Brief Overview of ἔθνος (Strong’s G1484: éthnos)

Introduction:

In Biblical studies, the examination of Greek words opens a gateway to a richer understanding of the New Testament. The word ἔθνος (éthnos) is particularly significant because it is foundational to the concepts of nationhood, ethnicity, and the delineation between Jews and Gentiles. Its use in the New Testament is pivotal for interpreting passages that discuss the inclusion of non-Jews in the early Christian community. Additionally, the term provides insight into how ancient Greek culture perceived and categorized different peoples and cultures, making it a key word for understanding both theological and sociocultural contexts.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἔθνος (éthnos) [ETH-nos]
• Etymology: Derived from the root word ἔθνος (éthnos), meaning “nation” or “people,” often related to a group of people with a shared culture or ethnicity.
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter, third declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• A nation or people group
• Gentiles, as distinguished from Jews
• A collective group of people who share a common culture, language, or heritage

Similar Words:

• λαός (laós) [lah-OS]: Refers to people in a more general sense, often used in the New Testament to denote the people of Israel or a crowd.
• φῦλον (phylon) [FOO-lon]: Meaning “tribe” or “clan,” it is more specific than ἔθνος, referring to subdivisions within a nation or ethnic group.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• The word ἔθνος is a neuter noun of the third declension. It denotes a collective group and often appears in the plural form, especially when referring to the Gentiles.
• Noun Declension: As a third declension noun, ἔθνος follows a specific pattern in its forms.

Lexicon Insights:

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BDAG:
BDAG identifies ἔθνος as referring to a nation or people group, often used in the New Testament to denote Gentiles, as distinct from the Jewish people. It emphasizes the term’s role in discussions about the inclusion of non-Jews in the early Christian faith.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon defines ἔθνος primarily as a group of people bound together by common customs, laws, and language. It notes the word’s particular application to Gentiles in contrast to the Jewish nation, highlighting its usage in the New Testament.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes that ἔθνος is used to describe nations in general but is often employed in the New Testament to refer to non-Jewish peoples. Vine’s also highlights the term’s role in the broader context of God’s plan for all nations.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon traces the use of ἔθνος back to classical Greek, where it was used to describe a group of people with shared characteristics, whether cultural, ethnic, or religious. In the New Testament, it often carries the connotation of Gentiles.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἔθνος as a race or nation, with a particular focus on its use to describe Gentile nations. The term is crucial for understanding the distinctions made in the New Testament between Jews and the wider world.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations (ἔθνη), baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
• Romans 1:5: “Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations (ἔθνεσιν).”
• 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (ἔθνος), a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἔθνος (G1484: éthnos)

The Greek word ἔθνος (éthnos) plays a crucial role in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, signifying a nation or people group. In the context of the New Testament, it is often used to refer to Gentiles, distinguishing them from the Jewish people. This term is essential for understanding the inclusive nature of the Gospel message, as it highlights the expansion of God’s covenant beyond Israel to encompass all nations. The word’s usage in classical Greek also reflects the way ancient cultures categorized and related to different peoples, emphasizing the importance of shared customs and heritage. Overall, ἔθνος is a key term for exploring both the theological and cultural dimensions of the early Christian era.

Did You Know?

The word ἔθνος (éthnos) is the root of the modern English word “ethnic.” While today “ethnic” often refers to cultural characteristics and identity, in ancient Greek, ἔθνος primarily referred to groups of people united by shared traditions, laws, and language. This term has evolved over time but continues to carry the idea of a collective identity based on common heritage.