ἀγοραῖος – Pronunciation Guide: ah-gor-AH-yos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G60: Pertaining to the marketplace or public square (agora); of or belonging to the forum or public place of assembly. By extension, it refers to people who frequent such places, including legal assemblies, or those who conduct business or legal proceedings there.

Word Study

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Language Origin: Derived from ἀγορά (agora, marketplace)

Morphology:

• ἀγοραῖος (nominative singular masculine)
• ἀγοραία (nominative singular feminine)
• ἀγοραῖον (nominative singular neuter)
• ἀγοραῖοι (nominative plural)

Word Origin & History

The term emerges from the vital institution of the ancient Greek agora, which served as the heart of civic, commercial, and social life in Hellenistic cities. Originally denoting anything connected to the marketplace, it evolved to encompass judicial proceedings since legal matters were often settled in these public spaces.

In classical Greek literature, Aristophanes uses the term in “The Knights” to describe marketplace dealers, while Plutarch employs it when discussing public assemblies in his “Lives.”

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀγοραῖος appears in two distinct contexts that illuminate the dual nature of public space in the ancient world: as a place of legal assembly and as a gathering spot for idle people.

Key Passages:

• Acts 17:5 – Describes “bad characters from the marketplace” who started a riot in Thessalonica
• Acts 19:38 – References “court days” (ἀγοραῖοι) when legal matters could be properly addressed

Cultural Insights

The agora was more than a marketplace; it was the beating heart of ancient city life where philosophy, politics, commerce, and justice intersected. The term ἀγοραῖος captures this complex social ecosystem where citizens would gather not just to trade goods but to exchange ideas, settle disputes, and participate in civic life.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀγοραῖος in Acts reveals divine providence working through established social structures. While the marketplace could be a source of opposition to the gospel (Acts 17:5), it also provided legitimate channels for the defense of believers (Acts 19:38).

This duality reminds us that God’s purposes can be accomplished through both formal institutions and informal gatherings, showing His sovereignty over all aspects of human society.

Personal Application

Just as the ancient agora was a place where faith intersected with daily life, we too are called to live out our faith in public spaces. Whether in our workplaces, community gatherings, or online forums, we carry the presence of God into these modern “marketplaces.”

Related Words

• ἀγορά (agora) – marketplace, forum – See G58
• συναγωγή (synagōgē) – assembly, synagogue – See G4864
• ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) – assembly, church – See G1577

Did You Know?

• The agora was so central to ancient life that cities were often planned around it, much like modern cities are built around central business districts.
• Legal cases in the agora were often heard by hundreds of citizen jurors, creating a very public form of justice.
• The term continues in modern Greek, where “agoreos” can refer to someone who is street-smart or market-savvy.

Remember This

Where the marketplace meets divine purpose, God transforms public spaces into platforms for His glory.