τρίς (tris)
tris
three times
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adverb tris means simply "three times" or "thrice." It serves as a precise numerical marker in the New Testament, appearing eleven times to count specific repetitions of events or statements. The word is derived from the numeral for three (treis), functioning straightforwardly as an adverb of frequency rather than carrying complex metaphorical weight.
Its usage highlights moments of repeated insistence or testing. In the Gospels, it marks Peter’s denial of Jesus, noting that he denied Christ three times just as Jesus had predicted (Matthew 26:34; Luke 22:34). Similarly, in Acts, a vision is repeated three times to emphasize its necessity (Acts 10:16; 11:10). Paul also uses it to describe physical hardships, such as being struck by blows on three separate occasions (2 Corinthians 11:25).
Translators typically render tris directly as "three times" or "thrice." While the English word "thrice" can sound archaic in modern speech, the Greek term remains neutral and factual. It provides a clear count without adding emotional commentary, allowing the significance of the repetition to emerge from the context itself.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tris marks specific repetitions in Scripture, most notably Peter’s three denials of Jesus. This count highlights the weight of human failure and the precision of Christ’s prediction. It shows that our mistakes are known to God before they happen, yet they do not exceed the scope of His grace.
Paul also uses this term to describe physical hardships and prayers for relief. The repetition here emphasizes persistence rather than despair. Whether in failure or suffering, the number three serves as a marker of reality, inviting us to look beyond the event to the God who sustains us through it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- three times8×
- three times.2×
- three times,1×
- Three times1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τρὶς5×
- τρίς3×
- τρίς,2×
- τρίς.¶1×
- τρίς.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:34
Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
Jesus predicts Peter's denial with precise timing, showing that foreknowledge does not prevent human weakness but prepares for restoration.
-
Acts 10:16
This was done three times, and immediately the thing was received up into heaven.
The vision repeats three times to emphasize the necessity of breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles in the early church.
-
II Corinthians 12:8
Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
Paul’s repeated plea for relief demonstrates persistent prayer even when the specific answer remains 'no' at that moment.