← G4072 G4074 →

πέτρα

pétra

G4073 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A large mass of rock, bedrock, or rocky outcrop; by extension, used metaphorically for something firm, stable, or foundational. The term refers primarily to a solid, immovable rock formation as opposed to a detached stone or small rock. In some contexts, it denotes a place characterized by rocky terrain, a cliff, or the idea of an unyielding basis or foundation.

Semantic Range

large rock, bedrock, rocky outcrop, cliff, immovable foundation, place of refuge or fortress, figuratively: something firm or reliable, basis or fundamental support

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root πέτρ- (petr-), of uncertain origin but widely attested in Greek for 'rock, boulder, crag.' Cognate with but distinct from πέτρος (Petros), which refers more specifically to a detached stone or rock.

Historical & Contextual Notes

πέτρα appears in classical Greek literature (e.g., Homer, Herodotus) to denote a solid rocky formation, a cliff, or a crag, compared with λίθος (lithos, 'stone'), which is a moveable stone or a building stone. In the Septuagint, πέτρα frequently translates Hebrew צוּר (tsur) or סֶלַע (selaʿ), referring to rock formations such as cliffs or fortresses, especially those associated with places of refuge or divine strength (e.g., Psalm 18:2 LXX). In the Koine period, including the New Testament, πέτρα consistently denotes a large rock or bedrock. The word is distinct from Πέτρος (Petros), which is the given name translated as 'Peter' and typically refers to a single stone or rock. The metaphorical use of πέτρα for foundational stability or security is evident in passages like Matthew 7:24 (the wise person building on rock) and Matthew 16:18, but English translations as 'rock' may obscure distinctions between πέτρα and related terms. πέτρα conveys more permanence and immovability than λίθος or πέτρος. The feminine gender of πέτρα also sets it apart as an abstract force or element rather than a personal name.

Translation Consistency

primary "rock" 11 occurrences

πέτρα refers to a large, immovable mass of rock or bedrock and is often used figuratively for a firm foundation or place of refuge. 'Rock' is the most natural, common English equivalent that covers both literal large rock/bedrock and the figurative sense of stability or foundation. It is simple, widely understood, and matches typical biblical usage better than more specialized terms like 'bedrock' or 'cliff.'

Alternatives (4 occurrences):
"bedrock" (3x) "rocky outcrops" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine of the same as Πέτρος; a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively):--rock.

Root Family

πέτρα (petra) — rock, crag, bedrock, cliff

Root πέτρ- rock, crag, bedrock, cliff

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4073-04 πέτραν petran N ACC F SG rock a massive rock a massive rock 5
G4073-05 πέτρας petras N GEN F SG rock of bedrock rock 4
G4073-01 πέτρᾳ petra N DAT F SG rock to a bedrock bedrock 4
G4073-03 πέτραις petrais N DAT F PL rocks to the rocky crags to the rocks 1
G4073-02 πέτραι petrai N NOM F PL rocks rocky outcrops rocky outcrops 1

Occurrences in Scripture

15 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4073-04 Matthew 7:24 πέτραν petran N ACC F SG rock a massive rock a massive rock
G4073-04 Matthew 7:25 πέτραν petran N ACC F SG rock a massive rock a massive rock
G4073-01 Matthew 16:18 πέτρᾳ petra N DAT F SG rock to a bedrock bedrock
G4073-02 Matthew 27:51 πέτραι petrai N NOM F PL rocks rocky outcrops rocky outcrops
G4073-01 Matthew 27:60 πέτρᾳ petra N DAT F SG rock to a bedrock bedrock
G4073-05 Mark 15:46 πέτρας petras N GEN F SG rock of bedrock rock
G4073-04 Luke 6:48 πέτραν petran N ACC F SG rock a massive rock a massive rock
G4073-04 Luke 8:6 πέτραν petran N ACC F SG rock a massive rock a massive rock
G4073-05 Luke 8:13 πέτρας petras N GEN F SG rock of bedrock rock
G4073-04 Romans 9:33 πέτραν petran N ACC F SG rock a massive rock a massive rock
← G4072 Greek Lexicon G4074 →