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Unveiling the Word

The name Λουκᾶς (Loukás), or Luke, is well-known within Christian tradition as the name of the physician and author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Understanding this name in the context of biblical studies is essential for both New Testament interpretation and for historical appreciation of the early Christian church. This word carries not only the weight of its significance in the Bible but also connects us to the broader Greek-speaking world of the time, showing how Greek culture intertwined with early Christianity. In Colossians 4:14, Luke is mentioned specifically as “the beloved physician,” highlighting his role as a companion of Paul and a vital figure in the spreading of early Christianity.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Λουκᾶς (Loukás) [pronunciation: loo-KAS]

Etymology: The origin of the name Λουκᾶς is thought to be derived from the Latin name Lucas, which itself is a short form of Lucanus. This name is linked to the Latin word lux, meaning “light.” While the name itself is of Latin origin, its usage in the Greek-speaking world of the New Testament demonstrates the cultural and linguistic diversity of early Christianity.

Part of Speech: Proper Noun. Λουκᾶς is used as a proper noun in the New Testament to refer specifically to the individual known as Luke, the physician and evangelist.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Luke, the Physician and Evangelist: The most prominent meaning of Λουκᾶς in biblical texts refers to Luke, the companion of Paul, traditionally regarded as the author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts. His role as a physician, mentioned in Colossians 4:14, is notable as it highlights his educated background and his compassion for healing.
2. Light-bringer: Although Λουκᾶς is primarily understood as a proper noun, its connection to the Latin word lux (light) suggests a symbolic layer of meaning. Luke, as the author of a Gospel, metaphorically brings the “light” of Christ’s message to the world.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Φῶς (phōs) [pronunciation: FOHS]: Meaning “light” in Greek, this word parallels the root meaning of Λουκᾶς. While phōs refers to literal and metaphorical light, Λουκᾶς carries the meaning of “light-bringer” in its Latin origins.
2. Ἰατρός (iatros) [pronunciation: ee-ah-TROSS]: This is the Greek word for “physician,” and it is closely tied to Luke’s identity in Colossians 4:14, where he is described as a beloved physician.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Since Λουκᾶς is a proper noun, its morphological structure follows the conventions of Greek declension for masculine nouns. The word is in the nominative singular form in most cases, as it refers to the subject of a sentence.

Case, Number, Gender:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine

Here is a brief declension of Λουκᾶς:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The name Λουκᾶς appears primarily in connection with the beloved physician and evangelist of the New Testament. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s both highlight that Λουκᾶς is a proper noun derived from Latin, signifying Luke’s non-Jewish origins. Vine’s notes that Luke’s background as a physician gives additional context to his Gospel, which often emphasizes healing miracles. LSJ focuses on the broader linguistic and cultural exchange between Latin and Greek in the ancient world, pointing to how names like Λουκᾶς crossed linguistic boundaries. Moulton and Milligan mention Luke’s significance in both theological and historical contexts as one of Paul’s closest companions and the author of significant New Testament writings.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Colossians 4:14: “Luke [Λουκᾶς], the beloved physician, greets you, as does Demas.”
2. 2 Timothy 4:11: “Only Luke [Λουκᾶς] is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in my ministry.”
3. Philemon 1:24: “And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke [Λουκᾶς], my fellow workers.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Since Λουκᾶς is a proper noun primarily tied to biblical contexts, its usage in classical Greek literature is limited.

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word Λουκᾶς (Loukás) refers to Luke, the beloved physician and companion of Paul. As the author of both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, Luke holds an important place in New Testament history. His background as a physician is significant, as his Gospel often emphasizes themes of healing and compassion. The name itself has Latin roots, tying it to the word for “light,” which reflects Luke’s role in bringing the message of Christ to the world. The usage of Λουκᾶς in the New Testament is specific to this individual, making it a proper noun with deep significance in early Christian history.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: Luke is the only Gentile author of a New Testament book, emphasizing the universal nature of the Gospel message.
• Fact 2: Luke’s Gospel includes more parables about the poor and marginalized than any other Gospel.
• Fact 3: Luke’s dual role as a physician and evangelist shows how early Christian leaders came from diverse professional backgrounds.