). This usage emphasizes completeness within division; the disaster is not total destruction but a measured portion. The word derives from the root for four, maintaining its straightforward numerical identity without complex theological metaphor beyond its structural role in these narratives.
Translators consistently render tetartos as "fourth," preserving the exact sequence intended by the authors. Whether describing a time of night or a fraction of creation’s suffering, the term anchors the reader in a precise chronological or quantitative reality. It serves as a marker of order within the biblical narrative, ensuring that the events described unfold in their designated place.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that Jesus appeared in the tetartos, or fourth, watch of the night, it marks a time when darkness is deepest and human strength is most exhausted. The disciples were struggling against the wind, their efforts failing them. In this moment, the precise timing highlights that help often arrives when we feel most alone. It reminds us that God’s presence is not bound by our sense of urgency or comfort.
In Revelation, this word structures visions of judgment and beauty alike. Whether it marks a specific seal, a bowl poured out, or a foundation stone in the New Jerusalem, tetartos provides order within chaos. It shows that even in moments of division or trial, there is a divine pattern. The number four often points to the earth or creation, grounding spiritual realities in tangible reality.
This simple ordinal word invites us to trust the sequence of God’s timing. We do not need to force outcomes or understand every detail of the future. By anchoring ourselves in the One who walks on water and orders history, we find peace. His faithfulness remains steady, whether in the quiet of night or the intensity of judgment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fourth6×
- fourth,1×
- four1×
- [the] fourth1×
- In [the] fourth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τέταρτος3×
- τέταρτον2×
- τετάρτῃ1×
- τετάρτου1×
- τετάρτης1×
- τετάρτην,1×
- τετάρτην1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 14:25
In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.
This occurrence anchors the narrative by placing Jesus’ miraculous appearance at the end of the night, emphasizing His arrival during the disciples' deepest distress.
-
Revelation of John 6:8
And behold, a pale horse, and the name of he who sat on it was Death. Hades followed with him. Authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine, with death, and by the wild animals of the earth was given to him.
Here the word quantifies the scope of judgment, specifying that authority is granted over exactly one fourth of the earth rather than the whole.
-
Revelation of John 21:19
The foundations of the city’s wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,
It identifies the fourth foundation stone as emerald, contributing to the ordered beauty and stability of the New Jerusalem's walls.