Strong’s G4194: A Roman family name meaning “belonging to the sea,” used in the New Testament exclusively to identify Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea who presided over Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Represents Roman authority and historical context of Jesus’ death.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πόντιος served as the family name (nomen) in the Roman tria nomina system, identifying Pilate’s membership in the Pontii clan. In the New Testament, it appears exclusively in reference to Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect who ordered Jesus’ crucifixion. Early church writers used this precise identification to anchor the historical reality of Christ’s passion, as reflected in the Apostles’ Creed. Today, it continues to connect biblical narrative to verifiable history, reminding us that Christianity is grounded in actual historical events.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Πόντιος, Pontios, PON-tee-os
• Detailed pronunciation: PAWN-tee-oss (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun/Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πόντος (pontos) – sea
• -ιος (-ios) – adjectival suffix indicating belonging
• Forms Roman family name indicating possible maritime connections

D – Defining Meanings

• Belonging to the Pontii family
• Of the sea (original meaning)
• Roman family name

Translation Options:

• “Pontius” – standard transliteration
• “Of the Pontii” – emphasizes family connection
• “Sea-born” – literal etymological meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos, pee-LAH-tos) – Pilate’s cognomen – See G4091
• Ποντικός (Pontikos, pon-tee-KOS) – from Pontus – See G4193
• Πόντος (Pontos, PON-tos) – the Black Sea region – See G4195

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine
• Number: Singular
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: Πόντιος
• Genitive: Ποντίου
• Dative: Ποντίῳ
• Accusative: Πόντιον

Cross-references:

• Used as both proper noun and adjective
• Often appears with Πιλᾶτος

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use as Roman nomenclature. Thayer’s notes its connection to the Pontii family. LSJ documents broader usage of sea-related terms. Vine’s highlights its historical significance in Christian tradition. Strong’s connects it to maritime etymology. LEH notes its absence in Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan cite Roman administrative documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 27:2: “And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to [Πόντιος] Pontius Pilate the governor.”

Additional References:
Luke 3:1
Acts 4:27
1 Timothy 6:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πόντιος anchors the gospel narrative in historical reality. The specific identification of Pilate by his Roman family name demonstrates that Jesus’ death occurred at a precise moment in history under verifiable Roman authority. This historical precision proclaims that our faith rests not on myths but on real events where God entered human history through Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The name’s maritime connection suggests the Pontii family’s historical involvement in naval matters.
2. Early Christian creeds specifically included “Pontius” Pilate to emphasize historical authenticity.
3. Archaeological evidence confirms Pilate’s governorship through the “Pilate Stone” discovered in Caesarea.

Strong’s G4194: A Roman family name meaning “belonging to the sea,” used in the New Testament exclusively to identify Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea who presided over Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Represents Roman authority and historical context of Jesus’ death.

Part of speech: Proper Noun/Adjective

Tags: Pontius Pilate, Roman names, crucifixion, historical context, Roman authority, Judea, governor, passion narrative, Apostles’ Creed, archaeology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​