Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for enriching our comprehension of Biblical texts, as it provides depth and context that can transform our reading experience. The Greek word Ἰεριχώ (Iericho) is particularly significant because it refers to the ancient city of Jericho, a location with profound historical, theological, and symbolic importance in both the Old and New Testaments. Jericho is often noted for its role in Israelite history, particularly the famous battle where “the walls came tumbling down,” and its frequent mentions in the Gospels highlight its continuing significance in the narrative of Jesus’ ministry.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ἰεριχώ, transliterated as Iericho [ee-er-ee-KHO].
• Etymology: The word Ἰεριχώ is derived from the Hebrew יְרִיחוֹ (Yericho), which may originate from a root meaning “fragrance” or “moon,” suggesting a possible link to lunar worship or a sweet-smelling location.
• Part of Speech: Proper noun (feminine).
• Grammatical Details: Indeclinable noun in Greek; does not change form.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Jericho: A significant city mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, located in the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea.
• City of Palms: Another name given to Jericho, emphasizing its lush and fertile environment.
• Historical Significance: Known for its association with key Biblical events, such as the Battle of Jericho in the book of Joshua and the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus in the Gospels.

Similar Words: Ἰεριχώ (Iericho) is related to other Greek words denoting ancient cities with significant Biblical or historical value, such as Ἱερουσαλήμ (Hierousalēm), which means “Jerusalem.” While Ἰεριχώ refers to a specific location with a particular historical and theological backdrop, Ἱερουσαλήμ pertains to the central city of Jewish worship and the crucifixion of Jesus.

Further Insights: Ἰεριχώ is an indeclinable proper noun, which means it retains the same form regardless of its grammatical role in a sentence. This feature simplifies its usage but also limits morphological insights directly derived from the word. Unlike many Greek nouns that undergo declension, Ἰεριχώ remains consistent, showcasing the uniqueness of some proper nouns in Greek.

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon defines Ἰεριχώ as a proper noun referring to the ancient city of Jericho. It highlights Jericho’s significance in both Old Testament conquests and New Testament narratives, where it serves as a backdrop for events in Jesus’ ministry, such as the healing of Bartimaeus and the meeting with Zacchaeus.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon provides insight into Ἰεριχώ as “Jericho,” a city of Canaan captured by Joshua. It elaborates on the city’s etymological roots, possibly derived from Hebrew, meaning “a fragrant place,” which corresponds with its description as the “City of Palms” due to its lush surroundings.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary notes Ἰεριχώ as “Jericho” and emphasizes its role as a key location in Israelite history. It further explains the city’s cultural and spiritual symbolism, particularly in relation to its miraculous conquest and the subsequent events involving Jesus.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon categorizes Ἰεριχώ as a proper noun of Semitic origin, explaining its role in Jewish and early Christian literature. It mentions its occurrence in various Biblical and extra-biblical texts, highlighting its importance in both historical and religious contexts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance identifies Ἰεριχώ (G2410) as a proper noun meaning “Jericho.” It refers to its repeated appearance in the Bible, particularly in passages where significant spiritual and historical events unfold.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 20:29: “As they were leaving Jericho [Ἰεριχώ], a large crowd followed Him.”
• Luke 19:1: “He entered Jericho [Ἰεριχώ] and was passing through.”
• Hebrews 11:30: “By faith the walls of Jericho [Ἰεριχώ] fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.”

Classical Usage

Summary of Ἰεριχώ (G2410)

The Greek word Ἰεριχώ (Iericho) refers to the ancient city of Jericho, a location rich in Biblical and historical significance. Known as the “City of Palms,” Jericho is famously associated with the Israelite conquest led by Joshua, where its walls fell after being encircled for seven days. In the New Testament, Jericho serves as a backdrop for key moments in Jesus’ ministry, including His encounters with the blind Bartimaeus and the tax collector Zacchaeus. The word is of Semitic origin, likely meaning “a fragrant place,” and remains indeclinable in Greek grammar. Ἰεριχώ is a testament to the convergence of history, geography, and theology in the Biblical narrative.

Did You Know?

• Did You Know? Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of settlement dating back to 9000 BCE.
• Did You Know? The famous “walls of Jericho” falling is one of the most well-known stories in the Old Testament, symbolizing faith and divine intervention.
• Did You Know? In the New Testament, Jericho is the setting for Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, the tax collector, who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus passing by.

This comprehensive overview provides a deeper understanding of Ἰεριχώ (Iericho) and its importance in Biblical studies, history, and ancient culture.