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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for grasping the deeper meanings and contexts of scripture. The Greek word λαός (laos), appearing first in Matthew 1:21, is particularly significant. This term, often translated as “people,” holds theological and cultural importance as it frequently refers to the collective people of Israel in the New Testament. It conveys more than just a group; it embodies the idea of a chosen community, a body of individuals bound together by covenant and identity. Understanding this word helps unlock layers of meaning in passages that discuss God’s relationship with His people and the broader socio-religious dynamics of ancient Greek culture.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: λαός (laos) [pronunciation: lah-OS].

Etymology: The word laos is derived from a root that signifies a group of people or a nation. It has been used throughout Greek literature to indicate not just any crowd, but a specific people who share a common identity or heritage.

Part of Speech: Noun, masculine. The word laos is a noun that is most commonly used in the singular form, though it can appear in the plural as well. As a third declension noun, it follows a specific set of inflectional patterns that vary depending on case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative).

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Defining Meanings

1. People, Nation: The primary meaning of laos is “people” or “nation,” often referring to a distinct group united by cultural, ethnic, or religious ties. In the New Testament, it most frequently refers to the Israelites, the “people of God.”

2. A Body or Group of Followers: In a broader sense, laos can denote a group of followers or disciples. This usage highlights the collective identity of a community committed to a shared purpose or leader.

3. General Populace or Crowd: Occasionally, laos is used more generally to refer to any group of people or the populace in a given area, emphasizing the communal aspect rather than a distinct identity.

Exploring Similar Words

1. δῆμος (dēmos) [pronunciation: DEE-mos]: While dēmos also translates as “people,” it specifically refers to the populace in a political sense, such as the citizens of a city-state in classical Athens. It focuses more on the concept of democracy and civic identity rather than the ethnic or religious community implied by laos.

2. ὄχλος (ochlos) [pronunciation: OCH-los]: This word means “crowd” or “multitude” and differs from laos by implying a more informal gathering of people, often without a unified purpose or identity.

3. ἔθνος (ethnos) [pronunciation: ETH-nos]: Translated as “nation” or “Gentile,” ethnos refers to a broader classification of people, typically used to differentiate non-Jewish groups from the Israelites (laos).

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Morphology: As a third declension noun, laos has unique inflectional forms that vary across cases, numbers, and gender:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word laos holds deep significance across New Testament writings. It often denotes the covenant community of Israel, as in Matthew 1:21, where it states, “He will save His people [λαός] from their sins.” This usage underscores the theological theme of salvation and God’s enduring relationship with His chosen people. Classical Greek literature uses laos to signify a group with a strong collective identity, whether in political, social, or military contexts. The term’s layered meanings highlight the bond between the divine and human, particularly in the context of communal identity and religious heritage.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 1:21: “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people [λαός] from their sins.”

Luke 2:32: “A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people [λαός] Israel.”

Acts 7:34: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people [λαός] who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word λαός (laos) is a vital term in Biblical studies, denoting a specific group or people often identified as God’s chosen community, Israel. It encompasses ideas of identity, covenant, and belonging, making it central to understanding both Old and New Testament contexts. Its classical usage further enriches its meaning, showing that the concept of “people” was as much about collective identity and purpose in ancient Greek culture as it is in the scriptural narrative.

Did You Know?

1. The word laos appears nearly 150 times in the New Testament, emphasizing its importance in the context of God’s covenant with His people.
2. Laos is not just about ethnicity or nationality; it signifies a group bound by a shared faith and divine purpose.
3. In ancient Greek political philosophy, the term laos often denoted a specific group or populace with the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, differing from the broader, more inclusive term dēmos.