Brief Overview of Σαμαρῖτις (Strong’s G4542: Samaritis)

Strong’s G4542: The feminine form of Σαμαρίτης, denoting a Samaritan woman. In its sole New Testament appearance in John 4:9, it carries profound theological significance in Jesus’s encounter with the woman at the well, demonstrating His ministry to those marginalized by gender, ethnicity, and social status.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term Σαμαρῖτις appears in John 4:9 within the pivotal narrative of Jesus’s encounter at Jacob’s well. As the feminine form, it specifically identifies a woman who faced multiple layers of marginalization – as a Samaritan, as a woman, and as someone of questionable social standing. Early church fathers saw in this term a powerful example of Christ’s boundary-breaking ministry. Today, Σαμαρῖτις reminds us that the gospel reaches across gender, ethnic, and social barriers.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σαμαρῖτις, Samaritis, /sam-ar-ee’-tis/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sam” (like ‘sam’), “ar” (like ‘are’), “ee” (like ‘ee’), “tis” (like ‘tease’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Σαμαρίτης (Samaritan)
• Root: Σαμάρεια (Samaria)
• Suffix: -ιτις (-itis) feminine form
• Combined meaning: female Samaritan

D – Defining Meanings

• Samaritan woman
• Female inhabitant of Samaria
• Woman of Samaritan ethnicity
• Female adherent of Samaritan faith

For compound words:
Not a compound word but uses feminine suffix -ιτις

Translation Options:

• “Samaritan woman” – traditional translation
• “female Samaritan” – gender-specific translation
• “woman of Samaria” – descriptive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Φοίνισσα (Phoinissa) /foy’-nis-sah/ – Phoenician woman See G5403 – similar feminine ethnonym
• Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnis) /hel-lay-nis’/ – Greek woman See G1674 – parallel formation
• Συροφοινίκισσα (Syrophoinikissa) /soo-rof-oy-nik’-is-sah/ – Syrophoenician woman See G4949 – similar designation

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

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

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: Σαμαρῖτις
• Genitive singular: Σαμαρίτιδος
• Dative singular: Σαμαρίτιδι
• Accusative singular: Σαμαρῖτιν

Cross-references:

• Masculine form: Σαμαρίτης (Samaritan)
• Related adjective: Σαμαρειτικός (Samaritan)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its unique usage in John’s Gospel. Thayer’s highlights its feminine specificity. LSJ provides cultural context. Vine’s notes its theological significance. Strong’s connects it to the masculine form. LEH documents similar formations. Moulton and Milligan show its social implications.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) (John 4:9)

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word Σαμαρῖτις powerfully illustrates King Jesus’s ministry to those marginalized by society. Through His interaction with the Samaritan woman, He demonstrates that His kingdom transcends gender, ethnic, and social barriers. This proclaims the good news that all people, regardless of background or status, can find acceptance and transformation in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. This is the only feminine form of “Samaritan” in the New Testament.
2. The encounter at the well broke at least three social taboos: gender, ethnicity, and public interaction.
3. Early church art often depicted this scene as symbolic of universal salvation.

Strong’s G4542: The feminine form of Σαμαρίτης, denoting a Samaritan woman. In its sole New Testament appearance in John 4:9, it carries profound theological significance in Jesus’s encounter with the woman at the well, demonstrating His ministry to those marginalized by gender, ethnicity, and social status.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: Samaritan woman, gender, ethnicity, John’s Gospel, Jesus’s ministry, social barriers, women in Bible, marginalization, inclusion, transformation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​