Brief Overview of Ἀρεοπαγίτης (G698: Areopagites)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Areopagites

Root Words:

• Ἀρεοπαγίτης (Areopagites): Derived from Ἄρειος πάγος (Areios Pagos), meaning “of the Areopagus” or “Areopagite.” The term signifies a person associated with or a member of the Areopagus council.

Primary Meanings:

• Areopagite: Refers to an individual who was a member of the Areopagus council in Athens. The council was a key body responsible for judicial and political decisions.
• Member of the Athenian Council: In the context of the Areopagus, an Areopagite was a respected member of this governing body.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes Ἀρεοπαγίτης as a term for a member of the Areopagus, a prestigious council in ancient Athens. The entry emphasizes the Areopagite’s role within the council and its significance in Athenian governance.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines Ἀρεοπαγίτης as someone belonging to the Areopagus council, highlighting its role as a judicial and administrative body in Athens.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that an Areopagite was a member of the Areopagus, which was the principal judicial and legislative council in Athens.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides a historical account of the Areopagites as members of the Areopagus, focusing on their judicial and political roles.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines Ἀρεοπαγίτης as “Areopagite,” specifying its meaning as a member of the Areopagus council.

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Bible Verses:

• Acts 17:34 (KJV): “Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.”
• This verse refers to Dionysius the Areopagite, a member of the Areopagus who converted to Christianity after hearing Paul’s preaching.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, the term Ἀρεοπαγίτης appears in contexts related to the Areopagus council:

• Aristotle: References the Areopagites as part of the political and judicial system in Athens, describing their roles and responsibilities.
• Plato: Mentions Areopagites in discussions about the governance and legal structures of Athens.
• Demosthenes: Uses the term to discuss the political influence and functions of the Areopagus council.

4. Summary:

The term Ἀρεοπαγίτης (G698: Areopagites) refers to a member of the Areopagus council in Athens. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ consistently describe the Areopagites as influential members of this key judicial and political body. The term is notably mentioned in the New Testament, where Dionysius the Areopagite is cited as a convert to Christianity. Classic Greek literature underscores the significance of Areopagites in the Athenian political and judicial system, reflecting their role in governance and legal matters.