Pronunciation Guide: ah-DAHM

Basic Definition

Strong’s G76: Ἀδάμ (Adam) refers to the first man created by God and, by extension, represents humanity as a whole. As a proper noun, it identifies the first human being made in God’s image, while also carrying deeper theological significance as the federal head of humanity whose actions affected all mankind.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Proper Noun
• Language Origin: Hebrew (אָדָם) borrowed into Greek
• Usage Context: Historical narrative, theological discourse
• Primary Usage: Genealogies, theological teaching on sin and redemption

Word Morphology:

• Ἀδάμ (nominative) – Adam
• τῷ Ἀδάμ (dative) – to/for Adam
• τοῦ Ἀδάμ (genitive) – of Adam

Word Origin & History

The name Adam derives from the Hebrew אָדָם (adam), which is related to אֲדָמָה (adamah), meaning “ground” or “earth.” This etymology reflects the creation account where God formed man from the dust of the ground. In classical Greek literature, the word appears primarily in translations of Jewish texts and early Christian writings, as it represents a uniquely Judeo-Christian theological concept.

The Septuagint translators chose to transliterate rather than translate the Hebrew name, preserving its connection to the creation narrative while allowing it to function both as a proper name and a representative term for humanity.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The first man created by God
• Humanity in its collective sense
• The federal head of the human race
• The counterpart to Christ as the “last Adam”

Translation Options:

1. “Adam” – When referring specifically to the historical person
2. “man” – When used in a collective sense for humanity
3. “earthly one” – When emphasizing the contrast with Christ as the heavenly one

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, Ἀδάμ appears in both historical and theological contexts. Paul particularly employs Adam as a theological type, contrasting him with Christ as the “last Adam.” This typology serves to illustrate the far-reaching implications of both Adam’s fall and Christ’s redemption.

The word carries special significance in Pauline theology, where it functions as a crucial element in explaining both the universality of sin and the scope of Christ’s redemptive work.

• “[Ἀδάμ] Adam was first formed, then Eve.” 1 Timothy 2:13
• “For as in [Ἀδάμ] Adam all die” 1 Corinthians 15:22
• “The first man [Ἀδάμ] Adam became a living being” 1 Corinthians 15:45
• “[Ἀδάμ] Adam was not deceived” 1 Timothy 2:14
• “Death reigned from [Ἀδάμ] Adam to Moses” Romans 5:14

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, naming carried tremendous significance. The name Adam, connected to the ground (adamah), reflects humanity’s unique position as both formed from earth and given dominion over it. This dual nature – earthly origin but divine image-bearer – was a concept that set biblical anthropology apart from other ancient Near Eastern views of humanity’s origins.

This understanding profoundly influenced early Christian thought about human nature, dignity, and purpose. The early church fathers saw in Adam’s name a reminder of humanity’s humble origins and exalted calling.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of Ἀδάμ extends far beyond its use as a proper name. It embodies the biblical understanding of human nature, sin, and redemption. Through Adam, we understand both our original dignity as image-bearers and our fall into sin.

Paul’s parallel between Adam and Christ (the “last Adam”) reveals God’s redemptive plan. While the first Adam brought death through disobedience, Christ as the last Adam brings life through obedience. This typology shows God’s wisdom in using the very channel of humanity’s fall to accomplish its redemption.

Personal Application

Understanding the significance of Ἀδάμ reminds us of both our dignity and dependence. Like Adam, we are made from dust yet breathed into by God Himself. This tension should produce humility and hope – humility in recognizing our earthly nature, hope in embracing our potential for transformation into Christ’s image.

This understanding can transform how we view ourselves and others, seeing each person as bearing both the marks of Adam’s fall and the potential for renewal in Christ’s image.

Related Words

• χοϊκός (choikos) [khoy-kos] – earthly, made of dust, emphasizing human nature. See G5517
• ἄνθρωπος (anthropos) [an-thro-pos] – man, human being, humanity in general. See G444
• γῆ (gē) [ghay] – earth, ground, emphasizing material origin. See G1093
• εἰκών (eikōn) [i-kone] – image, emphasizing divine creation purpose. See G1504

Did You Know?

• The Hebrew word for “red” (אדום, adom) shares the same root as Adam, possibly connecting to the redness of earth or blood, emphasizing humanity’s connection to the ground.
• Ancient Jewish traditions taught that the soil used to create Adam was gathered from the four corners of the earth, symbolizing how all humanity would descend from him.
• The name Adam appears in ancient Near Eastern texts outside the Bible, but only the biblical account connects it so profoundly to both earthly origins and divine purpose.

Remember This

In Adam, we see our story – formed from dust, fallen in sin, yet fashioned for glory through Christ, the last Adam.