Brief Overview of Ἰάσων (Strong’s G2394: Iasōn)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for unlocking the meanings and contexts in which these terms were originally used. The Greek word Ἰάσων (Iasōn), meaning “Jason,” is particularly significant due to its appearances in the New Testament and its connection to early Christian communities. Ἰάσων is not only a proper name but also provides insight into the cultural and historical background of the New Testament period, including Jewish and Greco-Roman interactions.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ἰάσων, transliterated as Iasōn [ee-AH-sohn].
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek verb ἰάομαι (iaomai), meaning “to heal” or “to cure.” This etymology suggests the name might be associated with healing or a healer.
• Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine; second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Jason: A common Greek name, often used as a proper noun to refer to a male individual.

Similar Words: Ἰωσῆς (Iōsēs), which is another proper noun in Greek, often used in the context of early Christian names. While Ἰάσων (Jason) has a Greek origin with a connection to healing, Ἰωσῆς has Hebrew roots, meaning “Joseph.” Both names were relatively common among Jews in the Hellenistic period who had Greco-Roman cultural influences.

Further Insights: Ἰάσων follows the second declension pattern, typical for masculine nouns in Greek. This pattern involves regular morphological changes across cases in both singular and plural forms. Below is the declension table for Ἰάσων:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon identifies Ἰάσων as a proper noun, specifically a Greek name that means “Jason.” It is noted for its usage in the New Testament to refer to a Christian believer in Thessalonica who hosted Paul and Silas.

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Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon also recognizes Ἰάσων as a proper name of Greek origin. It mentions the character Jason in the Book of Acts as a prominent Christian who provided shelter to early missionaries, making his name significant in the context of early Christian hospitality.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary discusses Ἰάσων as a notable early Christian, a resident of Thessalonica who showed hospitality to Paul. It further explains that the name was common among Hellenistic Jews and emphasizes its etymological connection to healing.

LSJ: The LSJ lexicon lists Ἰάσων primarily as a personal name, with historical connections to figures in Greek mythology and culture, such as the mythological Jason who sought the Golden Fleece.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance identifies Ἰάσων as G2394, providing references to its occurrences in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the Book of Acts.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 17:5: “But the Jews became jealous; and taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason [Ἰάσονος], they were seeking to bring them out to the people.”
• Acts 17:6: “When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason [Ἰάσονα] and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, ‘These men who have upset the world have come here also.'”
• Romans 16:21: “Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason [Ἰάσων] and Sosipater, my kinsmen.”

Classical Usage

The name Ἰάσων is well-known in classical Greek literature and mythology. It was a common name among Greeks and carried cultural significance due to the mythological hero Jason.

Summary of Ἰάσων (G2394)

The Greek word Ἰάσων (Iasōn), a proper noun referring to the name “Jason,” is rich with historical and cultural significance. In the New Testament, Jason is portrayed as a hospitable early Christian who played a key role in the spread of Christianity. His name, rooted in the Greek concept of healing, also has connections to classical Greek literature, particularly in the myth of Jason and the Argonauts. This dual cultural context makes Ἰάσων a fascinating study for both biblical scholars and those interested in Greek history and mythology.

Did You Know?

• Did You Know? Jason (Ἰάσων) was a common name among Hellenistic Jews who were familiar with Greek culture, illustrating the cultural blending during that period.
• Did You Know? The story of Jason and the Argonauts in Greek mythology is one of the earliest adventure tales and has influenced Western storytelling traditions for centuries.
• Did You Know? In the New Testament, Jason is known for his hospitality, a key virtue in early Christian communities, as he hosted Paul and Silas during their missionary journey.

This comprehensive overview of Ἰάσων provides insight into its biblical significance and its broader cultural context in the ancient world.