Damaris (pronounced DAH-mah-ris, Δάμαρις) is a Greek proper noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1152. The name Damaris is believed to be derived from the Greek word δάμαρ (damar), which can mean “wife” or “spouse.” This suggests that the name Damaris might have originally connoted a woman of marriageable age or one who holds a respectable position within society.

In the New Testament, Damaris is a personal name, and she is mentioned only once in the book of Acts. The name is significant because it reflects the Greek influence on early Christian communities, particularly in cosmopolitan cities like Athens. Damaris is often associated with women who were influential or of high social standing, which is inferred from her presence in the context where she is mentioned in the Bible.

Scripture References

1. Acts 17:34: “But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris (Δάμαρις, Damaris) and others with them.” This verse highlights the conversion of Damaris, who became a follower of Paul after his sermon at the Areopagus in Athens.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Damaris is identified as a proper noun referring to a woman who became a Christian after hearing Paul’s sermon in Athens. BDAG notes that Damaris is one of the few women mentioned by name in the New Testament, indicating that she may have been a person of some prominence or significance in the early Christian community. The lexicon also points out that Damaris‘ inclusion in the narrative suggests that women played an important role in the spread of Christianity, even in the intellectual center of Athens.

Thayer’s Lexicon also defines Damaris as a proper noun, focusing on her role as one of the early converts to Christianity in Athens. Thayer’s emphasizes that the name Damaris is of Greek origin, reflecting the cultural diversity of the early Christian movement. The lexicon suggests that Damaris may have been a woman of some social standing, given that she is mentioned alongside Dionysius, who was a member of the Areopagus, a prominent council in Athens.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon describes Damaris as a feminine proper noun, derived from δάμαρ (damar), meaning “wife” or “spouse.” LSJ highlights that the name Damaris was not uncommon in Greek culture and was likely chosen for its connotations of respectability and social status. The lexicon notes that while Damaris is only mentioned once in the New Testament, her inclusion is significant, pointing to the broader role of women in early Christian communities.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Damaris as a proper noun, referring to the woman mentioned in Acts 17:34. The concordance underscores her conversion to Christianity after hearing Paul’s sermon, noting that her name suggests she may have been a woman of some importance or influence in Athenian society.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

The name Damaris is not commonly found in classical Greek literature, but its root δάμαρ (damar) is used in various contexts.

1. Homer in the “Iliad” uses the word δάμαρ to refer to the wife of a warrior, emphasizing her role as a spouse and the emotional bonds within the household. This reflects the broader cultural significance of marriage and the role of women in ancient Greek society.
2. Euripides in his plays often uses δάμαρ metaphorically to describe women who are married or betrothed, highlighting the societal expectations placed on women regarding marriage and family.
3. Plutarch in his “Lives” occasionally refers to δάμαρ to describe the wives of notable men, emphasizing the importance of their role in supporting their husbands and managing household affairs.

Summary

Damaris (pronounced DAH-mah-ris, Δάμαρις) is a Greek proper noun referring to a woman mentioned in the New Testament who converted to Christianity after hearing Paul’s sermon in Athens. Derived from the Greek word δάμαρ (damar), which means “wife” or “spouse,” the name Damaris likely connoted respectability and social standing. Although she is mentioned only once in the Bible, her inclusion highlights the role of women in the early Christian movement, particularly in cosmopolitan centers like Athens. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize Damaris‘ significance as a representative of the diverse and influential individuals who were drawn to Christianity. While the name Damaris itself is not widely found in classical Greek literature, its root δάμαρ is used in various contexts to describe women in relation to marriage and societal roles, reflecting the cultural values of ancient Greece.