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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides deeper insights into the context and meanings of the New Testament writings. The Greek word Ἰοῦστος (Ioustos) is particularly significant as it is a proper name mentioned multiple times in the New Testament. This name highlights the interaction between Greek, Roman, and early Christian cultures. Knowing about Ἰοῦστος gives us a better understanding of the individuals who played roles in the spread of early Christianity and how cultural identities blended in the early church.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἰοῦστος, transliterated as Ioustos [ee-OO-stos].
- Etymology: Derived from the Latin Justus, meaning “just” or “righteous.” This word carries connotations of fairness, integrity, and uprightness.
- Part of Speech: Noun (proper, masculine).
- Grammatical Details: Second declension noun.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Justus: A Roman name meaning “just” or “righteous.” Refers to several individuals in the New Testament, including a Christian at Rome and another at Corinth.
Similar Words: Δίκαιος (Dikaios) [DEE-kai-os] is a Greek adjective meaning “righteous” or “just.” While Ἰοῦστος is a proper noun referring to a specific person, Δίκαιος serves as a descriptive term often used in a more general context to describe character traits or behaviors.
Further Insights: Ἰοῦστος follows the second declension pattern for Greek masculine nouns, which is typical for many proper names of Roman origin. The use of this name in the New Testament reflects the integration of Greek, Roman, and Jewish cultures. Below is the declension table for Ἰοῦστος:
| Case / Number | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | Ἰοῦστος | Ἰοῦστοι |
| Genitive | Ἰούστου | Ἰούστων |
| Dative | Ἰούστῳ | Ἰούστοις |
| Accusative | Ἰούστον | Ἰούστους |
| Vocative | Ἰοῦστε | Ἰοῦστοι |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Identifies Ἰοῦστος as a Roman name meaning “just” or “righteous.” It notes three individuals named Ἰοῦστος in the New Testament: (1) a believer in Rome, also known as Tertius; (2) a Jewish convert in Corinth; and (3) an alternate name for Joseph Barsabbas, a candidate to replace Judas Iscariot.
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Thayers: Describes Ἰοῦστος as a proper noun and provides details on its Latin origin. Thayers indicates that the name appears three times in the New Testament, each time referring to different individuals.
Vines: Emphasizes the Roman origin of Ἰοῦστος and provides brief biographical details for the three individuals named Ἰοῦστος in the New Testament.
LSJ: Notes that Ἰοῦστος is a Latin name adopted into Greek, commonly used as a cognomen among Roman citizens and emphasizing its etymological roots in justice and righteousness.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists Ἰοῦστος (G2459) as a proper noun with the definition “Justus.” It provides references to its occurrences in the New Testament and notes its Latin origin and usage among early Christians.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 1:23: “So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus [Ἰοῦστος]), and Matthias.”
- Acts 18:7: “Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus [Ἰοῦστος], a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue.”
- Colossians 4:11: “And Jesus who is called Justus [Ἰοῦστος]; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| No notable usage | Not found in major classical works | The name Ἰοῦστος does not appear in classical Greek literature as it is derived from a Roman origin. |
| Septuagint (LXX) | No occurrences | The name Ἰοῦστος is not found in the Septuagint due to its Roman origin and relevance to the New Testament period. |
Summary of Ἰοῦστος (G2459)
The Greek word Ἰοῦστος (Ioustos) is a proper noun of Latin origin, meaning “just” or “righteous.” It is mentioned several times in the New Testament, referring to different individuals who were associated with the early Christian movement. The usage of Ἰοῦστος demonstrates the Roman influence on early Christian names and culture. As a name associated with integrity and justice, Ἰοῦστος reflects the qualities valued among early Christians. The word’s appearance in multiple contexts within the New Testament underscores its significance and the cultural diversity present in the early church.
Did You Know?
- The name Ἰοῦστος was a common Roman cognomen, used by both Jews and Gentiles in the early church.
- One of the individuals named Ἰοῦστος in the New Testament, Titius Justus, hosted the apostle Paul in Corinth, providing a crucial base for his missionary work.
- The discussion around the different Ἰοῦστος figures in the New Testament highlights the complexity and diversity of early Christian identities.
Understanding the name Ἰοῦστος offers insights into how early Christians navigated their cultural identities and formed a community marked by diversity and inclusion.
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