Pronunciation Guide: al-ex-an-DROOCE

Basic Definition

Strong’s G221: Ἀλεξανδρεύς refers to an Alexandrian, specifically a Jewish person from Alexandria, Egypt. This term identifies someone who was either born in or resided in Alexandria, one of the most influential cities of the ancient world, known for its significant Jewish population and intellectual heritage.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (Masculine)
• Derived from Ἀλεξάνδρεια (Alexandria), the city named after Alexander the Great
• Primary usage in narrative sections
• Found in both singular and plural forms in the New Testament

Ἀλεξανδρεύς Morphology:

• Ἀλεξανδρεύς (nominative singular) – an Alexandrian
• Ἀλεξανδρέως (genitive singular) – of an Alexandrian
• Ἀλεξανδρεῖς (nominative plural) – Alexandrians
• Ἀλεξανδρέων (genitive plural) – of Alexandrians

Origin & History

The term Ἀλεξανδρεύς emerged following the founding of Alexandria by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE. Alexandria quickly became home to the largest Jewish diaspora community in the ancient world, with estimates suggesting that Jews made up about 40% of the city’s population during the first century CE.

The Alexandrian Jewish community was renowned for its intellectual achievements, most notably the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek (the Septuagint). The term appears in various Hellenistic sources, including Strabo’s Geography and Philo’s works, where it often carries connotations of sophisticated Greek education combined with Jewish religious devotion.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A native or resident of Alexandria
• A member of the Alexandrian Jewish community
• A representative of Alexandrian Jewish culture and thought

Ἀλεξανδρεύς Translation Options:

• “Alexandrian” – Most common and direct translation
• “One from Alexandria” – When emphasizing geographical origin
• “Alexandrian Jew” – When context specifically refers to Jewish identity
• “Member of the Alexandrian community” – When emphasizing communal aspect

Biblical Usage

The term appears primarily in Acts 6:9, where it refers to members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including those from Alexandria who opposed Stephen. This reference provides insight into the complex dynamics between Hellenistic and Hebrew-speaking Jews in the early church.

The presence of Alexandrian Jews in Jerusalem indicates the strong connections maintained between diaspora communities and the Holy City. These Alexandrians were likely well-versed in both Greek philosophy and Jewish theology, representing the sophisticated intellectual tradition of their home city.

• “Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians [Ἀλεξανδρέων], and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen” Acts 6:9
• “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria [Ἀλεξανδρεύς], an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus” Acts 18:24

Cultural Insights

Alexandria was known as the “pride of the Hellenic world” and contained the famous Library of Alexandria, which housed countless scrolls and attracted scholars from throughout the ancient world. The city’s Jewish community was unique in having its own political organization (politeuma) and maintaining its own courts and religious institutions while participating fully in Hellenistic culture.

The Alexandrian Jewish community developed distinctive interpretative traditions, particularly allegorical interpretation of Scripture, which later influenced early Christian theology through figures like Clement and Origen of Alexandria. This synthesis of Jewish faith and Greek philosophical thinking created a unique intellectual environment that would profoundly impact the development of early Christianity.

Theological Significance

The presence of Alexandrian Jews in the New Testament narrative demonstrates יהוה (Yahweh)’s sovereign plan in preparing the way for the gospel. The Hellenistic Jewish community of Alexandria, with its blend of Jewish faith and Greek learning, played a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps and helping to articulate the message of the Messiah to a Greek-speaking world.

The opposition of some Alexandrian Jews to Stephen’s preaching (Acts 6:9) also illustrates the challenging dynamics of how the gospel confronted established religious and intellectual traditions, even within highly educated Jewish communities. Yet, figures like Apollos demonstrate how Alexandrian Jewish believers could become powerful witnesses for the Messiah.

Personal Application

The story of the Alexandrian Jews reminds us that God uses our cultural and educational background for His purposes. Just as He used the unique intellectual heritage of Alexandria to spread the gospel, He can use our particular experiences and knowledge to serve His kingdom.

Consider how your own background – whether in education, culture, or life experience – can be used to bridge gaps and communicate God’s truth to others. Like Apollos, we’re called to use our gifts and learning in service of the Messiah while remaining humble and teachable.

Related Words

• Ἑλληνιστής (Hellenistes, hel-lay-nis-TACE) – Hellenist, Greek-speaking Jew; represents the cultural context of many Alexandrian Jews. See G1675
• Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaios, ee-oo-DAH-yos) – Jew, Jewish; often used to identify the religious identity of Alexandrians. See G2453
• διασπορά (diaspora, dee-as-por-AH) – dispersion, scattered abroad; describes the condition of Jews living outside the Holy Land. See G1290

Did you Know?

• The Jewish community of Alexandria was so large and influential that they built a magnificent synagogue called the Diapleuston, said to be so vast that flag signals were used to coordinate responsive readings during services.
• The famous Alexandrian Jewish philosopher Philo, a contemporary of the apostles, wrote extensively about synthesizing Jewish faith with Greek philosophy, creating concepts that would later influence Christian theology.
• Archaeological evidence suggests that the Jewish quarter in ancient Alexandria occupied about 40% of the city, indicating both the size and significance of the Jewish population there.

Remember This

An Ἀλεξανδρεύς represented the dynamic intersection of Jewish faith and Hellenistic culture, embodying both the challenges and opportunities faced by the early church in bridging cultural divides for the sake of the gospel.