Brief Overview of Ἐλισάβετ (Strong’s G1665: Elisábet)

Introduction

Understanding Greek names in the New Testament is crucial for appreciating the richness of Biblical narratives and the theological significance embedded within these names. The Greek word Ἐλισάβετ (Elisábet) is particularly important as it refers to a key figure in the Gospel of Luke—Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth’s story intertwines with major events in the life of Jesus, making her a pivotal character in the Christian narrative. The name Ἐλισάβετ, which originates from Hebrew, reflects themes of divine promise and faithfulness, echoing through the New Testament and connecting to the broader cultural and religious context of the time. This overview will delve into the meaning and significance of the name Elisábet, exploring its role in Biblical studies and its relevance to both New Testament interpretation and understanding ancient Jewish culture.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• Ἐλισάβετ (Elisábet) [eh-lee-SAH-bet]

Etymology:

• Derived from the Hebrew name אֱלִישֶׁבַע (Elisheva), meaning “God is my oath” or “God is satisfaction.” The name combines the elements אֵל (El, meaning “God”) and שָׁבַע (sheva, meaning “oath” or “seven,” symbolizing completeness or perfection).

Part of Speech:

• Proper noun (Feminine, indeclinable)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

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Primary Meanings:

• Elizabeth, a personal name meaning “God is my oath” or “God has sworn,” referring to the wife of Zechariah and the mother of John the Baptist in the Gospel of Luke.

Similar Words:

• Μαριάμ (Mariam) [mah-ree-AHM]: Another significant Biblical name of Hebrew origin, meaning “bitterness” or “beloved.” Mariam is the Greek form of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Both Mariam and Elisábet are connected to important maternal figures in the New Testament, each playing crucial roles in the birth and upbringing of key figures in Christian theology.
• Ἐλεάζαρ (Eleazar) [el-eh-AH-zar]: Meaning “God has helped,” this name shares the theophoric element “El” with Elisábet, emphasizing a deep reliance on God. While Eleazar is more common as a male name, Elisábet carries similar connotations of divine support and fulfillment.

Both Ἐλισάβετ and Μαριάμ are deeply rooted in the history of God’s covenant with His people, reflecting themes of divine promise, fulfillment, and faithfulness. Elisábet, however, uniquely highlights the idea of God’s sworn commitment, as seen in her role in the New Testament.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: Ἐλισάβετ is a proper noun that is indeclinable in Greek, meaning it does not change form regardless of its grammatical case in a sentence. This characteristic is typical for names transliterated from Hebrew into Greek, where the original form is preserved. Table: Declension of Ἐλισάβετ (Elisábet) Case Singular Nominative Ἐλισάβετ Genitive Ἐλισάβετ Dative Ἐλισάβετ Accusative Ἐλισάβετ Vocative Ἐλισάβετ

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG describes Ἐλισάβετ as a proper noun of Hebrew origin, primarily used in the New Testament to refer to the wife of Zechariah and the mother of John the Baptist. The lexicon emphasizes the name’s connection to the Hebrew tradition of naming that reflects a relationship with God, highlighting Elizabeth’s role in the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon notes that Ἐλισάβετ means “God is my oath,” referencing the Biblical Elizabeth as a righteous woman chosen to bear John the Baptist. Thayer’s underscores her importance in the Gospel of Luke as a symbol of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of divine prophecy.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary explores the significance of Ἐλισάβετ within the context of New Testament names that carry deep theological meanings. Vine’s notes that Elizabeth’s name reflects her character and the divine promise fulfilled through her son, John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon, while primarily focused on classical Greek literature, acknowledges Ἐλισάβετ as a name of Hebrew origin found in the New Testament. The lexicon notes its adaptation into Greek and its significance within the Christian tradition.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies Ἐλισάβετ as a name meaning “God is my oath,” highlighting its Hebrew roots and its role in the Gospel of Luke. The concordance emphasizes Elizabeth’s place in the genealogy of John the Baptist and her connection to the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Scripture References:

• Luke 1:5 – “In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth (Ἐλισάβετ).”
• Luke 1:13 – “But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth (Ἐλισάβετ) will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.’”
• Luke 1:41 – “And when Elizabeth (Ἐλισάβετ) heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth (Ἐλισάβετ) was filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Classical Usage:

Given that Ἐλισάβετ is a name of Hebrew origin and specifically used in the context of the New Testament, it does not appear in classical Greek literature. However, its usage in the Gospel of Luke highlights its importance in the Christian narrative, particularly in connection with the birth of John the Baptist.

Summary of Ἐλισάβετ (G1665: Elisábet):

The Greek name Ἐλισάβετ, meaning “God is my oath,” plays a pivotal role in the New Testament as the name of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Her story is central to the Gospel of Luke, where she is depicted as a righteous woman chosen by God to bear a son who would prepare the way for the Messiah. The name Elisábet reflects themes of divine promise, faithfulness, and fulfillment, linking the Old Testament’s covenant promises to their realization in the New Testament. Understanding the significance of Ἐλισάβετ enhances our appreciation for the continuity of God’s work across generations and the theological depth embedded in Biblical names.

Did You Know?

The name Elizabeth (Ἐλισάβετ) has remained popular throughout centuries, often chosen by parents for its strong Biblical association and its meaning of divine promise and faithfulness. In addition to its Biblical roots, the name has been borne by various queens, saints, and historical figures, making it one of the most enduring and widely used names in the Christian tradition.