τετράγωνος (tetragōnos)
tetragōnos
square
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective tetragōnos describes something that is square or four-cornered. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Revelation 21:16, where John details the dimensions of the New Jerusalem. The text states that the city lies as a square, with its length, breadth, and height being equal.
The word combines tetra- ("four") and gōnia ("corner"), literally meaning four-cornered. This geometric precision emphasizes the perfection and stability of the holy city. By using this specific term, the author highlights the symmetry and completeness of God’s dwelling place among humanity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tetragōnos appears only once in the New Testament, found in Revelation 21:16. John describes the New Jerusalem as a perfect cube, where length, width, and height are all equal. This geometric precision is not merely architectural; it signals absolute stability and divine order. In ancient thought, the square represented the earth, while the cube pointed to the heavenly realm. Here, they merge, showing that God’s presence has fully settled among us.
For your faith, this image offers profound comfort. It suggests that the place where God dwells is unshakeable and complete. There is no imbalance or missing piece in His kingdom. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, you can rest in the truth that God’s home is built on perfect symmetry. This stability is a gift to those who seek refuge in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- foursquare1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τετράγωνος1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 21:16
The city is square. Its length is as great as its width. He measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand twelve stadia. Its length, width, and height are equal.
This verse uses tetragōnos to describe the New Jerusalem as a perfect cube, emphasizing that its length, width, and height are equal, which signifies divine completeness.