1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Archēlaos

Root Words:

• Ἀρχέλαος (Archēlaos): A proper noun from Greek roots ἀρχή (archē) meaning “beginning” or “rule” and λαός (laos) meaning “people” or “nation.”

Primary Meanings:

• Archilaus: A Greek name meaning “ruler of the people” or “leader of the nation.” It is used as a proper noun for historical figures.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG identifies Ἀρχέλαος as a proper name, commonly translated as “Archilaus.” The name combines the Greek words for “beginning” or “rule” and “people,” reflecting its meaning as “ruler of the people” or “leader of the nation.”

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes Ἀρχέλαος as a name meaning “ruler of the people.” It does not provide additional semantic detail beyond its use as a personal name.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary agrees with BDAG, emphasizing that Ἀρχέλαος is a name meaning “ruler of the people.”

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon supports the understanding of Ἀρχέλαος as a proper noun without additional semantic information beyond its literal meaning.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies Ἀρχέλαος simply as “Archilaus,” a name used for historical figures.

Bible Verses:

• Matthew 2:22 (KJV): “But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee.”
• Ἀρχέλαος refers to the historical figure Archelaus, the son of Herod the Great.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classical Greek literature, Ἀρχέλαος is used primarily as a proper name. Notable mentions include:

• Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews: The name appears as part of the historical narrative about rulers and political figures in Judea.
• Strabo’s Geography: The name is used in the context of regional history and political leadership.
• Diodorus Siculus’ Library of History: The name Ἀρχέλαος appears in discussions of rulers and their influence over people and regions.

4. Summary:

Ἀρχέλαος (G745: Archēlaos) is a proper name meaning “ruler of the people,” derived from Greek roots signifying leadership and the populace. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all recognize it as a historical name without additional semantic detail. Biblical usage includes references to Archelaus, the ruler of Judea mentioned in Matthew. In classical Greek literature, the name appears in discussions of historical figures and rulers.