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Unveiling the Word
Understanding Greek words used in the New Testament is crucial for deepening one’s understanding of biblical texts and their cultural contexts. The word Κλωπᾶς (Klōpas), which appears in John 19:25, is particularly significant because it identifies a figure closely associated with the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion. Knowing who Klōpas is, and understanding his potential familial relationships, is vital for interpreting certain New Testament passages, especially those that discuss the early Christian community and their connections to Jesus.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: Κλωπᾶς, transliterated as Klōpas [KLO-pas].
Etymology: The etymology of Κλωπᾶς is uncertain. Some scholars suggest it could be a Greek adaptation of a Hebrew or Aramaic name, possibly connected to Chalphi, meaning “to exchange” or “to substitute.” Alternatively, it might be related to the Greek word κλείς (kleis), meaning “key,” but this is speculative.
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Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine. Κλωπᾶς is a proper noun used to denote a specific individual’s name, and it does not follow typical declension patterns for common nouns.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Defining Meanings
- A Person’s Name: The primary meaning of Κλωπᾶς is a proper name used to identify a person in the New Testament. In John 19:25, Klōpas is mentioned as the husband of one of the Marys present at the crucifixion of Jesus.
Exploring Similar Words
- Κλεοπᾶς (Kleopas) [KLE-o-pas]: Another name found in the New Testament, particularly in Luke 24:18. Some suggest Klōpas and Kleopas could refer to the same person due to similar phonetic elements, but the majority view them as distinct individuals.
- Κλεομήδης (Kleomedes) [kleh-o-MEE-des]: This name is from a different Greek root, meaning “glory of the plan.” It shares the initial phonetic sounds but differs significantly in meaning and context.
- Κλεομήνη (Kleomene) [KLEH-o-mene]: Similar in sound but different in meaning, deriving from a combination of “glory” and “might.” It is unrelated to Κλωπᾶς in terms of etymology and significance.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
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Case, Number, Gender:
Κλωπᾶς is a masculine singular proper noun. It appears in the nominative case in the New Testament. Because it is a proper noun, it does not follow a typical declension pattern for common nouns but retains its form when used in different syntactic contexts.
Declension:
Since Κλωπᾶς is a proper noun and does not have a standard declension, no declension table is typically needed. However, here is a simplified view:
| Case | Singular |
|---|---|
| Nominative | Κλωπᾶς |
| Genitive | Κλωπᾶ |
| Dative | Κλωπᾷ |
| Accusative | Κλωπᾶν |
| Vocative | Κλωπᾶ |
For more details on Greek grammar and noun declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Studying Lexicon Insights
Κλωπᾶς is primarily mentioned as a proper noun in New Testament Greek lexicons. It appears in John 19:25, where he is described as the husband of one of the Marys present at Jesus’ crucifixion. Some traditions identify Mary, the wife of Klōpas, as the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus, but this is debated. Lexicons emphasize the uncertainty around Klōpas’ exact identity but note his importance in the narrative of the early Christian community and its close association with Jesus’ family. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
- John 19:25: “But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas [Κλωπᾶ], and Mary Magdalene.”
Analyzing Classical Usage
The name Κλωπᾶς does not appear frequently in classical Greek literature or the Septuagint. Therefore, classical examples are limited, but the following table outlines hypothetical appearances to reflect its rarity:
| Author | Name of Work | Text Excerpt |
|---|---|---|
| Philo | On the Life of Moses | (Hypothetical usage for illustrative purposes) “The man named Klōpas [Κλωπᾶς] was known for his piety.” |
| Septuagint | Psalms of Solomon | (No direct reference, example for formatting) “A righteous man like Klōpas [Κλωπᾶς] who follows the law.” |
| Josephus | Antiquities of the Jews | (No direct reference, example for formatting) “And Klōpas [Κλωπᾶς] came from a distant land.” |
Noteworthy Summary
Κλωπᾶς, mentioned in John 19:25, holds significance as the possible husband of one of the Marys present at Jesus’ crucifixion. The understanding of his identity and familial ties provides deeper insight into the early Christian community and the personal connections to Jesus’ life and ministry. While there is limited classical usage of the name, its presence in the New Testament underscores the importance of studying names and their cultural and theological implications in biblical texts.
Did You Know?
- The name Klōpas is unique to the New Testament and does not appear in the Septuagint, highlighting its specific importance in Christian texts.
- Some traditions suggest that Klōpas could be the same person as Cleopas, one of the disciples who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus.
- The name Klōpas has intrigued scholars due to its potential links to both Greek and Semitic origins, showing the linguistic diversity of the New Testament period.
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