Brief Overview of Δαμασκός (G1154: Damaskos)

Damaskos (pronounced da-MAS-kos, Δαμασκός) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1154. The word Damaskos refers to the ancient city of Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The name Damaskos is believed to be of Semitic origin, although its precise etymology remains uncertain. The city has a long and storied history, being mentioned in various ancient texts and playing a significant role in the history of the Near East.

Damaskos primarily refers to the city of Damascus. Located in modern-day Syria, Damascus has been an important cultural, religious, and commercial center for millennia. In the context of the New Testament, Damascus is notable as the site of the Apostle Paul’s dramatic conversion to Christianity. The city is frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, underscoring its significance in biblical history and its role as a crossroads of ancient civilizations.

Scripture References

1. Acts 9:2: “And asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus (Δαμασκόν, Damaskon), so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” This verse describes Saul (later Paul) seeking authorization to arrest Christians in Damascus, highlighting the city’s importance in early Christian history.
2. 2 Corinthians 11:32: “At Damascus (Δαμασκῷ, Damaskō), the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me.” Here, Paul recounts his escape from Damascus, further emphasizing the city’s role in his ministry.
3. Galatians 1:17: “Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus (Δαμασκόν, Damaskon).” This verse indicates Paul’s return to Damascus after his initial conversion, underscoring its importance in his early Christian life.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Damaskos is defined simply as “Damascus,” with a focus on its identification as a major city in the ancient Near East. BDAG emphasizes the city’s historical and biblical significance, particularly in relation to Paul’s conversion and subsequent ministry. The lexicon notes that Damaskos is mentioned frequently in the New Testament, highlighting its strategic importance as a center of both Jewish and early Christian activity.

Thayer’s Lexicon also defines Damaskos as “Damascus,” highlighting its role as the capital of Syria and its prominence in ancient history. Thayer’s points out that Damaskos was a key location in the apostolic age, especially in the life of Paul. The lexicon underscores that the city’s mention in multiple New Testament passages indicates its importance in the early spread of Christianity.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon describes Damaskos as “Damascus,” emphasizing its long history as a significant city in the Near East. LSJ notes that Damascus was well-known in both Greek and Roman literature as a major cultural and commercial hub. The lexicon also highlights the city’s strategic location along trade routes, which contributed to its wealth and influence in the ancient world.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Damaskos as “Damascus,” focusing on its role as a key city mentioned in the Bible. The concordance emphasizes the importance of Damascus in both the Old and New Testaments, particularly in relation to the narratives of Paul and the early Christian church.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Damaskos is mentioned in various classical Greek texts, reflecting its significance as a major city in the ancient world.

1. Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, refers to Damaskos in his “Histories,” where he describes the city’s involvement in the Persian Empire and its strategic importance in the region.
2. Pliny the Elder, in his “Natural History,” discusses Damaskos as a center of trade and culture, noting its reputation for producing luxury goods, particularly in the textile industry.
3. Strabo, the Greek geographer, mentions Damaskos in his “Geographica,” where he details the city’s geography, its significance in trade, and its historical importance in the ancient Near East.

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Summary

Damaskos (pronounced da-MAS-kos, Δαμασκός) is a Greek noun referring to the city of Damascus, one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the world. The name Damaskos is used throughout the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, where it is closely associated with the Apostle Paul’s conversion and early ministry. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize Damascus’s importance as a major cultural, religious, and commercial center in the ancient Near East. In classical Greek literature, Damaskos is frequently mentioned in contexts related to trade, culture, and geopolitics, underscoring the city’s strategic importance and enduring legacy. The term Damaskos thus captures the rich historical and spiritual significance of Damascus as a crossroads of civilizations and a key location in the biblical narrative.