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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words such as Ναζωραῖος (Nazōraios) provides key insights into the New Testament and the identity of Jesus. This term is particularly significant because it directly relates to the identification of Jesus as “the Nazarene,” linking Him to the town of Nazareth. The use of Ναζωραῖος in the New Testament, including Matthew 2:23, carries rich theological meaning, encapsulating both Jesus’ earthly origins and messianic fulfillment. Exploring this word helps deepen our understanding of Jesus’ role as the prophesied Messiah and the perception of Him by others during His ministry.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Ναζωραῖος (Nazōraios), pronounced nah-zoh-RAY-os.

Etymology: The word Ναζωραῖος likely stems from the town of Nazareth. Its Hebrew root may be related to netzer, meaning “branch” or “shoot,” which can be connected to Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 11:1). It identifies someone from Nazareth, such as Jesus, emphasizing His humble origins.

Part of Speech: Proper noun. Ναζωραῖος is a masculine noun used to describe a person from Nazareth, specifically referring to Jesus in the New Testament.

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

Defining Meanings

1. Geographical Descriptor: Ναζωραῖος refers to a person from Nazareth, most often applied to Jesus. It is a geographical label that signifies Jesus’ hometown and His identification as “Jesus of Nazareth.”

2. Messianic Identity: The term also reflects the fulfillment of prophecy. By referring to Jesus as the Nazarene, the Gospel writers highlight His messianic role and humble beginnings, echoing prophecies about the Messiah’s connection to lowly places and unexpected origins.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Ναζαρηνός (Nazarenos) [pronunciation: nah-zah-ray-NOS]: This word also refers to someone from Nazareth, specifically Jesus. It is used interchangeably with Ναζωραῖος but appears in different contexts and is a slightly different form of the same concept.

2. Γαλιλαῖος (Galilaios) [pronunciation: gah-lee-LAI-os]: Refers to someone from Galilee, the broader region where Nazareth is located. This word emphasizes the larger regional association rather than the specific town of Nazareth.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

• Case: Nominative singular, used to identify someone from Nazareth.

• Number: Singular, referring to an individual (primarily Jesus).

• Gender: Masculine, referring to male individuals.

Declension: Ναζωραῖος follows the second declension in Greek. Below is a basic declension table:

Case Singular

Nominative Ναζωραῖος

Genitive Ναζωραίου

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word Ναζωραῖος appears in several key lexicons with rich insights into its usage and significance. In the New Testament, it is a central term that links Jesus with Nazareth. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s highlight how Ναζωραῖος is tied to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, despite no direct mention of Nazareth in the prophecies themselves. Instead, the connection is often seen in the wordplay on netzer (“branch”), pointing to the Messiah’s humble origins. Some lexicons also discuss how the term “Nazarene” became a label of scorn, reflecting how others viewed Jesus’ upbringing in a lowly town. Nevertheless, Ναζωραῖος carries profound theological weight as a term that identifies Jesus as both a man from Nazareth and the promised Messiah.

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. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene [Ναζωραῖος].”

2. Mark 1:24 – “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth [Ναζωραῖος]? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

3. Acts 22:8 – “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth [Ναζωραῖος], whom you are persecuting,’ he replied.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

While Ναζωραῖος does not appear in pre-Christian classical Greek literature, its Septuagint usage and early Christian texts help frame its importance.

Author Name of Work Greek Usage in Text

New Testament Matthew 2:23 “…that He would be called a Nazarene [Ναζωραῖος].”

Septuagint Isaiah 11:1 Prophetic connection to “branch” (netzer).

Early Church Fathers Various Letters Referred to Jesus as the Nazarene [Ναζωραῖος].

Noteworthy Summary

The term Ναζωραῖος holds great significance in the New Testament, primarily as a descriptor of Jesus’ identity as “the Nazarene.” More than just a geographical marker, it underscores the fulfillment of messianic prophecy and highlights the humility of Jesus’ background. By calling Jesus “the Nazarene,” the Gospel writers tie His life and ministry to God’s unfolding plan of salvation, emphasizing the unexpected ways God’s Messiah would come. The term also reflects how Jesus was perceived by others, both as a humble figure from Nazareth and the prophesied Holy One of God.

Did You Know?

1. Although Ναζωραῖος means “of Nazareth,” the exact prophecy connecting the Messiah to Nazareth is unclear, leading scholars to suggest connections to broader prophecies like Isaiah 11:1.

2. The term “Nazarene” was sometimes used derisively, as Nazareth was considered a small and insignificant town.

3. Ναζωραῖος became one of the most common ways early Christians identified Jesus, especially in the context of His messianic role and fulfillment of prophecies.