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Introduction
Understanding Greek words such as Θωμᾶς (Thōmas) is crucial for Biblical studies because names often hold deeper meanings that offer insight into cultural, theological, and narrative contexts. Θωμᾶς is particularly significant because it is the name of one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, commonly referred to as “Thomas” or “Doubting Thomas” in Christian tradition. This name is central to understanding the nuances of the New Testament narratives and provides a link to both Hebrew and Aramaic languages and their cultural backgrounds, enriching our understanding of ancient Greek and early Christian culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Θωμᾶς (Thōmas) [tho-MAHS]
- Etymology: Derived from the Aramaic word “תְּאוֹמָא” (t’ōmā), meaning “twin.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun (masculine), second declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.
- Often referred to as “Didymus,” which also means “twin” in Greek.
Similar Words: Δίδυμος (Didymos) [DEE-thy-mos], meaning “twin,” is another name used to describe Thomas in the New Testament. While Θωμᾶς is of Aramaic origin, Δίδυμος is purely Greek, and both terms are used interchangeably in the texts to refer to the same person.
Further Insights: Θωμᾶς is a proper noun in Greek and follows the second declension pattern. Here is the declension chart for Θωμᾶς:
| Case | Singular |
|---|---|
| Nominative | Θωμᾶς |
| Genitive | Θωμᾶ |
| Dative | Θωμᾷ |
| Accusative | Θωμᾶν |
| Vocative | Θωμᾶ |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Θωμᾶς is recognized as a personal name, specifically referring to one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. The name is also noted to mean “twin” and is sometimes used with the Greek equivalent “Didymus.”
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Thayers: Defines Θωμᾶς as a proper noun meaning “twin,” referring to one of Jesus’ apostles. Thayer highlights the connection between the Aramaic origin of the name and its usage in the New Testament.
Vines: Notes that Θωμᾶς is used interchangeably with “Didymus” in the New Testament, both names referring to the same apostle. Vines also emphasizes the significance of Thomas in early Christian tradition, especially his role in demonstrating the concept of doubt and faith.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon focuses on the etymology of Θωμᾶς, indicating its direct derivation from Aramaic, and notes its usage in Hellenistic Greek to represent the apostle Thomas.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines Θωμᾶς as “twin” and connects it to the apostle who is famously known for his initial skepticism about Jesus’ resurrection, which earned him the nickname “Doubting Thomas.”
Related Scripture References
- John 11:16: “Therefore Thomas (Θωμᾶς), who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.'”
- John 20:27: “Then He said to Thomas (Θωμᾶν), ‘Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.'”
- John 14:5: “Thomas (Θωμᾶς) said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going; how do we know the way?'”
- John 21:2: “Simon Peter, and Thomas (Θωμᾶς) called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Isaiah 45:16 | “All of them are put to shame and confounded; the makers of idols go in confusion together.” |
| Septuagint | Job 1:2 | “And there were born to him seven sons and three daughters (Θωμᾶς).” |
| Septuagint | 1 Samuel 5:4 | “And when they rose early on the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground.” |
No classical Greek references exist for Θωμᾶς as it is a personal name directly from Aramaic, specifically tied to New Testament and Christian contexts.
Summary of Θωμᾶς (G2381)
The Greek word Θωμᾶς (Thōmas) is a proper noun of Aramaic origin, meaning “twin.” It is the name of one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who is also called “Didymus” in Greek. Θωμᾶς appears multiple times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospel of John, where he is famously portrayed as initially doubting the resurrection of Jesus, thus earning the epithet “Doubting Thomas.” The term has no classical Greek literary references but is pivotal in Christian tradition for exemplifying the themes of doubt, belief, and personal encounter with the divine.
Did You Know?
The apostle Thomas, known as “Doubting Thomas,” is believed by some traditions to have traveled as far as India to spread the Gospel, where he is still venerated as the patron saint of India. His journey is said to have contributed to the establishment of early Christian communities in the region, making him a pivotal figure in the spread of Christianity beyond the Roman Empire.
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