Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "three-fold" in the Bible often signifies completeness, strength, and divine perfection. This motif appears in various contexts throughout Scripture, symbolizing the fullness and unity of God's work and character.Ecclesiastes 4:12 One of the most direct references to the three-fold concept is found in Ecclesiastes 4:12: "And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken." This verse highlights the strength and resilience found in unity and companionship. The three-fold cord metaphor suggests that relationships, when bound together in unity, are stronger and more enduring. The Trinity The doctrine of the Trinity is a foundational element of Christian theology, representing the three-fold nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This triune nature is not explicitly named in Scripture but is inferred from various passages. For instance, Matthew 28:19 instructs believers to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This three-fold formula underscores the unity and co-equality of the Godhead. Three-fold Blessings and Curses In the Old Testament, the number three often appears in blessings and curses, signifying completeness. For example, in Numbers 6:24-26, the Aaronic blessing is three-fold: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." This blessing encapsulates the fullness of God's favor and protection. Conversely, in prophetic literature, three-fold judgments or woes emphasize the totality of God's righteous judgment. Revelation 8:13 warns of a three-fold woe to the inhabitants of the earth, highlighting the severity and completeness of the impending judgments. Three-fold Repetitions Repetition in threes is a common biblical literary device used to emphasize a point or to convey the certainty of a statement. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." The three-fold repetition of "holy" underscores the absolute holiness and otherness of God. Similarly, in John 21:15-17, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, paralleling Peter's three-fold denial. This repetition serves to fully restore Peter and reaffirm his role in the early church. Three-fold Offices of Christ Christ is often described as fulfilling a three-fold office: Prophet, Priest, and King. As Prophet, He reveals God's will and truth (Deuteronomy 18:15; John 1:18). As Priest, He mediates between God and humanity, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14-16). As King, He reigns with authority over all creation (Revelation 19:16). The three-fold nature of these offices reflects the comprehensive and perfect work of Christ in redemption, revealing His sufficiency in meeting all the spiritual needs of humanity. In summary, the three-fold concept in Scripture serves as a powerful symbol of completeness, unity, and divine perfection, permeating various aspects of biblical theology and narrative. Strong's Hebrew 7991. shaliysh -- a third (part)... triple, ie (as a musical instrument) a triangle (or perhaps rather three-stringed lute); also (as an indefinite, great quantity) a three-fold measure (perhaps ... /hebrew/7991.htm - 6k Library The Threefold Unity A Threefold Cord Threefold Repentance A Threefold Disease and a Twofold Cure. The Threefold Cord of Jesus' Life. O Unity of Threefold Light. On Threefold Wisdom. A Threefold Thought of Sin and Forgiveness The Mediator's Threefold Prayer Of the Threefold Prayer of Christ, that we Might be one with God Thesaurus Threefold (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Consisting of three, or thrice repeated; triple; as, threefold justice. Multi-Version Concordance Threefold (2 Occurrences). ... /t/threefold.htm - 7k Three-fold (1 Occurrence) Offices (14 Occurrences) Agony (20 Occurrences) Imputation Trine Triune Immersion Ministry (44 Occurrences) Cord (47 Occurrences) Resources Who are the Three Nephites in Mormonism? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus ask Peter "Do you love me?" three times? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Three-fold (1 Occurrence)Ecclesiastes 4:12 Subtopics Related Terms |