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Πέτρος

Pétros

G4074 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Proper name, meaning 'rock, stone.' Πέτρος denotes a detached mass of rock or a stone, often larger or more substantial than λίθος (a smaller stone or pebble). In the New Testament, it is chiefly used as the given name for Simon, one of the leading members of Jesus's disciples, to whom this appellation is attributed as a nickname or symbolic name. The core sense is 'rock,' but in most contexts the term is a personal name. The use of Πέτρος is closely associated with the idea of stability, firmness, or foundational character, deriving from the physical imagery of a large stone or rock.

Semantic Range

rock, stone (especially a detached or prominent piece); as a personal name, 'Rock' (Simon Peter); by implication, solidity, firmness, foundation (figurative uses)

Root / Etymology

Greek root πετρ-, related to πέτρα ('rock, rocky outcrop'). Formed as a masculine noun to serve as a personal name, likely paralleling the Aramaic כֵּיפָא (Kēphā, 'rock').

Historical & Contextual Notes

Πέτρος is rare as a personal name outside Christian literature and appears to have been chosen or coined intentionally as a nickname. In the Gospels, 'Simon' is given the name Πέτρος by Jesus (see Mark 3:16; John 1:42), likely based on the Aramaic כֵּיפָא (Kēphā), meaning 'rock,' which is rendered as Κηφᾶς in Greek transliteration (see also G2786). Classical and Hellenistic Greek regularly use πέτρα (feminine, 'rock, crag') for the physical sense, while Πέτρος is the masculine form adapted for use as a proper name. In most English translations, Πέτρος becomes 'Peter'; however, the original Greek emphasizes the symbolic meaning ('rock'), which may be lost or underappreciated in translation. In Jewish and Greco-Roman naming conventions of the period, adopting an epithet or new name reflecting character or role was not uncommon, particularly in circles associated with new religious or philosophical movements.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently a primary word; a (piece of) rock (larger than λίθος); as a name, Petrus, an apostle:--Peter, rock. Compare Κηφᾶς.

Root Family

Πέτρος (Petros) — rock, stone

Root πετρ- rock, stone

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4074-04 Πέτρος petros N NOM M SG Peter Rock Petros 100
G4074-03 Πέτρον petron N ACC M SG Peter Rock Petros 25
G4074-02 Πέτρῳ petro N DAT M SG Peter to Rock Petros 15
G4074-05 Πέτρου petrou N GEN M SG Peter of Rock Petros 12
G4074-01 Πέτρε petre N VOC M SG Peter Rock! Petros 3

Occurrences in Scripture

155 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4074-03 Matthew 4:18 Πέτρον petron N ACC M SG Peter Rock Petros
G4074-05 Matthew 8:14 Πέτρου petrou N GEN M SG Peter's of Rock Petros
G4074-04 Matthew 10:2 Πέτρος petros N NOM M SG Peter Rock Petros
G4074-04 Matthew 14:28 Πέτρος petros N NOM M SG Peter Rock Petros
G4074-04 Matthew 14:29 Πέτρος petros N NOM M SG Peter Rock Petros
G4074-04 Matthew 15:15 Πέτρος petros N NOM M SG Peter Rock Petros
G4074-04 Matthew 16:16 Πέτρος petros N NOM M SG Peter Rock Petros
G4074-04 Matthew 16:18 Πέτρος petros N NOM M SG Peter Rock Petros
G4074-04 Matthew 16:22 Πέτρος petros N NOM M SG Peter Rock Petros
G4074-02 Matthew 16:23 Πέτρῳ petro N DAT M SG Peter to Rock Petros
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