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Introduction
In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like Ἐφέσιος (Ephesios, Strong’s G2180) provides essential insight into the cultural, geographical, and social contexts of the New Testament. The term Ἐφέσιος refers specifically to someone or something associated with Ephesus, one of the most significant cities in ancient Asia Minor, known for its large population, wealth, and religious influence. Ephesus was a key center for early Christianity, and this term appears in the New Testament to describe individuals and items linked to this influential city. Understanding Ἐφέσιος enriches our comprehension of the socio-cultural dynamics and identities that shaped the early Christian world.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἐφέσιος (Ephesios) [e-FE-sios]
- Etymology: Derived from Ἔφεσος (Ephesos), the Greek name for Ephesus, an ancient city in Asia Minor, with the suffix -ιος (-ios), which indicates belonging or origin.
- Part of Speech: Adjective (masculine and feminine).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Ephesian: Pertaining to Ephesus or its inhabitants.
- Belonging to Ephesus: Refers to a person, object, or concept originating from or associated with Ephesus.
Similar Words: Ἐφεσῖνος (Ephesinos) [e-fe-SI-nos] is another term related to Ephesus, often used interchangeably with Ἐφέσιος. However, while both words refer to “Ephesian” or “pertaining to Ephesus,” Ἐφεσῖνος is more commonly used for inhabitants, whereas Ἐφέσιος is more versatile in its application to people and objects alike.
Further Insights: The word Ἐφέσιος follows a standard declension pattern for Greek adjectives. Its forms change based on gender, number, and case. Below is a table showing the full declension of Ἐφέσιος:
| Case / Number | Masculine / Feminine | Neuter |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | Ἐφέσιος | Ἐφέσιον |
| Genitive | Ἐφεσίου | Ἐφεσίου |
| Dative | Ἐφεσίῳ | Ἐφεσίῳ |
| Accusative | Ἐφέσιον | Ἐφέσιον |
| Vocative | Ἐφέσιε | Ἐφέσιον |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines Ἐφέσιος as “Ephesian,” meaning someone from Ephesus. It is used to identify individuals or items associated with the city.
- Thayer’s: Notes that Ἐφέσιος refers to a person or object originating from Ephesus. The lexicon elaborates on its usage in identifying cultural and geographic aspects in the New Testament.
- Vine’s: Discusses Ἐφέσιος as a term for the inhabitants of Ephesus or objects related to the city, highlighting its relevance in contextualizing Pauline literature.
- LSJ: Explains Ἐφέσιος as an adjective describing anything associated with Ephesus. It provides examples of its usage in both literary and historical texts to describe Ephesian people and culture.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines Ἐφέσιος as “Ephesian,” emphasizing its straightforward usage in describing people or things of Ephesian origin.
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Related Scripture References
- Acts 19:35 – “After quieting the crowd, the town clerk said, ‘Men of Ephesus [Ἐφέσιοι], what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians [Ἐφεσίων] is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven?'”
- Acts 21:29 – “For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian [Ἐφέσιον] in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “The Ἐφέσιοι (Ephesians) were known for their devotion to the goddess Artemis, whose temple was renowned throughout the ancient world.” |
| Pliny the Elder | “Natural History” | “Among the cities of Ionia, the Ἐφέσιοι (Ephesians) stood out for their wealth and influence.” |
| Strabo | “Geography” | “The Ἐφέσιοι (Ephesians) played a significant role in the political and religious dynamics of the region.” |
| Septuagint | “1 Maccabees 15:23” | “The letters were sent to the Ἐφεσίους (Ephesians) and other neighboring states for alliance.” |
| Septuagint | “2 Maccabees 4:19” | “The games at Ephesus [Ἐφεσίους] were attended by many Jews.” |
| Septuagint | “3 Maccabees 6:1” | “The Jews living among the Ephesians [Ἐφεσίους] were known for their devotion and faith.” |
Summary of Ἐφέσιος (G2180: Ephesios)
The Greek word Ἐφέσιος (Ephesios, Strong’s G2180) is an adjective meaning “Ephesian” or “pertaining to Ephesus.” It describes people or objects associated with Ephesus, a significant ancient city in Asia Minor. The word appears in several New Testament passages to denote Ephesian individuals or artifacts, often emphasizing their cultural and religious context. As a city, Ephesus played a crucial role in early Christianity, and the term Ἐφέσιος provides valuable insights into the identity and background of those connected to this influential place.
Did You Know?
Did you know that Ephesus, referred to by the adjective Ἐφέσιος, was not only a center for early Christian evangelism but also a major hub of ancient trade, culture, and religion? The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, drawing pilgrims from across the Mediterranean.
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