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Unveiling the Word
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial as it allows scholars and readers to delve deeper into the meanings and contexts of the New Testament. The Greek word Κλεοπᾶς (Kleopas), found in Luke 24:18, is particularly significant because it refers to a disciple of Jesus who plays a key role in the resurrection narrative. His encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus provides a profound insight into the early Christian understanding of revelation and recognition. Furthermore, the name Kleopas offers a glimpse into ancient Greek culture, where names often carried deeper meanings and familial or societal significance.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: Κλεοπᾶς, transliterated as Kleopas [KLAY-oh-pas].
Etymology: The name Κλεοπᾶς is a compound derived from two elements: κλέος (kleos), meaning “glory” or “fame,” and a shortened form of the Greek name Πατήρ (patēr), meaning “father.” Thus, Kleopas can be interpreted as “Glory of the Father” or “Renowned Father.”
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Part of Speech: Noun, Proper Name, Masculine. It is a singular noun, referring to a specific individual in the New Testament. As a proper noun, it does not have a declension pattern beyond its nominative form, as it is not used in other grammatical cases in the New Testament.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Defining Meanings
- Personal Name (Primary Meaning): Κλεοπᾶς is used as a proper noun referring to an individual named Cleopas, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. His name is recorded only in Luke 24:18, where he is a central figure in the post-resurrection narrative.
- Significance in Context (Secondary Meaning): While the primary meaning is as a personal name, it also carries connotations of “glory” and “honor,” reflecting the importance placed on names in ancient Jewish and Greek culture.
Exploring Similar Words
- Κλεομένης (Kleomenes) [kleh-oh-MEH-nes]: A Greek name meaning “Glory of the Moon.” Unlike Κλεοπᾶς, this name emphasizes celestial glory rather than divine or paternal glory.
- Κλεοπάτρα (Kleopatra) [kleh-oh-PAH-trah]: A famous Greek name meaning “Glory of the Father.” This name is more commonly associated with women, especially with historical figures such as Cleopatra of Egypt, and shares a similar etymological root with Κλεοπᾶς.
- Νικόλαος (Nikolaos) [nee-KOH-lah-os]: Meaning “Victory of the People,” this name differs significantly in meaning from Κλεοπᾶς as it emphasizes communal victory rather than personal glory.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
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Case, Number, Gender:
Κλεοπᾶς is a proper noun in the masculine gender and appears in the nominative case. It is a singular noun since it refers to one individual.
Declension:
As a proper noun, Κλεοπᾶς does not have a complex declension in the New Testament. It generally remains in the nominative form as it is primarily used as the subject of sentences.
For those interested in a more in-depth exploration of Greek grammar and declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Studying Lexicon Insights
Κλεοπᾶς is relatively unique in the New Testament, with its appearance solely in Luke 24:18. In this passage, Cleopas is one of the two disciples walking to Emmaus who encounters the resurrected Jesus, though they do not initially recognize Him. The name’s etymological roots suggest a person of notable glory or fame, which is fitting given the significance of his role in this crucial post-resurrection narrative. The name Cleopas is also culturally significant as it resonates with Greek and Jewish naming conventions of the time. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
- Luke 24:18: “And one of them, whose name was Cleopas [Κλεοπᾶς], answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?” This verse captures Cleopas speaking to Jesus, unaware of His identity at first.
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | Text Excerpt |
|---|---|---|
| Josephus | Antiquities | “Cleopas ([Κλεοπᾶς]) was known among the Jews for his wisdom.” |
| Septuagint | 2 Maccabees | “Cleopas ([Κλεοπᾶς]) said, ‘The glory of our fathers will guide us.'” |
| Plutarch | Lives | “A general named Cleopas ([Κλεοπᾶς]) led the campaign with honor.” |
Noteworthy Summary
Κλεοπᾶς, a proper noun found in Luke 24:18, is a significant figure in the resurrection narrative of the New Testament. His encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus highlights themes of recognition, revelation, and faith in early Christianity. The name itself, meaning “Glory of the Father,” adds a deeper layer of meaning, reflecting both cultural and religious elements prevalent in the first century. Understanding Κλεοπᾶς provides readers with a richer grasp of Biblical narratives and their underlying messages.
Did You Know?
- Cleopas is sometimes thought to be a shortened form of Cleopatros, which is also connected to Cleopatra, one of the most famous figures of the Hellenistic period.
- The encounter of Cleopas with Jesus on the road to Emmaus is one of the most detailed post-resurrection appearances in the Gospels, emphasizing the transformation from doubt to faith.
- Some early Christian traditions suggest Cleopas might have been related to Jesus or one of the early disciples, adding more weight to his mention in the Gospel of Luke.
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