Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for grasping the full depth and context of scriptural narratives. The Greek word Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs) is particularly significant because it refers to a prominent family of rulers in Judea during the time of the New Testament. The Herodian dynasty played a central role in the political and religious climate of the era, influencing the socio-political landscape in which Jesus and the early church operated. The name Ἡρῴδης helps us understand both the historical context of the New Testament and the complexities of Jewish and Roman relations during that period.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs), pronounced [hay-ROH-days].
• Etymology: Likely derived from ἥρως (hērōs) meaning “hero” and the suffix -ιδης (-idēs) indicating descent or lineage. Thus, the name can be interpreted as “son of a hero” or “heroic.”
• Part of Speech: Proper noun (masculine). It is a name and does not decline like regular Greek adjectives or nouns but follows the rules of Greek proper nouns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Herod: Refers to the name of a ruling family during the Roman period in Judea.
• Herodian Dynasty: Associated with several rulers named Herod, including Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, and Herod Agrippa.

Similar Words: Ἀντίπατρος (Antipatros), pronounced [an-TEE-pa-tros], is another name associated with the Herodian dynasty. While Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs) refers to various rulers within the Herodian family, Ἀντίπατρος is specifically the name of Herod the Great’s father. Both names are associated with the same family but refer to different individuals.

Further Insights: Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs), being a proper noun, does not follow typical declension patterns like common nouns or adjectives. Instead, it follows the declension pattern for Greek names of the third declension. Here is the declension table for Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs):

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The term Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs) appears in reference to the rulers of the Herodian dynasty. BDAG identifies Herod the Great, his sons, and grandsons, all of whom are named Herod and are featured throughout the New Testament. The lexicon provides contextual information about each Herod’s role and their relationships with other historical figures in the Gospels and Acts.

Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon defines Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs) as “heroic,” referencing the various members of the Herodian family, such as Herod the Great and Herod Antipas. Thayer notes their historical significance in the context of Roman rule over Judea and their interactions with Jesus and the early Christians.

Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes the role of Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs) in the narrative of the New Testament. It highlights how different Herods were involved in key events, from the massacre of the innocents under Herod the Great to the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist by Herod Antipas.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon provides a more general definition of Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs), noting its use primarily as a proper noun to denote the Herodian rulers. It also discusses the historical context of the name’s usage in both biblical and secular literature of the era.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs) as G2264, focusing on its use as a proper noun referring to the Herodian kings mentioned in the New Testament. It notes specific scriptural references where different Herods appear, underlining their influence on the political landscape of first-century Judea.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 2:1: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod [Ἡρῴδου] the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.”
• Mark 6:14: “And King Herod [Ἡρῴδης] heard of it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, ‘John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.'”
• Luke 3:1: “Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod [Ἡρῴδου] was tetrarch of Galilee.”
• Acts 12:1: “Now about that time Herod [Ἡρῴδης] the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church to mistreat them.”
• Matthew 14:3: “For Herod [Ἡρῴδης] had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.”

Classical Usage

Summary of Ἡρῴδης (G2264: Hērōdēs)

The Greek word Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs) refers to the Herodian dynasty, a family of rulers who governed Judea under Roman authority during the New Testament period. This name is significant in biblical texts as it connects to key figures who interacted with Jesus, John the Baptist, and the early church. The Herods were known for their complex political relationships, balancing allegiance to Rome while managing Jewish unrest. Understanding the historical and cultural context of Ἡρῴδης helps readers grasp the political dynamics and tensions present in the New Testament.

Did You Know?

• The Herodian dynasty’s founder, Herod the Great, was known for his massive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
• Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, was responsible for the execution of John the Baptist.
• The Herods were of Edomite descent but practiced Judaism, making their rule controversial among the Jewish population.

By exploring terms like Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs), we gain a richer understanding of the political and social backdrop against which the New Testament events unfolded.