Brief Overview of Ἰερεμίας (Strong’s G2408: Ieremias)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as it helps reveal the deeper meanings and contexts of the scriptures. The Greek word Ἰερεμίας (Ieremias) is significant because it refers to Jeremiah, a major prophet in the Hebrew Bible and a figure mentioned in the New Testament. Jeremiah’s prophecies and actions have profound implications for both Jewish and Christian traditions, making the study of his name and its usage in Greek literature crucial for Biblical interpretation and understanding ancient culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ἰερεμίας, transliterated as Ieremias [ee-er-eh-MEE-as].
• Etymology: The word Ἰερεμίας is of Hebrew origin, coming from יִרְמְיָהוּ (Yirmeyahu), which means “Yahweh will exalt” or “Yahweh establishes.”
• Part of Speech: Proper noun (masculine).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Jeremiah: Refers to the prophet Jeremiah, who authored the Book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament and is known for his prophecies of doom, repentance, and hope.
• A Book of the Old Testament: The word also denotes the Book of Jeremiah, which contains his prophecies and narrative.

Similar Words: Ἰερεμίας is closely related to the Hebrew name יִרְמְיָהוּ (Yirmeyahu). In Greek, the word can also be connected to Ἱερεμία (Hieremia), a variant of the same name. While Ἰερεμίας is the standard form used in the Septuagint and the New Testament, Ἱερεμία is less commonly used and appears mainly in transliterations that have different textual traditions or pronunciation nuances.

Further Insights: Ἰερεμίας is a proper noun and follows the declension pattern typical of Greek masculine nouns ending in -ας. Below is the declension table for the singular form:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon defines Ἰερεμίας as “Jeremiah,” a major prophet in the Old Testament. It emphasizes the prophet’s role in the New Testament, particularly in references to his prophecies and their fulfillment in the life and mission of Jesus Christ.

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Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes Ἰερεμίας as “Jeremiah,” a prophet known for his prophecies of destruction and calls for repentance. Thayer notes its appearance in the New Testament in genealogies and citations that highlight Jeremiah’s significance in salvation history.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary explains Ἰερεμίας as the Greek form of “Jeremiah,” one of the major prophets. It also mentions the usage of Ἰερεμίας in the New Testament, often in contexts where Old Testament prophecies are quoted to affirm their fulfillment in Jesus.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides the definition of Ἰερεμίας as “Jeremiah,” noting its use in both Biblical and extra-biblical literature to refer to the prophet. It mentions the word’s appearance in various Greek translations of the Hebrew scriptures, particularly the Septuagint.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines Ἰερεμίας (G2408) as “Jeremiah,” a prophet in the Old Testament. It provides references to his name’s usage in the New Testament, particularly in Matthew 2:17 and 16:14, where Jeremiah is mentioned in genealogies and prophecies.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 2:17: “Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah [Ἰερεμίας] the prophet.”
• Matthew 16:14: “And they said, Some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah [Ἰερεμίας], or one of the prophets.”
• Matthew 27:9: “Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah [Ἰερεμίας] the prophet was fulfilled, saying, ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver…'”

Classical Usage

Ἰερεμίας appears primarily in the Septuagint and other Greek translations of Hebrew scriptures rather than in classical Greek literature. Below are examples from the Septuagint and Biblical texts:

Summary of Ἰερεμίας (G2408)

The Greek word Ἰερεμίας (Ieremias) refers to Jeremiah, one of the major prophets of the Old Testament, known for his prophecies of judgment, repentance, and restoration. His name is mentioned in the New Testament in contexts where Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Understanding Ἰερεμίας is crucial for both Biblical studies and grasping the theological significance of prophetic literature in ancient Jewish and early Christian thought. The study of this word helps link the prophecies of Jeremiah to the narrative of the New Testament, providing a fuller picture of the continuity between the Testaments.

Did You Know?

• Did You Know? The prophet Jeremiah is often called “the weeping prophet” because of the tone of lament and sorrow found throughout his writings.
• Did You Know? Jeremiah’s life and prophecies are key in understanding the Babylonian exile’s impact on Jewish thought, which in turn shaped much of later Jewish and Christian theology.
• Did You Know? The New Testament frequently cites Jeremiah’s prophecies, showing the early Christian belief that his writings foretold the coming of Jesus and the new covenant.

This overview provides a comprehensive understanding of Ἰερεμίας (Ieremias) and its significance in Biblical texts, classical literature, and ancient religious practices, highlighting its cultural and theological importance.