Brief Overview of Ποντικός (Strong’s G4193: Pontikos)

Strong’s G4193: An adjective meaning “of Pontus,” referring to someone or something from the region of Pontus in northern Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Used in Acts to describe Aquila, a Jewish Christian who became Paul’s colleague in ministry and tent-making.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποντικός identifies connection to Pontus, a significant region along the Black Sea coast known for its Jewish diaspora community and early Christian influence. This geographical identifier appears in Acts to describe Aquila, highlighting the spread of both Judaism and early Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Early church writers often referenced Pontus when discussing the expansion of Christianity, and it remains significant in understanding the diverse ethnic and geographical reach of the early church.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Ποντικός, Pontikos, pon-tee-KOS
• Detailed pronunciation: pawn-tee-KOSS (stress on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: Πόντος (Pontos) – name of the region
• -ικός (-ikos) – adjectival suffix indicating “belonging to” or “from”
• Forms adjective denoting geographical origin

D – Defining Meanings

• From Pontus
• Of Pontic origin
• Belonging to the region of Pontus

Translation Options:

• “Pontian” – emphasizes regional identity
• “From Pontus” – clearest geographical reference
• “Of Pontic origin” – formal designation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Ἀσιανός (Asianos, as-ee-an-OS) – from Asia Minor – See G773
• Ῥωμαῖος (Rōmaios, rho-MAY-os) – Roman – See G4514
• Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaios, ee-oo-DAY-os) – Jewish – See G2453

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter forms available
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd/1st declension adjective

Example morphological changes:

• Masculine: Ποντικός
• Feminine: Ποντική
• Neuter: Ποντικόν

Cross-references:

• Related noun: Πόντος (Pontus)
• Related forms: Ποντικῶς (in the Pontic manner)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the geographical and cultural significance of Pontus. Thayer’s notes its connection to Jewish diaspora communities. LSJ documents usage in describing trade and cultural exchange. Vine’s highlights its significance in early Christian expansion. Strong’s connects it to the Black Sea region. LEH notes Septuagint usage regarding diaspora Jews. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from commercial documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 18:2: “And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in [Ποντικός] Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 18:2.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποντικός reminds us that the gospel transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Through Aquila’s story, we see how God used diaspora Jews to spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire. This word testifies to the universal scope of Christ’s kingdom, where people from every region and background find unity in Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. Pontus was known for its significant Jewish population before and during New Testament times.
2. The region played a crucial role in early Christian mission work, as evidenced in 1 Peter.
3. Several early church fathers, including Gregory Thaumaturgus, came from Pontus.

Strong’s G4193: An adjective meaning “of Pontus,” referring to someone or something from the region of Pontus in northern Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Used in Acts to describe Aquila, a Jewish Christian who became Paul’s colleague in ministry and tent-making.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: Pontus, geography, diaspora, Acts, Aquila, Paul’s companions, early church, Jewish Christians, Asia Minor, missionary journeys​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​