Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for unlocking the deeper meanings of scripture and appreciating the cultural context in which the Bible was written. Κανδάκη (Kandákē), a term found in the New Testament, is significant because it refers to a notable historical and royal title in ancient Ethiopia. Its usage provides insight into the interactions between early Christianity and the wider world, particularly in Acts where Philip meets an Ethiopian eunuch under this royal figure’s authority.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Κανδάκη, transliterated as Kandákē, pronounced [kan-DAH-kay].
• Etymology: This word is of Ethiopian origin and was adopted into Greek. It is derived from a title used by queens of Ethiopia, similar to how “Pharaoh” was used for Egyptian rulers.
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine; it is a proper noun used to denote a title rather than a personal name.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Candace: A title for the queen or queen mother of Ethiopia, used to refer to a dynasty rather than an individual name.

Similar Words: Βασίλισσα (Basilissa) [ba-SI-lis-sa], meaning “queen” in Greek. While Βασίλισσα is a general term for any queen, Κανδάκη specifically refers to Ethiopian queens of the Meroitic dynasty.

Further Insights: Κανδάκη is a proper noun in the nominative case, indicating it is the subject of the sentence. As a name used for a lineage of queens, it does not change forms. This indeclinable form in Greek simplifies its grammatical usage.
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Explains Κανδάκη as a title, not a personal name, designating the queen of Ethiopia during the time of Philip’s encounter with the eunuch in Acts.
• Thayers: Identifies Κανδάκη as a dynastic title for queens of Ethiopia, much like the use of “Pharaoh” in Egypt.
• Vines: Highlights the historical and cultural context of Κανδάκη, noting the influence of Ethiopian royalty in early Christian narratives.
• LSJ: Describes Κανδάκη in broader Greek literature, acknowledging it as a borrowed term from Ethiopian culture used to denote a ruling queen.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists Κανδάκη as G2582 and links it directly to the narrative of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts, where the term refers to the reigning queen of Ethiopia.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 8:27: “And he arose and went; and behold, there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace [Κανδάκη], queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, and he had come to Jerusalem to worship.”

Classical Usage

Summary of Κανδάκη (G2582)

Κανδάκη is a dynastic title used for queens of ancient Ethiopia, similar to the use of “Pharaoh” for Egyptian rulers. The term appears in the New Testament, particularly in Acts 8:27, where it provides cultural and historical context to the spread of early Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries. It reflects the early Christian engagement with diverse ethnicities and royal courts, showing the universality of the Gospel’s reach.

Did You Know?

• The title Κανδάκη was used for a line of queens who ruled Ethiopia from the city of Meroë.
• The Ethiopian eunuch mentioned in Acts 8 was a high-ranking official in the court of Κανδάκη, managing the queen’s treasury.
• Ethiopia, referred to in the Bible, is often associated with the Kingdom of Kush, located south of Egypt, and had significant interactions with ancient Jewish and early Christian communities.