Introduction:

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words is essential for accurately interpreting the New Testament. The Greek language carries with it a cultural and historical depth that can significantly impact the meaning of a text. The word ἐθνικός (ethnikós) is particularly significant as it pertains to the concept of ethnicity and how different groups were viewed in the ancient world. This term is crucial for interpreting passages that deal with the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, as well as for understanding the broader cultural context of the early Christian era.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐθνικός (ethnikós) [eth-nee-KOS]
• Etymology: Derived from the root word ἔθνος (ethnos), meaning “nation” or “people,” with the suffix -ικός (-ikos), which denotes belonging or relating to.
• Part of Speech: Adjective (second declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Pertaining to nations or ethnic groups
• Gentile, as distinct from Jewish
• Heathen, in a religious sense, referring to those who are not Jewish or Christian

Similar Words:

• ἔθνος (ethnos) [ETH-nos]: Refers to a nation or people group, often used to distinguish between Jews and other nations (Gentiles).
• Ἑλλην (Hellēn) [HEL-layn]: Specifically refers to Greeks or those who follow Greek culture, and by extension, it can also mean Gentiles, especially in contrast to Jews.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• The word ἐθνικός is an adjective formed from the noun ἔθνος (ethnos), meaning “nation,” with the suffix -ικός (-ikos) indicating something that pertains to or is characteristic of a nation or people group.
• Adjective Declension: As a second declension adjective, ἐθνικός follows the standard pattern in Greek.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐθνικός primarily in relation to its use in the New Testament to describe Gentiles or non-Jews. It carries the connotation of someone who belongs to a different nation or ethnic group, often with the added implication of religious distinction, particularly in relation to idolatry or pagan practices.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights the adjective’s usage to denote something pertaining to the Gentiles. It emphasizes its use in a derogatory sense when referring to those outside of the Jewish faith, marking them as “heathens” or “pagans.”

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes that ἐθνικός is often used in a religious context to describe those who are not part of the covenant people, i.e., non-Jews. It underscores the term’s association with paganism and idolatry, especially in contrast to Jewish monotheism.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon traces the word’s classical roots, showing its broader application to anything related to a nation or people group. While in classical Greek it did not necessarily carry a negative connotation, in later usage, especially in the New Testament, it took on a more specific and often pejorative meaning.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐθνικός as an adjective referring to someone who is “Gentile” or “heathen,” emphasizing its use in the New Testament to distinguish between Jews and those who belong to other nations, particularly in a religious context.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 5:47: “And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles (ἐθνικοί) do the same?”
• Matthew 18:17: “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile (ἐθνικός) and a tax collector.”
• 1 Corinthians 5:1: “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans (ἐθνικοί).”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐθνικός (G1482: ethnikós)

The word ἐθνικός (ethnikós) is a Greek adjective that relates to nations or ethnic groups. Derived from the word ἔθνος (ethnos), meaning “nation” or “people,” it generally refers to someone or something that is characteristic of a particular nation or ethnic group. In the New Testament, the term is used primarily to describe Gentiles or non-Jews, often with a negative connotation, particularly when referring to those outside the Jewish faith. Understanding this term is crucial for interpreting the New Testament’s discussions on ethnic and religious identity, as well as for grasping the broader cultural context of the early Christian world.

Did You Know?

The word ἐθνικός (ethnikós) is the root of the modern English word “ethnic.” Over time, the term has evolved from its original Greek usage, which simply referred to something pertaining to a nation, to its current meaning, which often describes cultural and racial characteristics of different groups of people. In the New Testament, however, it carried a more specific meaning, often distinguishing between the Jewish people and the Gentiles or “heathens.”