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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for delving into the deeper meanings of Scripture. The word Ναζαρά (Nazara) is especially significant because it directly connects to the hometown of Jesus, known as Nazareth. This small, unremarkable town plays a huge role in the Gospels, where Jesus is frequently referred to as “Jesus of Nazareth.” Its mention in Matthew 2:23 highlights a prophecy fulfilled through Jesus, linking Him to the humble origins of the town. Studying this word gives insight into the social and cultural backdrop of Jesus’ life, enhancing our comprehension of how His message was received in the ancient world.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Ναζαρά (Nazara), pronounced nah-zah-RAH.

Etymology: The word Ναζαρά is believed to come from a Semitic origin, likely connected to the Hebrew name for Nazareth (נצרת). The name has connotations of being set apart or consecrated, possibly linked to the Hebrew word netzer, meaning “branch” or “sprout,” which is a symbolic reference to the Messiah in Isaiah 11:1.

Part of Speech: Proper noun. Ναζαρά is a feminine noun, used to designate a place (Nazareth) in the Gospels. It refers specifically to the town where Jesus grew up and the region associated with His early life.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Geographical Reference: Ναζαρά refers to the town of Nazareth, located in Galilee. It is mentioned throughout the New Testament as the place where Jesus spent His early years and was known to the people of Israel.

2. Prophetic Fulfillment: In Matthew 2:23, Ναζαρά is associated with the fulfillment of the prophecy, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” This connection underlines Jesus’ humble beginnings and fulfillment of messianic expectations.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Ναζωραῖος (Nazōraios) [pronunciation: nah-zoh-RAH-yos]: Refers to a person from Nazareth. This term is used in the New Testament to describe Jesus as a Nazarene, emphasizing His association with the town of Ναζαρά.

2. Γαλιλαία (Galilaia) [pronunciation: gah-lee-LAI-ah]: Refers to the broader region in which Nazareth is located. Jesus’ ministry began in Galilee, and His identification as being from Nazareth further ties Him to this region.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

• Case: Nominative singular, as used in reference to a location.

• Number: Singular, referring to the singular town of Nazareth.

• Gender: Feminine, consistent with the Greek practice of using feminine forms for city names.

Declension: Ναζαρά is indeclinable, which means it does not change form across different cases in the Greek New Testament.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

In various Greek lexicons, Ναζαρά is understood primarily as a geographical term, pointing to Nazareth, the town in Galilee where Jesus grew up. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s emphasize that Ναζαρά has strong messianic connotations because it is tied to prophetic fulfillment. This small, obscure town becomes central in the Gospel narratives, particularly because of its association with Jesus. Some lexicons also note that the name Ναζαρά may carry the meaning of “branch” or “shoot,” aligning it with messianic prophecies like Isaiah 11:1.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 2:23 – “And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth [Ναζαρά]. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.”

2. Matthew 4:13 – “Leaving Nazareth [Ναζαρά], he went and lived in Capernaum.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Greek Usage in Text

Septuagint Judges 13:5 “The child will be a Nazirite [Ναζιραίος] of God from birth.”

Josephus Antiquities “Nazareth, a small village in Galilee, of little significance.”

Septuagint Isaiah 11:1 “A shoot [netzer] will come up from the stump of Jesse.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word Ναζαρά (Nazara) refers to the town of Nazareth, the small Galilean village known for being the hometown of Jesus. While the town itself may have been insignificant in terms of its size and prominence, its inclusion in biblical prophecies highlights its central role in the life and mission of the Messiah. Understanding Ναζαρά provides deeper insight into the humble beginnings of Jesus and emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Did You Know?

1. Nazareth was considered insignificant and was not mentioned in any ancient Jewish texts before the New Testament.

2. Jesus’ association with Nazareth led to the term “Nazarene,” often used as a title of reproach in His time.

3. Archaeological evidence shows that Nazareth was a small agricultural village during the time of Jesus, with a population of around 400 people.