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Introduction
Understanding the Greek word Ἰταλικός (Italikos) is important for Biblical studies because it gives insight into the regions and ethnic identities mentioned in the New Testament. The term, translated as “Italian,” denotes something or someone from Italy. Recognizing this word’s usage helps to clarify references to Roman citizens and contexts within early Christian narratives.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἰταλικός, transliterated as Italikos [ee-tah-LEE-kos].
- Etymology: Derived from Ἰταλία (Italia), meaning “Italy.”
- Part of Speech: Adjective (masculine), describing something related to Italy.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Italian: Refers to anything related to Italy or the people from Italy.
Similar Words: Ρωμαῖος (Rhōmaios) [roh-MY-os] refers specifically to a “Roman” or something pertaining to the city of Rome. While Ἰταλικός can refer to anything from Italy, Ρωμαῖος is more narrowly focused on Rome itself.
Further Insights: Ἰταλικός is an adjective, which follows a standard Greek declension pattern for masculine, feminine, and neuter forms. This flexibility allows it to modify various nouns and provide clarity on Italian origin or association in different grammatical contexts.
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | Ἰταλικός | Ἰταλική | Ἰταλικόν |
| Genitive | Ἰταλικοῦ | Ἰταλικῆς | Ἰταλικοῦ |
| Dative | Ἰταλικῷ | Ἰταλικῇ | Ἰταλικῷ |
| Accusative | Ἰταλικόν | Ἰταλικήν | Ἰταλικόν |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines Ἰταλικός as an adjective meaning “Italian,” pertaining to Italy or its inhabitants.
- Thayers: Notes that Ἰταλικός is an adjective form derived from Ἰταλία, indicating something or someone of Italian origin.
- Vines: Discusses Ἰταλικός in the context of identifying regions or people groups within the New Testament narrative, specifically Italian cohorts or citizens.
- LSJ: Focuses on its classical usage, describing the adjective’s application to anything associated with Italy in various literary works.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists Ἰταλικός simply as “Italian,” pointing to its appearance in New Testament references to Roman or Italian elements.
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Related Scripture References
- Acts 10:1: “At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian [Ἰταλικῆς] cohort.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Strabo | Geography | “The Italian [Ἰταλικός] provinces are diverse in nature and culture.” |
| Plutarch | Lives | “An Italian [Ἰταλικός] general who displayed great courage in the battlefield.” |
| Septuagint | 1 Maccabees 8:2 | “The Romans have conquered many, and they are known for their Italian [Ἰταλικός] legions.” |
Summary of Ἰταλικός (G2483)
The word Ἰταλικός (Italikos) serves as an important adjective in the New Testament and classical Greek literature, denoting a connection to Italy. It is used to describe individuals, groups, or objects related to the region of Italy, such as the “Italian cohort” in Acts 10:1. The word’s significance lies in its ability to provide clarity and context about the cultural and geographical landscape of the Roman Empire, especially in understanding early Christian interactions with Roman entities.
Did You Know?
- Did you know that the term Ἰταλικός helps identify Roman military units like the “Italian cohort” mentioned in Acts 10:1?
- Did you know that Ἰταλικός is an adjective that could be used to describe anything related to Italy in both Biblical and non-Biblical Greek texts?
- Did you know that understanding terms like Ἰταλικός offers deeper insights into the geopolitical influences surrounding the early Christian church?
This comprehensive overview provides a well-rounded understanding of Ἰταλικός, its usage, and its significance in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature.
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