Brief Overview of Δαβίδ (G1138: David)

David (pronounced da-VEED, Δαβίδ) is a proper noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1138. The name David is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word דָּוִד (Dāwîd), meaning “beloved” or “favorite.” David is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, recognized as the second king of Israel, a man after God’s own heart, and an ancestor of Jesus Christ. The name David appears numerous times in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing his central role in Israel’s history and his enduring legacy in the Christian faith.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), David is defined as the name of the second king of Israel and a central figure in the Old Testament. BDAG emphasizes the theological significance of David as the ideal king whose lineage would bring forth the Messiah. The lexicon also notes that David is often referred to in the New Testament, particularly in the genealogies of Jesus, where His descent from David is highlighted to establish His messianic credentials.

Thayer’s Lexicon supports this interpretation, describing David as “the beloved,” and noting his prominence as the king of Israel, the author of many Psalms, and a key figure in the prophetic tradition. Thayer’s emphasizes the covenant made with David, promising that his descendants would reign forever, a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ according to Christian theology.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon defines David as a proper noun and focuses on its usage in both the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. LSJ highlights the name’s significance in the context of Jewish and Christian traditions, where David is revered as a righteous king, a prophet, and a key ancestor of the Messiah.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes David as the name of the second king of Israel, “beloved,” and notes the extensive use of his name throughout the Bible. The concordance emphasizes David’s role in the lineage of Jesus, underscoring the theological importance of his name in both the Old and New Testaments.

David is mentioned in several significant passages in the New Testament. For example, in Matthew 1:1, the genealogy of Jesus begins, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” This emphasizes Jesus’ Davidic lineage, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. Another example is in Acts 13:22, where Paul recounts God’s testimony about David: “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, the name David does not appear independently outside of biblical contexts, as it is specific to the Hebrew tradition and is prominently featured in the Septuagint and New Testament writings. However, the name David is used extensively in these biblical texts, which were widely read in the Hellenistic world.

One example is in the Septuagint, where David is consistently used to translate the Hebrew name דָּוִד (Dāwîd), maintaining the connection between the Hebrew scriptures and their Greek-speaking audiences. The use of David in the Septuagint reflects the importance of this figure in Jewish history and theology.

Another example can be found in the writings of early Christian authors, such as Clement of Rome, who refers to David in his epistles to emphasize the continuity between the Old Testament promises and their fulfillment in Christ. This demonstrates the early Christian understanding of David as a type of Christ, whose lineage and covenant are fulfilled in the New Testament.

A third example is in Josephus, the Jewish historian, who refers to David in his works, such as “Antiquities of the Jews.” Josephus presents David as a pivotal figure in Jewish history, known for his military prowess, his poetic contributions (the Psalms), and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and religious center of Israel.

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Summary

David (pronounced da-VEED, Δαβίδ) is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “beloved,” and it is one of the most significant names in the Bible. David was the second king of Israel, revered for his leadership, his close relationship with God, and his role as a central figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ highlight the importance of David in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing his role in the fulfillment of God’s promises. While the name David does not appear in classical Greek literature outside of biblical texts, its usage in the Septuagint, the New Testament, and early Christian writings underscores its enduring significance in both Jewish and Christian traditions. David’s legacy as a “man after God’s own heart” and as the forebear of the Messiah continues to resonate throughout the scriptures and in the theological foundations of Christianity.