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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the Greek words that appear in the New Testament can illuminate the historical, cultural, and theological contexts of the text. One such word is Κρίσπος (Krispos), which first appears in Acts 18:8. This Greek name is particularly significant because it identifies an important figure in the early Christian community—a synagogue leader who converted to Christianity. The name Κρίσπος holds value not only for its role in the narrative of Acts but also for its historical and cultural connections in the Greco-Roman world, where names often carried symbolic or familial significance.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Κρίσπος (Krispos) [KREES-pos]

Etymology: The name Κρίσπος does not derive from a common root with other Greek words; instead, it is a proper noun of Latin origin. The name might be connected to the Latin word crispus, meaning “curly” or “curly-haired.” Names in the ancient world often described physical traits, and this could suggest that Κρίσπος was named for such a characteristic.

Part of Speech: Noun, Proper Name. As a proper noun, Κρίσπος refers specifically to a person and does not have declension or conjugation in the same way as common nouns or verbs. It appears in the nominative case when referring to the individual as the subject of a sentence in the Greek New Testament.

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Defining Meanings

Name of a Person: The primary meaning of Κρίσπος is simply the name of an individual. It is used specifically to identify a Jewish synagogue leader who converts to Christianity after hearing Paul’s preaching, as recorded in Acts 18:8.

Exploring Similar Words

Κυρίλος (Kyrilos) [KEE-ree-los]: While both Κρίσπος and Κυρίλος are Greek names of people, Κυρίλος means “lordly” or “masterful” and often had connotations of authority. The difference lies in the meanings and the contexts in which these names were popular.

Σώπατρος (Sopatros) [SO-pa-tros]: Another personal name in the Greek New Testament. Unlike Κρίσπος, which might reference a physical characteristic, Σώπατρος means “savior of his father” and would suggest a different cultural or familial significance.

Ἀπολλῶς (Apollōs) [a-pol-LOHS]: This is a Greek name derived from the god Apollo, indicating reverence or affiliation with Greek deities. In contrast, Κρίσπος does not have such mythological associations.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Κρίσπος is a masculine singular noun and does not change form in various cases since it is a proper name. As a proper noun, its usage is more straightforward than common nouns, which decline.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The name Κρίσπος is noted in lexicons as a proper noun designating a specific individual mentioned in the New Testament. It primarily refers to the synagogue ruler who converts to Christianity and is mentioned in Acts 18:8 and 1 Corinthians 1:14. The word Κρίσπος also highlights the diverse backgrounds of early Christian converts, demonstrating how individuals from various cultural and religious contexts were integrated into the Christian faith. This integration is emphasized in its historical context, reflecting a significant shift in identity and religious allegiance from Judaism to the emerging Christian community.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Acts 18:8: “Crispus (Κρίσπος), the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard believed and were baptized.” This verse highlights the conversion of Crispus, a prominent Jewish leader, emphasizing the impact of Paul’s ministry in Corinth.

1 Corinthians 1:14: “I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus (Κρίσπος) and Gaius.” This passage shows Paul’s relationship with Crispus and his ministry strategy, focusing on preaching rather than baptizing, thus underscoring Crispus’s importance in the early Christian community.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Since Κρίσπος is a proper noun referring to a specific individual, its appearance in classical Greek literature outside the New Testament is minimal, and it is primarily recognized within Christian writings.

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word Κρίσπος (Krispos) serves primarily as a personal name of a significant figure in the New Testament, highlighting the spread of Christianity within Jewish communities in the first century. As a synagogue leader, Crispus’s conversion symbolizes the inclusive nature of the early Christian church and the diverse backgrounds of its members. Understanding Κρίσπος provides insight into the dynamics of early Christian evangelism and the cultural intersections within the New Testament narrative.

Did You Know?

Did you know? Crispus was one of the few people baptized directly by Paul, indicating his importance in the early church.

Did you know? The conversion of synagogue leaders like Crispus was a significant factor in the spread of Christianity among Jewish and Gentile communities.

Did you know? The name Κρίσπος is of Latin origin, reflecting the multicultural context of the early Christian movement.