Lexical Summary Hellénikos: Greek, Hellenistic Original Word: Ἑλληνικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Greek. From Hellen; Hellenic, i.e. Grecian (in language) -- Greek. see GREEK Hellen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Hellén Definition Hellenic, i.e. Grecian (in language) NASB Translation Greek (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1673: ἙλληνικόςἙλληνικός, Ἑλληνικῇ, Ἑλληνικόν, Greek, Grecian: Luke 23:38 (T WH Tr text omit; L Tr marginal reading brackets the clause); Revelation 9:11. (From Aeschylus, Herodotus down.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1673 identifies the adjective that designates something “Greek” or “written in Greek.” Though it appears only twice in the New Testament, these occurrences illuminate the multilingual setting of the biblical world and underscore God’s intention to make His truth accessible across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 23:38 – “Above Him was posted an inscription, written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: ‘THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.’” Historical Context By the first century, Koine Greek had become the common language of the Mediterranean world, a legacy of Alexander the Great’s conquests. Even in Jerusalem, official notices were frequently issued in Greek alongside Latin and Hebrew. The Septuagint—an early Greek translation of the Old Testament—was already in widespread synagogue use, paving the way for New Testament authors to write their Gospels and Epistles in Greek for maximum reach. Theological Significance Luke 23:38 presents the crucifixion title in three languages, illustrating that Jesus’ kingship is proclaimed to Jews (Hebrew), Romans (Latin), and the broader Gentile world (Greek). Revelation 9:11 does something similar: by giving the destroyer’s name in both Hebrew and Greek, John ensures that readers from Jewish and Gentile backgrounds alike grasp the threat and, by implication, the salvation offered in Christ. In both scenes, the use of Greek affirms the inclusivity of God’s self-revelation. Ministry and Discipleship Implications • Scripture Translation: The presence of Greek inscriptions in Scripture legitimizes the ongoing work of translating the Bible so every people group can hear “in their own language the mighty works of God” (compare Acts 2:11). Related Terms and Concepts • Hebrew (Ἑβραϊστί) – the language linked with Jewish identity. Conclusion Though occurring only twice, Greek 1673 highlights God’s sovereign use of language to broadcast His redemptive plan. Whether affixed above the crucified King or describing the adversary’s name, the adjective reminds believers that the message of Scripture transcends cultural barriers, compelling the Church to proclaim Christ to every tongue, tribe, and nation. Forms and Transliterations Ελληνικη Ἑλληνικῇ Ελληνικοις Ἑλληνικοῖς Ellenike Ellēnikē Ellenikois Ellēnikois Hellenike Hellēnikē Hellenikêi Hellēnikē̂i Hellenikois Hellenikoîs Hellēnikois HellēnikoîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 23:38 Adj-DNPGRK: ΟΥΤΟΣ γράμμασιν Ἑλληνικοῖς καὶ Ρωμαικοῖς KJV: him in letters of Greek, and Latin, INT: This in letters Greek and Latin Revelation 9:11 Adj-DFS Strong's Greek 1673 |
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