Strong’s G4514: A noun denoting a Roman citizen or one belonging to the Roman Empire. This term carried significant legal and social weight in the New Testament era, representing both political authority and privileged status within the Empire, as demonstrated in Paul’s appeals to his Roman citizenship.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term Ῥωμαῖος carries profound political and social significance in New Testament contexts. It primarily denotes a Roman citizen, a status that conveyed significant legal rights and privileges throughout the Empire. First appearing in John 11:48 in the context of Jewish leaders’ fears of Roman intervention, the word appears prominently in Acts regarding Paul’s Roman citizenship. Early church understanding of this term reflected both the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, often drawing parallels between earthly and heavenly citizenship. Today, this word reminds us of the dual citizenship Christians possess – earthly and heavenly – and the responsibilities and privileges that come with each.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Ῥωμαῖος, Rhomaios, /rho-mah’-yos/
• Pronunciation Guide: “rho” (like ‘row’), “mah” (like ‘ma’), “yos” (like ‘yoss’)
• Part of Speech: Noun/Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: Ῥώμη (Rhōmē) – Rome
• Suffix: -αῖος (-aios) – denoting origin or belonging
• Combined meaning: one belonging to Rome, a Roman

D – Defining Meanings

• A Roman citizen
• One belonging to the Roman Empire
• A person with Roman citizenship rights
• Of Roman origin or nationality

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but the -αῖος suffix transforms the place name Ῥώμη into a designation of citizenship or belonging

Translation Options:

• “Roman citizen” – emphasizes legal status
• “Roman” – general reference to nationality
• “Roman national” – emphasizes political affiliation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Ῥωμαϊκός (Rhomaikos) /rho-mah-ee-kos’/ – Roman (adjective) See G4513 – describes Roman qualities
• Ἕλλην (Hellēn) /hel’-lane/ – Greek See G1672 – contrasts with Roman identity
• ἐθνικός (ethnikos) /eth-nee-kos’/ – foreigner See G1482 – distinguishes from Roman citizens

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun/adjective:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine
• Declension: Second declension

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: Ῥωμαῖος
• Genitive singular: Ῥωμαίου
• Dative singular: Ῥωμαίῳ
• Accusative singular: Ῥωμαῖον

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: Ῥωμαϊκός (Roman)
• Related adverb: Ῥωμαϊστί (in Roman fashion)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes Ῥωμαῖος’s legal and political significance in Acts. Thayer’s highlights the privileges associated with Roman citizenship. LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use in administrative and legal contexts. Vine’s notes its importance in Paul’s ministry. Strong’s connects it to Rome and citizenship rights. LEH traces its usage in Hellenistic Jewish literature. Moulton and Milligan demonstrate its formal usage in legal documents and inscriptions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation (John 11:48)

Additional References:
Acts 16:21
Acts 16:37
Acts 16:38
Acts 22:25
Acts 22:26
Acts 22:27
Acts 22:29
Acts 23:27
Acts 25:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word Ῥωμαῖος powerfully illustrates how God used human institutions, even the Roman Empire, to advance His kingdom. Paul’s Roman citizenship became a tool for gospel proclamation, demonstrating how King Jesus can use worldly status for heavenly purposes. This reminds us that our primary citizenship is in heaven, yet God can use our earthly positions to further His kingdom work.

D – Did You Know?

1. Roman citizenship could be acquired through birth, military service, or purchase, as referenced in Acts 22:28.
2. The term appears frequently in early Christian martyrdom accounts, often regarding legal proceedings.
3. It influenced early Christian understanding of spiritual citizenship and heavenly rights.

Strong’s G4514: A noun denoting a Roman citizen or one belonging to the Roman Empire. This term carried significant legal and social weight in the New Testament era, representing both political authority and privileged status within the Empire, as demonstrated in Paul’s appeals to his Roman citizenship.

Part of speech: Noun/Adjective

Tags: Roman citizen, citizenship, Paul, Acts, legal rights, Roman Empire, political status, John’s Gospel, persecution, cultural identity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​