Lexical Summary Damaris: Damaris Original Word: Δάμαρις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Damaris. Probably from the base of damazo; perhaps gentle; Damaris, an Athenian woman -- Damaris. see GREEK damazo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom damar (a wife) Definition Damaris, an Athenian woman NASB Translation Damaris (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1152: ΔάμαριςΔάμαρις, Δαμαριδος, ἡ, Damaris, a woman of Athens converted by Paul: Acts 17:34; (cf. Meyer at the passage; B. D. under the word). Topical Lexicon Name and Singular Occurrence Damaris appears once in the Greek New Testament, at the close of Paul’s address before the Areopagus in Athens: “But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, as well as others with them.” (Acts 17:34). Though briefly mentioned, her inclusion among the new believers marks her as one of the firstfruits of the Gospel in the intellectual center of the ancient world. Historical Setting: Athens and the Areopagus Acts 17 situates Paul in a city “full of idols” (Acts 17:16) and in dialogue with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers (Acts 17:18). The Areopagus, both a physical hill and the council that met there, symbolized the pinnacle of Athenian cultural and judicial life. Acceptance of the Gospel by an Athenian woman in that milieu underscores the message’s power to penetrate sophisticated pagan society. The Gospel’s Reach to Women in Hellenistic Society Women in classical Athens ordinarily did not participate publicly with male philosophers, yet Luke records Damaris by name alongside Dionysius. Her presence signals the Gospel’s counter-cultural openness: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). Acts elsewhere highlights Lydia (Acts 16:14-15), Priscilla (Acts 18:2-3, 18, 26), and the four prophetess daughters of Philip (Acts 21:9), showing a consistent pattern of women receiving, spreading, and strengthening the faith. Faith Response and Spiritual Significance Paul’s sermon progressed from common revelation—“He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25)—to special revelation in Christ—“He has set a day when He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed” (Acts 17:31). Damaris, unlike many who “sneered” at resurrection (Acts 17:32), responded with belief. Her name in Scripture testifies that intellectual setting or social norms do not hinder the Spirit’s work (John 3:8). Comparative Examples of Female Converts in Acts • Lydia of Thyatira—first European convert, hospitality catalyst (Acts 16:14-15, 40). Damaris fits within this lineage, emphasizing that the advance of the Gospel across the Mediterranean repeatedly involved influential women. Implications for Evangelism and Discipleship 1. Cultural Engagement: Paul models respectful dialogue with prevailing worldviews (Acts 17:22-31). Believers can confidently engage contemporary thought, trusting the Spirit to open individual hearts as with Damaris. Legacy in Church Tradition Early Christian writers associated Damaris with Dionysius and posited that both assisted in establishing the Athenian church. While historical details are sparse, her recorded faith became a touchstone for later generations honoring those who embraced Christ in pagan contexts. Key Theological Themes • Sovereign Grace: God plants His church even in centers of human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20-24). Damaris, though briefly noted, embodies the triumph of the risen Christ in a world searching for truth, assuring believers that no heart, culture, or gender lies beyond His saving reach. Forms and Transliterations Δαμαρις Δάμαρις Damaris DámarisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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