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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for grasping the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shaped the narratives of the New Testament. The Greek word Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias) is particularly significant as it refers to Herodias, a prominent historical figure in the Gospels. Her actions had substantial implications in the narrative of John the Baptist’s death and are essential for understanding the power dynamics, moral conflicts, and the role of women in the New Testament period.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias), pronounced [hay-ro-dee-AS].
- Etymology: Derived from Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs), meaning “Herod,” with the feminine suffix -ιάς (-ias) indicating “belonging to Herod” or “of Herod’s family.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun (feminine singular). It follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns in Greek.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Herodias: A woman of the Herodian dynasty known for her role in the Gospels as the wife of Herod Antipas and the instigator behind John the Baptist’s beheading.
Similar Words: Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs), pronounced [hay-ROH-dace], refers to Herod, the ruler of Judea during the time of Jesus’ birth. While both Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias) and Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs) are linked to the Herodian dynasty, Ἡρῳδιάς is specifically the name of a female member of the dynasty who was married to Herod Antipas.
Further Insights: Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias) is a proper noun of the first declension, following typical feminine noun patterns in Greek. The word’s form reflects its Greek adaptation from a Hebrew or Aramaic origin, indicating a Hellenized context. Below is the declension table for Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias):
| Case | Singular |
|---|---|
| Nominative | Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias) |
| Genitive | Ἡρῳδιάδος (Hērōdiados) |
| Dative | Ἡρῳδιάδι (Hērōdiadi) |
| Accusative | Ἡρῳδιάδα (Hērōdiada) |
| Vocative | Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: The term Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias) refers to the wife of Herod Antipas and mother of Salome. BDAG notes her significant role in the New Testament as the one who manipulated her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist.
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Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon identifies Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias) as the granddaughter of Herod the Great. She was married to Herod Philip I but later unlawfully married Herod Antipas, leading to John the Baptist’s condemnation of her, which eventually led to his execution.
Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary describes Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias) as the daughter of Aristobulus and Bernice. Her actions, as recorded in the Gospels, are seen as a manifestation of her ambition and desire for power within the Herodian family.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon provides a brief mention of Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias), noting her role in historical and biblical contexts, mainly focusing on her connection to Herod and the execution of John the Baptist.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias) as G2266 and emphasizes her connection to the Herodian family and her pivotal role in the execution of John the Baptist, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 14:3: “For when Herod had John arrested, he bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias [Ἡρῳδιάδος], the wife of his brother Philip.”
- Mark 6:17-19: “For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias [Ἡρῳδιάδος], the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ Herodias [Ἡρῳδιάς] had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death.”
- Luke 3:19: “But when Herod the tetrarch was reprimanded by him because of Herodias [Ἡρῳδιάδος], his brother’s wife, and because of all the wicked things which Herod had done.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Josephus | Antiquities of the Jews | “Herodias [Ἡρῳδιάς], filled with ambition, urged her daughter to dance before Herod to secure the death of John.” |
| Josephus | Wars of the Jews | “Herodias [Ἡρῳδιάς] was the wife of Herod and instigator of John’s beheading, aligning herself with the powers of her time.” |
| Not Available | Not Available | Not available in other classical Greek literature. |
| Septuagint | Not found | |
| Septuagint | Not found | |
| Septuagint | Not found |
Summary of Ἡρῳδιάς (G2266: Hērōdias)
The Greek word Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias) refers to the infamous wife of Herod Antipas, known for her role in the events leading to the execution of John the Baptist. She is a significant figure in the New Testament narratives due to her influence over Herod and her use of her daughter Salome to manipulate Herod into granting her request for John’s head. Understanding Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias) is crucial for interpreting the interplay of power, ambition, and political maneuvering in the Gospels. Her story illustrates the complex and often dangerous dynamics of the Herodian dynasty and its interactions with Jewish and Christian figures of the time.
Did You Know?
- Herodias’ marriage to Herod Antipas was considered unlawful according to Jewish law because she was already married to his brother, Herod Philip I.
- Herodias’ daughter, Salome, is not named in the Bible, but her name is preserved in the writings of the Jewish historian Josephus.
- Herodias is one of the few women in the New Testament who played a significant role in political intrigues, showcasing the unique challenges and influence of women in the Herodian court.
By exploring the term Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias), one gains deeper insight into the political and familial tensions that influenced the events surrounding John the Baptist and the early Christian movement.
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