Brief Overview of Ἀρφαξάδ (G742: Arphaxád)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Arphaxád

Root Words:

• Ἀρφαξάδ (Arphaxád): This is a proper noun and a name of a historical figure. It does not have specific root words in Greek but is derived from Hebrew אַרְפַּכְשָׁד (Arpakshad).

Primary Meanings:

• Name of a Person: Ἀρφαξάδ refers to a historical and biblical figure, specifically a descendant of Shem and the father of Shelach, according to the genealogical accounts in the Bible.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG provides a brief description of Ἀρφαξάδ as a proper noun referring to a biblical figure, highlighting its role in the genealogy of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Luke.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also lists Ἀρφαξάδ as a proper name, detailing its lineage as part of the genealogical records, and referring to its appearance in biblical texts.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that Ἀρφαξάδ is a name used in the genealogies in the Bible, emphasizing its role in tracing the lineage of significant biblical figures.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon confirms that Ἀρφαξάδ is a historical name with significance in biblical genealogy, but does not provide extensive detail beyond its identification as a genealogical name.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies Ἀρφαξάδ as a proper name, referring to a biblical patriarch and noting its place in the genealogical lists of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

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Bible Verses:

• Genesis 10:22 (KJV): “The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.”
• Ἀρφαξάδ is mentioned as one of the sons of Shem, a key figure in the genealogical history of the Israelites.
• Luke 3:36 (KJV): “Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Shem, which was the son of Noah, which was the son of Lamech,”
• Ἀρφαξάδ appears in the genealogy of Jesus, tracing the lineage back to Shem.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classical Greek literature, Ἀρφαξάδ is not extensively used outside of its biblical references. Its primary context is found within the genealogical records of the Bible rather than in broader Greek literature.

• Biblical Genealogies: The main references to Ἀρφαξάδ are found in biblical genealogies rather than in classical Greek texts. The figure is used to establish lineage in texts such as the Book of Genesis and the Gospel of Luke.

4. Summary:

Ἀρφαξάδ (G742: Arphaxád) is a proper noun referring to a biblical patriarch, specifically a descendant of Shem and the father of Shelach. It is significant in the genealogies of both the Old and New Testaments. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all agree on its identification as a genealogical name, primarily appearing in biblical texts. In classical Greek literature, the term is not widely used outside its biblical context, emphasizing its role in genealogical records rather than broader Greek cultural or historical texts.