τετράμηνον
tetrámēnon
G5072 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
A period or space of four months; denotes a span of time lasting four months in duration. It is used specifically as a measurement of time, referring to an interval comprising four lunar or calendar months. The term can refer to any generic four-month span, with its specific temporal boundaries determined by context (e.g., agricultural season, delay, or interval between two events).
Semantic Range
four-month period, span of four months, interval of four months
Root / Etymology
Compound of τέσσαρες (four) and μήν (month), forming a neuter noun meaning 'four-month period.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
τετράμηνον is a rare word in Greek literature, found in the New Testament (John 4:35) and occasionally in other Koine or Hellenistic sources as a straightforward chronological term. In John 4:35, it is used in an agricultural context to reference the typical time between sowing and harvesting, indicating its naturalistic and practical application. The term does not have earlier Classical attestation and appears primarily in writings with practical, technical, or calendrical concerns. Unlike words for specific months (e.g., Ἀπριλλίων), τετράμηνον does not name a particular portion of the year, but simply denotes a four-month interval. Standard English translations render the term transparently as 'four months,' which accurately captures its meaning and scope. There is no evidence for any specialized religious or symbolic usage in the relevant period.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of a compound of τέσσαρες and μήν; a four months' space:--four months.
Root Family
τετρά-, μην- (tetrámēnon) — four, month
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5072-01 |
τετράμηνός | tetramenos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
four-months | a four-month period | a four-month period | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5072-01 |
John 4:35 | τετράμηνός | tetramenos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
four-months | a four-month period | a four-month period |