πέτρα
A (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does πέτρα (pétra) mean in the Bible?
πέτρα (pétra) is a Greek word meaning "a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)". πέτρα, -ας, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for סֶלַע, צוּר ;] a rock, i. Symbolizes the stable foundation grounded in Christ’s authoritative word. This term runs through the canonical themes of Messiah, Redemption, Revelation.
Meaning
Rock as solid, immovable mass, distinct from detached stone; symbolizes stability and foundation.
a rock, i.e. a mass of live rock as distinct from πέτρος, a detached stone or boulder : Mat.7:24-25 27:51, 60 Mrk.15:46, Luk.6:48 8:6, 13; of a hollow rock, a cave, Rev.6:15-16 (of. Isa.2:10, al.). Metaphorical, Mat.16:18 (on the meaning, see Hort, Eccl., 16 ff., but cf. also ICC, in l), 1Co.10:4; = πέτρος, Rom.9:33, 1Pe.2:8" (LXX) .
Why This Word Matters
Symbolizes the stable foundation grounded in Christ’s authoritative word. Luke 6:46–49
Represents Christ as secure ground for salvation. Matthew 7:24–27
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain