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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for a deeper appreciation of the texts and their cultural context. The Greek word Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias) is particularly significant as it is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Isaiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament. Isaiah’s writings have profoundly influenced both Jewish and Christian theology, making this name crucial for interpreting prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias), pronounced [ay-sah-EE-as].
- Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yeshayahu), meaning “Yahweh is salvation.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun (masculine singular), following the first declension pattern for Greek nouns.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Isaiah: Refers to the major prophet of the Old Testament who authored the Book of Isaiah.
- Used to identify the book in the New Testament when quoting from Isaiah or referring to his prophecies.
Similar Words: Ἰερεμίας (Ieremías), pronounced [ee-er-ay-MEE-as], is the Greek form of “Jeremiah,” another major prophet of the Old Testament. While Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias) specifically refers to Isaiah, Ἰερεμίας pertains to Jeremiah, each with distinct roles and messages in Biblical prophecy.
Further Insights: Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias) is a first-declension noun, which can be seen in its forms throughout the New Testament. Below is the declension table for Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias):
| Case | Singular |
|---|---|
| Nominative | Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias) |
| Genitive | Ἠσαΐου (Ēsaiou) |
| Dative | Ἠσαΐᾳ (Ēsaia) |
| Accusative | Ἠσαΐαν (Ēsaian) |
| Vocative | Ἠσαΐα (Ēsaia) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: The term Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias) is identified as a proper noun referring to the prophet Isaiah. It is frequently mentioned in the New Testament when quoting or alluding to the Book of Isaiah.
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Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon describes Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias) as the Greek form of Isaiah, a significant prophetic figure whose writings are foundational for understanding Messianic prophecies.
Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes that Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias) is often cited in the New Testament to reference the Book of Isaiah, highlighting the prophetic texts that foreshadow the coming of Christ.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon provides a brief identification of Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias) as a proper noun and as a standard Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Isaiah.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias) as G2268, describing Isaiah as one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament, with many prophecies concerning the Messiah referenced in the New Testament.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 3:3: “For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah [Ἠσαΐου], saying, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.”‘”
- Mark 7:6: “He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah [Ἠσαΐας] prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”‘”
- Luke 4:17: “And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah [Ἠσαΐου]. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Isaiah | “And the Lord said unto Isaiah [Ἠσαΐᾳ]…” |
| Septuagint | 2 Kings | “And Isaiah [Ἠσαΐας] the prophet…” |
| Septuagint | 2 Chronicles | “The rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, Isaiah [Ἠσαΐας] the prophet, the son of Amoz, has written.” |
Summary of Ἠσαΐας (G2268: Ēsaias)
The Greek word Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias) refers to Isaiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament whose writings are central to both Jewish and Christian traditions. Isaiah’s prophecies are frequently referenced in the New Testament to establish the legitimacy of Jesus as the Messiah and to highlight the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Understanding the Greek usage of Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias) provides essential insight into the theological connections between the Testaments and the role of prophecy in the Biblical narrative.
Did You Know?
- Isaiah is often referred to as the “Messianic Prophet” due to the numerous prophecies in the Book of Isaiah that Christians interpret as predictions of the coming of Jesus.
- The Book of Isaiah is one of the most frequently quoted Old Testament books in the New Testament, with over 60 direct quotations and numerous allusions.
- The name Isaiah means “Yahweh is salvation,” which aligns with the central message of his prophecies about the coming of a divine deliverer.
By studying Ἠσαΐας (Ēsaias), we gain a deeper understanding of how New Testament writers connected Jesus to the Jewish prophetic tradition, demonstrating the fulfillment of ancient prophecies through His life and ministry.
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