Brief Overview of Ἑλληνίς (Strong’s G1674: Hellēnís)

Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, every word carries significance, not just for its literal meaning but also for the cultural and historical context it brings. The word Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnís) is particularly significant as it refers specifically to a Greek woman. This term offers insights into the social and cultural distinctions made in the ancient world, particularly in the New Testament era. Understanding terms like Ἑλληνίς allows us to delve deeper into the gender dynamics of the time, the spread of Greek culture, and how early Christianity interacted with different cultural groups. In the context of New Testament interpretation, this word helps us understand the identity and role of women who were part of the Greek-speaking world.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnís) [hel-lay-NEES]

Etymology:

• Derived from the root Ἕλλην (Hellēn), which refers to a Greek person. The suffix -ίς (-ís) is a feminine ending, thus Ἑλληνίς denotes a female who is Greek by birth or culture.

Part of Speech:

• Noun (Feminine, third declension)

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Primary Meanings:

• Greek Woman: The primary meaning of Ἑλληνίς is “a Greek woman.” It specifically refers to a female individual of Greek ethnicity or someone who belongs to the Greek cultural sphere.

Similar Words:

• Ἕλλην (Hellēn) [HEL-lane]: This noun refers to a Greek person, typically used for males but also can be used more generally.
• Ἑλληνιστής (Hellēnistēs) [hel-lay-nis-TAYS]: This term refers to a “Hellenist,” someone who has adopted Greek language and culture, often used to describe Jews who had embraced Greek customs.

While all these terms relate to Greek identity, Ἑλληνίς is specifically focused on Greek women, distinguishing it from the more general or male-oriented terms.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a feminine noun of the third declension, Ἑλληνίς has specific endings that change according to its grammatical case. Understanding these forms is essential for interpreting the word correctly in different contexts. Table: Declension of Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnís) Case Singular Plural Nominative Ἑλληνίς Ἑλληνίδες Genitive Ἑλληνίδος Ἑλληνίδων Dative Ἑλληνίδι Ἑλληνίσι(ν) Accusative Ἑλληνίδα Ἑλληνίδας Vocative Ἑλληνίς Ἑλληνίδες

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines Ἑλληνίς as “a Greek woman,” emphasizing its use to distinguish Greek women from those of other ethnicities, particularly within the context of the New Testament where cultural and religious identities were significant.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes Ἑλληνίς as “a Greek female,” noting its specific reference to women of Greek origin or those immersed in Greek culture. Thayer’s also highlights the term’s rarity but importance in the New Testament and early Christian literature.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary explores Ἑλληνίς as a term representing the broader inclusion of women in the spread of Hellenistic culture. Vine’s underscores the significance of Greek women in the early Church and the cultural implications of their inclusion.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces Ἑλληνίς back to classical Greek usage, where it was used broadly to describe women from Greek regions. LSJ notes its use in both literary and everyday contexts, providing a picture of how Greek identity was gendered.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists Ἑλληνίς as “a Greek woman,” offering examples of its usage in the New Testament, particularly in Mark 7:26, where the term is used to describe the Syrophoenician woman who interacted with Jesus.

Scripture References:

• Mark 7:26 – “The woman was a Greek (Ἑλληνίς), a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter.”
• Acts 16:1 – “Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek (Ἕλλην).”

Classical Usage:

Summary of Ἑλληνίς (G1674: Hellēnís):

The Greek word Ἑλληνίς refers specifically to a Greek woman, encapsulating the identity of women within the Greek cultural sphere during the New Testament period. Its usage, though rare, is significant in highlighting the presence and role of Greek women in both everyday life and religious contexts. Understanding this term provides valuable insights into the gendered aspects of Greek identity and the interactions between different cultural groups in the ancient world, especially as Christianity began to spread. This term is a key to understanding how early Christians viewed and interacted with Greek women, both within and outside the Jewish community.

Did You Know?

The term Ἑλληνίς not only referred to women of Greek ethnicity but also to those who had fully embraced Greek culture, which was a dominant force in the Mediterranean world during the Hellenistic period. This cultural influence extended far beyond Greece, impacting regions from Egypt to Persia, making the understanding of Greek identity, including the specific role of Greek women, crucial for interpreting historical texts and understanding the spread of early Christianity.