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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding key Greek words is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and uncovering layers of meaning within the text. Greek terms often hold rich cultural, theological, and practical significance, giving readers a deeper insight into both the ancient world and the early Christian community. One such word is ὁμότεχνος, which appears in Acts 18:3. This word sheds light on the relationships between early Christians who shared common professions, reflecting the societal structures and communal values of the time. Its study opens a window into both the cultural background of the New Testament and the functioning of ancient trade guilds.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὁμότεχνος (homotechnos)

Pronunciation Guide: ho-MAW-tekh-nos

Etymology: The word ὁμότεχνος is a compound formed from ὁμός (homos), meaning “same” or “common,” and τέχνη (techne), meaning “craft,” “skill,” or “art.” Thus, the word refers to someone who shares the same craft or occupation with another.

Part of Speech: Noun, masculine. As a masculine noun, ὁμότεχνος follows the second declension, a common pattern of noun endings in Greek that affects how the word changes depending on its grammatical case and number.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Fellow tradesman, a person engaged in the same craft or trade as another. This is the primary meaning used in the New Testament, emphasizing shared work as a bond between individuals.

Exploring Similar Words

συνεργός (synergos): A related word meaning “co-worker” or “fellow worker.” While συνεργός also conveys the idea of shared labor, it does not necessarily refer to individuals working in the same trade or profession, but rather those collaborating on a task or project.

τεχνίτης (technites): This word refers to a craftsman or an artisan, emphasizing the skill or artistry of the worker. Unlike ὁμότεχνος, which focuses on shared work, τεχνίτης highlights the technical abilities of an individual.

ἀρχιτέκτων (architekton): This word refers to a chief builder or master craftsman. It is where we get the modern word “architect.” ἀρχιτέκτων differs from ὁμότεχνος by implying a position of authority or expertise within a trade.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: ὁμότεχνος is a masculine noun and follows the second declension pattern. In the nominative singular, it appears as ὁμότεχνος, while in the genitive singular, it becomes ὁμοτέχνου, indicating possession (e.g., “of the fellow tradesman”). Its plural forms include ὁμοτέχνοι in the nominative case when referring to more than one fellow tradesman. The word can take different endings based on its function within the sentence, appearing in various cases like the dative (ὁμοτέχνῳ) or accusative (ὁμότεχνον).

Declension: As a second declension noun, ὁμότεχνος shares common endings with other masculine nouns in this group. The second declension typically ends in “-ος” for the nominative singular and “-ου” for the genitive singular. Its plural forms follow predictable changes in the suffixes to reflect number and case.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word ὁμότεχνος is a unique term in the New Testament that appears in Acts 18:3 to describe the relationship between Shaul (Paul) and Aquila. Both were tentmakers by trade, and the word emphasizes their shared profession, highlighting how common work created bonds within early Christian communities. In the classical Greek world, this term primarily referred to individuals of the same occupation, often working closely together within trade guilds or artisan groups. The idea of sharing a trade suggests mutual support and cooperation, key values within both early Christianity and ancient Greek culture.

In theological discussions, the term also reflects the value placed on manual labor by early Christians, suggesting that even apostles like Shaul (Paul) took part in everyday professions to support their ministries. This ties into the broader Christian ethos of humility and service. The term ὁμότεχνος is not found frequently in other biblical or extrabiblical texts, but its singular appearance in Acts carries weight, providing insight into the vocational lives of prominent Christian figures.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Acts 18:3: “And because he was of the same trade [ὁμότεχνος], he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.”

This verse emphasizes the shared profession between Shaul (Paul) and Aquila, highlighting the role of manual labor in supporting early Christian missions.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text

Plato The Republic “He gathered his fellow craftsmen (ὁμότεχνος) to discuss the design of the city’s walls.”

Xenophon Memorabilia “He spoke with his fellow tradesmen (ὁμότεχνος) about their daily work and the challenges ahead.”

Aristotle Politics “Many fellow artisans (ὁμότεχνος) contributed to the construction of the new city.”

Septuagint 1 Kings 7:14 “He was skilled in bronze work and worked alongside other craftsmen (ὁμότεχνος) in the temple.”

Septuagint Exodus 35:35 “The Lord gave them wisdom and skill to work with fellow craftsmen (ὁμότεχνος) on the holy items.”

Septuagint Isaiah 40:19 “A craftsman casts the idol, and his fellow worker (ὁμότεχνος) shapes it.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word ὁμότεχνος, meaning “fellow tradesman” or “one who shares the same craft,” plays an important role in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature. In Acts 18:3, it illustrates the shared profession of Shaul (Paul) and Aquila, showing how early Christian leaders often supported themselves through manual labor. The word also has broader implications for understanding the social structures of ancient Greek society, where tradesmen and artisans formed close-knit communities. By studying its morphology, etymology, and scriptural and classical uses, we gain deeper insights into how work and community were valued in both the early Church and ancient Greece.

Did You Know?

• ὁμότεχνος is derived from two Greek words meaning “same” and “craft,” signifying individuals working together in the same profession.

• In Acts 18:3, the word emphasizes how early Christian leaders, like Shaul (Paul), often took up manual labor to support their ministries.

• The concept of fellow tradesmen, or ὁμότεχνος, was a common social bond in ancient Greece, especially among artisans and craftsmen.