τρίστεγος (tristegos)
tristegos
third story
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective tristegon describes a structure with three roofs or stories, functioning as a noun to mean "the third story." It is a straightforward architectural term found only once in the New Testament, in Acts 20:9.
Its meaning comes from combining treis ("three") and stegos ("roof"). In that single occurrence, it identifies the specific location where Eutychus fell asleep while Paul was speaking late into the night. The detail grounds the narrative in a concrete physical reality, showing that the gathering took place in a multi-level building with an upper room.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tristegos simply means "third story." It appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 20:9. This verse tells us that Eutychus fell from a third-floor window while listening to Paul preach late into the night. The detail is not just about architecture; it shows how real and physical their gatherings were.
For your faith, this reminds us that God meets us in ordinary places. A tired young man, a long sermon, and a high window are all part of the story. God’s power works within our human limits. We do not need perfect conditions to encounter Him.
This single word grounds the biblical narrative in real life. It shows that the early church met in actual homes, with real people facing real fatigue. Your own struggles and daily routines are also places where God can work. He is present in the mundane moments of your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- third story1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τριστέγου1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 20:9
A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third floor and was taken up dead.
This verse uses the term to specify the exact height from which Eutychus fell, highlighting the physical danger and the reality of their meeting place.