Brief Overview of σικάριος (Strong’s G4607: sikarios)

Strong’s G4607: A noun borrowed from Latin (sicarius), meaning “assassin” or “dagger-man.” Refers to Jewish extremists who carried concealed daggers and committed murders for political or religious motives. In Acts, it provides historical context for political unrest in first-century Judea.

U- Unveiling the Word

σικάριος represents a specific type of violent revolutionary in first-century Judaism. Its appearance in Acts 21:38 shows the Roman authorities’ concern with Jewish militant movements. Early church writers used this term to contrast Christian peaceful resistance with violent revolution. Today, it reminds us of the distinction between worldly and spiritual methods of advancing God’s kingdom.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σικάριος, sikarios, see-KAR-ee-os
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on second syllable: ‘see’ as in see, ‘KAR’ as in car, ‘ee’ as in see, ‘os’ as in dose
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Latin sicarius (“dagger-man”)
• Related to Latin sica (“dagger”)
• Borrowed through Greek as technical term

D – Defining Meanings

• Assassin
• Dagger-wielding terrorist
• Political murderer

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a borrowed term

Translation Options:

• “Assassin” – General term
• “Dagger-man” – Literal translation
• “Terrorist” – Modern equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λῃστής (lēstēs, lace-TACE) – robber, brigand See G3027
• φονεύς (phoneus, fo-NYOOS) – murderer See G5406
• στασιαστής (stasiastēs, sta-see-as-TACE) – insurrectionist See G4955

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: 2nd

Examples:
Singular: σικάριος (nom), σικαρίου (gen)
Plural: σικάριοι (nom), σικαρίων (gen)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical nature as a term for Jewish militants. Thayer’s notes its Latin origin. LSJ documents its specific historical context. Vine’s connects it to political unrest. Strong’s highlights its connection to daggers. Moulton-Milligan provides evidence from legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?” Acts 21:38

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Josephus: Wars	“The assassins struck in broad daylight.”
Josephus: Antiquities	“The dagger-men caused terror in Jerusalem.”
Roman Documents	“Laws against the assassins were strictly enforced.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

σικάριος highlights the contrast between violent and spiritual methods of advancing God’s kingdom. While some sought change through violence, Jesus and His followers demonstrated a different way. This word reminds us that God’s kingdom comes not by force but through love, truth, and self-sacrificial service.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was officially adopted into Greek from Roman legal terminology.
2. Sicarii were known for killing their victims in crowded places.
3. Early Christians were sometimes falsely accused of being σικάριοι.

Strong’s G4607: A noun borrowed from Latin (sicarius), meaning “assassin” or “dagger-man.” Refers to Jewish extremists who carried concealed daggers and committed murders for political or religious motives. In Acts, it provides historical context for political unrest in first-century Judea.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: assassins, Jewish militants, Roman period, political unrest, Acts, violence, revolution, terrorism, Jewish history, Roman law, historical context, Jewish rebels​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​