Brief Overview of Ἄραψ (G690: Áraps)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Áraps

Root Words:

• The term Ἄραψ (Áraps) is derived from the Greek word for “Arab” and refers to the people of Arabia.

Primary Meanings:

• Person from Arabia: The term denotes an individual from Arabia, historically referring to the Arab people.
• Ethnic Identity: It signifies the ethnic and cultural identity of the people from the Arabian Peninsula.

In Greek texts, Ἄραψ is used to describe Arabs in the context of their geographical and cultural background.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines Ἄραψ as referring to a person from Arabia, focusing on the ethnic and cultural identity associated with the term. It provides historical context regarding the role of Arabs in the ancient world.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon emphasizes that Ἄραψ refers to an Arab, highlighting its use in describing people from Arabia and their interaction with other ancient civilizations.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that Ἄραψ is used to denote Arabs, with emphasis on their cultural and geographical background.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon describes Ἄραψ as referring to an Arab, focusing on the historical and geographical context in which Arabs were mentioned.

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Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines Ἄραψ as Arab, specifying its use in referring to people from Arabia.

Bible Verses:

• Acts 2:11 (KJV): “Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”
• The term Arabians refers to people from Arabia, indicating their presence and role in the context of the early Christian church.
• Galatians 1:17 (KJV): “Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.”
• Here, Arabia is used to describe the region visited by Paul, linking the term to the broader geographical area of the Arabs.
• Luke 4:26 (KJV): “But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.”
• Though not directly using Ἄραψ, the verse mentions regions and peoples in proximity to Arabia, providing context for the term.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, Ἄραψ is used to refer to Arabs:

• Herodotus: Describes various peoples and their interactions, including Arabs, providing insight into their cultural and geographical position.
• Strabo: Discusses the Arabian Peninsula and its inhabitants, using the term Ἄραψ to describe the people living there.
• Diodorus Siculus: Includes Arabs in his historical accounts, noting their role in ancient history and interactions with other cultures.

4. Summary:

The Greek term Ἄραψ (G690: Áraps) refers to an Arab or a person from Arabia, emphasizing the ethnic and cultural identity of the people from the Arabian Peninsula. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ provide detailed descriptions of its use and historical context. Biblical references and classic Greek literature offer additional insights into the role and significance of Arabs in ancient times.