Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for τεταρταῖος, as it is a specific Greek term used in the New Testament context. However, the concept of "fourth" can be related to the Hebrew word אַרְבָּעִי (arba'i), which means "fourth" and is used in various contexts in the Old Testament.

Usage: This word is used in the context of describing the duration of time, specifically indicating something that has been in a particular state for four days.

Context: The Greek term τεταρταῖος appears in the New Testament in the context of the account of Lazarus in the Gospel of John. It is used to describe the state of Lazarus being in the tomb for four days before Jesus arrives to perform the miracle of raising him from the dead. This detail emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event, as the body would have begun to decompose by this time, underscoring the power of Jesus over life and death.

In John 11:39, the Berean Standard Bible (BSB) records: "Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.' Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to Him, 'Lord, by now he stinks. It has already been four days.'" The use of τεταρταῖος here highlights the hopelessness of the situation from a human perspective, setting the stage for the demonstration of divine authority.

Theologically, the mention of four days serves to affirm the authenticity of the miracle, as it dispels any notion that Lazarus was merely unconscious or in a temporary state of death. The Jewish belief at the time held that the soul lingered near the body for three days, making the fourth day significant as it marked the point of no return, thus magnifying the glory of God through the resurrection.