Brief Overview of Κορνήλιος (Strong’s G2883: Kornēlios)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding the Greek word Κορνήλιος (Kornēlios) is essential in biblical studies due to its connection to the significant New Testament account of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. His story is a key moment in the Acts of the Apostles, where he becomes the first recorded Gentile convert to Christianity. This event marks a pivotal shift in the early Christian church, highlighting the movement’s expansion beyond the Jewish community. Studying the word Kornēlios allows readers to grasp the historical and theological implications of this narrative, reflecting on how early Christianity began embracing people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Κορνήλιος (Kornēlios) [kor-NAY-lee-os].

Etymology: The name Kornēlios is of Latin origin, derived from “Cornelius,” a common Roman family name. It does not have a known Greek root but became integrated into the Greek language as a personal name due to Roman influence in the Mediterranean region.

Part of Speech: Noun. Kornēlios is a proper noun, specifically a masculine name. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively as a proper name referring to a Roman centurion.

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Defining Meanings

1. Cornelius: The primary meaning of Kornēlios in the New Testament is a proper name, referring to the Roman centurion Cornelius. He is depicted in Acts 10 as a God-fearing Gentile who receives a divine vision, leading to his conversion to Christianity after meeting the Apostle Peter.
2. Symbol of Gentile Inclusion: Beyond its literal usage as a name, Kornēlios symbolizes the broader inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian faith, as his story is a key moment where the barriers between Jews and Gentiles in the Christian community begin to break down.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Κλαύδιος (Klaudios) [KLOW-dee-os]: Another Latin-origin name referring to Claudius, used to designate Roman individuals. Unlike Kornēlios, Klaudios refers to a Roman emperor or other Roman citizens in historical texts.
2. Σέργιος (Sergios) [SER-gee-os]: Refers to Sergius Paulus, another Roman figure mentioned in the New Testament. While Sergios also represents a Roman name, it is used for a proconsul who encounters Paul, emphasizing leadership rather than a religious turning point.
3. Λουκᾶς (Loukas) [loo-KAHS]: A Greek name used for Luke, the physician and author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts. Unlike Kornēlios, Loukas is a common Greek name with a Jewish and Christian association rather than a Roman one.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:
Κορνήλιος is a masculine noun in Greek, primarily used in the singular form to refer to the individual Cornelius. Its declension is as follows:

Declension: As shown, Kornēlios follows the standard pattern for first declension masculine nouns in Greek.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word Kornēlios consistently appears as a proper noun in biblical texts, referring to Cornelius, a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. His narrative is crucial as it represents the initial expansion of the Christian faith to include non-Jews, marking a transformative period in early Christian history. This expansion is underscored by Peter’s vision, in which he learns that God shows no partiality, opening the way for Gentile converts. Cornelius is described as a devout man who feared God, which was a term used for Gentiles who were sympathetic to Jewish beliefs without fully converting. His story demonstrates the early Church’s struggle with issues of inclusion and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 10:1: “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius [Κορνήλιος], a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment.” This verse introduces Cornelius and sets the stage for his significant role in early Christianity.
2. Acts 10:22: “And they said, ‘Cornelius [Κορνήλιος] the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.'”
3. Acts 10:30: “So Cornelius [Κορνήλιος] said, ‘Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing.'”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word Kornēlios holds a profound place in biblical studies as the name of a Roman centurion who became the first recorded Gentile convert to Christianity. His conversion, as narrated in Acts 10, represents a pivotal moment for the early Church, where the message of the Gospel transcended Jewish boundaries. The word encapsulates the theological shift toward inclusivity and the fulfillment of Christ’s directive to make disciples of all nations.

Did You Know?

1. Cornelius is considered a saint in various Christian traditions, including Roman Catholicism, where he is celebrated on February 2nd.
2. Cornelius’s story is often seen as a parallel to that of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, both highlighting the spread of Christianity beyond Israel.
3. The name Cornelius became popular in Christian communities due to his notable role in early Church history, especially as a figure of Gentile inclusion.