τετραπλόος

tetraplóos

G5073 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

having four parts, being quadruple in quantity or number; in context, denoting a fourfold amount or repayment. This term designates something that is multiplied by four or returned in a quantity four times the original, often used in legal or ethical language regarding recompense.

Semantic Range

fourfold in quantity, quadruple, four times as much, fourfold repayment or recompense

Root / Etymology

A compound of τέσσαρες (four) and the -πλοος/-πλούς suffix from the base of πλέω or related to πλεῖστος (most, many); the suffix forms multiplicative adjectives indicating 'times as much.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

τετραπλόος is a rare Koine Greek adjective, attested primarily in legal and financial contexts. Its earliest uses are found in Hellenistic and later Greek, especially in reference to compensation for loss or theft—requiring the guilty party to repay four times the original value (see e.g., Exodus 22:1 LXX, Luke 19:8, where the context is repayment or restitution). In the Septuagint, it translates Hebrew terminology about restitution, and in the New Testament (Luke 19:8) clearly refers to the principle of fourfold restitution. The term is descriptive and lacks figurative meanings. The usual English translation 'fourfold' is generally adequate but does not always reflect the legal background or the fact that the word denotes multiplication by four as part of a broader formula for repayment or estimation. τετραπλόος is part of a broader series of Greek multiplicative adjectives (e.g., διπλοῦς 'double,' τριπλοῦς 'triple').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from τέσσαρες and a derivative of the base of πλεῖστος; quadruple:--fourfold.

Root Family

τετραπλ- (tetraplóos) — four times as much, quadruple, fourfold

Root τετραπλ- four times as much, quadruple, fourfold

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5073-01 τετραπλοῦν tetraploun ADJ.S ACC N SG fourfold fourfold amount fourfold amount 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5073-01 Luke 19:8 τετραπλοῦν tetraploun ADJ.S ACC N SG fourfold fourfold amount fourfold amount