Original Word: τέταρτος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: tetartos
Pronunciation: te-tar-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (tet'-ar-tos)
KJV: four(-th)
Word Origin: [ordinal from G5064 (τέσσαρες - four)]

1. fourth

fourth.

Ordinal from tessares; fourth -- four(-th).

see GREEK tessares

Cognate: 5067 tétartos – fourth; (figuratively) a part of the whole (totality, all four quarters) signifying "a sizable amount" (but not the majority). See 5064 (tessares).

STRONGS NT 5067: τέταρτος

τέταρτος, τετάρτῃ, τέταρτον (from τετταρες), the fourth: Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48; Acts 10:30; Revelation 4:7, etc. (From Homer down.)

Overview

Strong’s Greek 5067 denotes the ordinal “fourth.” Though a small grammatical marker, its placement in the New Testament consistently signals divinely ordered stages, measured intervals, or limited judgments that together reinforce the sovereignty and precision of God’s redemptive plan.

The Fourth Watch: Vigilance and Divine Intervention

Jewish–Roman timekeeping divided the night into four watches of roughly three hours each. “During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea” (Matthew 14:25; cf. Mark 6:48). The disciples had been straining against contrary winds for hours; help arrived at the last possible segment before dawn. Pastoral application often centers on persevering faith when deliverance seems delayed. The scene also anticipates resurrection morning, when darkness gives way to triumphant light.

The Fourth Day: Expansion of the Gospel to the Nations

Cornelius testifies, “Four days ago I was in my house praying at the ninth hour…” (Acts 10:30). Luke’s mention of the fourth day underscores divine scheduling: a Gentile centurion’s prayers and alms rise as a memorial, leading to Peter’s arrival and the outpouring of the Spirit. The temporal marker frames a turning-point narrative in which God’s mission timetable marches forward exactly on heaven’s clock.

The Fourth in Apocalyptic Sequences

John’s visions in Revelation employ the ordinal repeatedly:

• Fourth living creature (Revelation 4:7) – the eagle, completing the quartet that represents the fullness of creation before the throne.
• Fourth seal (Revelation 6:7) – introduces the pale horse; its rider “was given authority over a fourth of the earth” (Revelation 6:8). Judgment is severe yet bounded, illustrating both wrath and restraint.
• Fourth trumpet (Revelation 8:12) – cosmic disruptions diminish light on earth, signaling a measured intensification of tribulation.
• Fourth bowl (Revelation 16:8) – scorching heat afflicts the impenitent, pressing for repentance while time remains.
• Fourth foundation stone, emerald (Revelation 21:19) – the completed city of God bears flawless order and symmetry.

Across seals, trumpets, and bowls, the fourth stage regularly pivots from earthly calamity to heightened cosmic impact, stressing that creation itself reels under sin until final restoration.

Symbolism of Four and Ministerial Applications

The Bible often uses four to express universality: four corners of the earth, four winds, four living creatures. The appearance of “fourth” therefore blends universality with sequence. In ministry the term reminds believers that:

1. God’s timing is meticulous; He intervenes precisely when His purposes are best served.
2. Judgments escalate methodically, calling the world to repentance before the consummation.
3. Christ’s authority extends over natural forces (sea, sun, stars) and historical processes (mission to the nations, end-time events).

Summary

Strong’s 5067 may appear incidental, yet each occurrence advances the biblical narrative: the Savior’s timely rescue, the Gospel’s strategic advance, and Revelation’s measured judgments all converge to display divine order amid human chaos.

Τεταρτη τετάρτη Τετάρτῃ τεταρτην τετάρτην τεταρτης τετάρτης τέταρτοι τεταρτον τέταρτον τέταρτόν τεταρτος τέταρτος τεταρτου τετάρτου τετάρτω Tetarte Tetartē Tetártei Tetártēi tetarten tetartēn tetárten tetártēn tetartes tetartēs tetártes tetártēs tetarton tétarton tetartos tétartos tetartou tetártouInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts