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Introduction
In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words found in the New Testament is crucial for interpreting the text’s meaning accurately. One such word is Ἐλαμίτης (Elamites), which refers to the people from Elam, an ancient kingdom located in what is now southwestern Iran. The Elamites play a significant role in both Old and New Testament narratives, reflecting the geographical and cultural diversity present during the biblical periods. This word holds importance not only for New Testament interpretation but also for understanding the ancient interactions between Israel and its neighbors.
Key Information
Ἐλαμίτης (Elamites) [Eh-lah-MEE-tees]
- Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew word עֵילָם (Elam), referring to the ancient kingdom of Elam. The Greek term denotes the people belonging to this region.
- Part of Speech: Noun (masculine, plural form); First declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
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Primary Meanings
- Elamites: The primary meaning of Ἐλαμίτης is “Elamites,” referring to the inhabitants of Elam, an ancient kingdom known for its interaction with the Israelites.
- Cultural Significance: In the New Testament, this term is used to identify a specific group of people present at significant events, highlighting the widespread reach of the early Christian message.
Similar Words:
- Ἐλαμίτης (Elamites) [Eh-lah-MEE-tees]: Refers specifically to the people of Elam.
- Πάρθοι (Parthians) [PAR-thoi]: Refers to another distinct group from the region of Parthia, also mentioned in the same New Testament context, indicating the diverse audience of early Christian teachings.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: Ἐλαμίτης is a masculine noun in the first declension, which generally follows the standard patterns of Greek nouns. Below is the declension of Ἐλαμίτης:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | Ἐλαμίτης | Ἐλαμίται |
| Genitive | Ἐλαμίτου | Ἐλαμιτῶν |
| Dative | Ἐλαμίτῃ | Ἐλαμίταις |
| Accusative | Ἐλαμίτην | Ἐλαμίτας |
| Vocative | Ἐλαμίτα | Ἐλαμίται |
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- Usage: The word is most notably used in the context of the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:9, where it refers to the Elamites who were present in Jerusalem, showing the reach of the Jewish diaspora and the early Christian message.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: The BDAG lexicon explains that Ἐλαμίτης is directly related to the inhabitants of the ancient region of Elam, highlighting its use in Acts 2:9 as part of the list of diverse groups present at Pentecost.
Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the historical and geographical significance of the Elamites, noting their mention in both the Old and New Testaments as a people often interacting with the Israelites.
Vine’s: Vine’s Expository Dictionary focuses on the ethnological aspect of Ἐλαμίτης, explaining that the term serves to illustrate the broad scope of early Christian outreach.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces the historical context of Elam and its people, placing the Elamites within the broader framework of ancient Near Eastern history.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s highlights the usage of Ἐλαμίτης in Acts 2:9, linking it to the historical region of Elam and emphasizing its role in the multicultural environment of the early Christian era.
Scripture References
- Acts 2:9 – “Parthians and Medes and Elamites (Ἐλαμίτης) and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,” — This verse highlights the presence of Elamites among the diverse crowd at Pentecost, emphasizing the widespread influence of the early Christian message.
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “The Elamites (Ἐλαμίτης) were known for their skill in archery and served as allies to the Persians.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “During the campaign, they encountered the fierce Elamites (Ἐλαμίτης) who defended their homeland.” |
| Strabo | Geography | “The Elamites (Ἐλαμίτης) occupied a strategic position near the Persian Gulf, influencing trade routes.” |
Summary of Ἐλαμίτης (G1639: Elamites)
The Greek word Ἐλαμίτης (Elamites) refers to the people of Elam, an ancient kingdom with significant historical and biblical relevance. Mentioned in the New Testament during the account of Pentecost, the Elamites symbolize the widespread reach of early Christianity, highlighting the diversity of those who heard the apostles’ message. Understanding this term enriches our comprehension of the cultural and geographical context of the New Testament, providing insight into the broader world in which early Christianity spread. The word also connects the New Testament narrative to the Old Testament, where the Elamites frequently interacted with Israel, making this term a valuable link between the two Testaments.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the ancient kingdom of Elam, from which the Elamites came, was one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with its capital at Susa? The Elamites were known for their contributions to the arts and for their involvement in the major political events of the ancient Near East, including conflicts with the Assyrians and Babylonians. This rich history adds depth to the mention of the Elamites in the New Testament, showing how ancient cultures intersected with the early Christian message.
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