Brief Overview of Ἄρειος πάγος (G697: Areios Pagos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Areios Pagos

Root Words:

• Ἄρειος (Areios): From Ἄρης (Ares), the Greek god of war, thus meaning “of Ares” or “related to Ares.”
• πάγος (Pagos): Means “rock” or “hill.”

Primary Meanings:

• Areopagus: The term Ἄρειος πάγος refers to the Areopagus, a prominent hill in Athens associated with the worship of Ares and also used as a meeting place for the council of elders or magistrates.
• Judicial and Political Assembly: The Areopagus was historically known as a judicial and political council in ancient Athens, responsible for overseeing various legal matters and public issues.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes Ἄρειος πάγος as a specific location in Athens, used for both religious and political functions. The term refers to a notable hill where the council of elders convened. It also underscores the site’s significance in the ancient Athenian legal system.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon emphasizes the Areopagus as a hill in Athens and the council that met there. It highlights its role in judicial and political functions within the city-state.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that the Areopagus was a prominent hill and a site for a council responsible for legal decisions and administrative duties.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides historical context, describing the Areopagus as both a physical location (the hill) and an important administrative body in Athens.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines Ἄρειος πάγος as “Areopagus,” specifying its role as the hill in Athens and the council that met there.

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Bible Verses:

• Acts 17:19 (KJV): “And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?”
• This verse refers to the Areopagus as the site where Paul was brought to discuss his teachings before the Athenian council.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, the Areopagus is referenced in various contexts:

• Aristotle: Describes the Areopagus as a significant political body and judicial authority in Athens.
• Plato: Mentions the Areopagus in discussions about Athenian governance and legal practices.
• Thucydides: Refers to the Areopagus in historical accounts, noting its influence on Athenian politics and society.

4. Summary:

The term Ἄρειος πάγος (G697: Areios Pagos) refers to the Areopagus, a prominent hill in Athens that served both religious and political functions. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ provide consistent definitions highlighting its significance as both a physical location and a council. Biblical references, particularly in Acts, illustrate its role in the context of early Christian encounters with Athenian authorities. Classic Greek literature further emphasizes the Areopagus as a key element in Athenian political and judicial life.