Lexical Summary Kandaké: Candace Original Word: Κανδάκη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Candace, an Egyptian queen Of foreign origin -- Candace, an Egyptian queen -- Candace. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition Candace, a queen of Ethiopia NASB Translation Candace (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2582: ΚανδάκηΚανδάκη, Κανδάκης, ἡ, Candace, a name common to the queens of a region of Ethiopia whose capital was Napata; just as the proper name Ptolemy was common to the Egyptian kings, and Henry to the Reuss princes (Strabo 17, 1, 54, p. 820; Pliny, h. n. 6, 35; Dio Cassius, 54, 5): Acts 8:27; cf. Laurent, Die Königin Kandake, in the Zeitschr. f. d. luth. Theol. for 1862, p. 632ff (reprinted in his N. T. Studien, p. 140f; cf. especially B. D. American edition, under the word). Topical Lexicon Historical Setting of Candace “Candace” was a dynastic title borne by the queens of ancient Nubia, whose capital lay on the island of Meroë south of the First Cataract of the Nile. Classical writers such as Strabo and Pliny confirm that successive female monarchs ruled under this title, exercising real political and economic power. The realm, known in Scripture as Cush (modern Sudan and parts of Ethiopia), sat astride lucrative caravan routes linking inner Africa with Egypt and the Mediterranean. Its court was famous for literacy, wealth in precious metals, and an early reception of Judaism through trade and diplomatic contact with Jerusalem. Candace in Acts 8 and the Spread of the Gospel Luke notes only one New Testament occurrence of the title: “an Ethiopian eunuch, an official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians” (Acts 8:27). By placing this courtier on the Gaza road immediately after the Samaritan revival, Luke traces the widening circles of witness announced in Acts 1:8—from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and now toward “the ends of the earth.” The conversion of a high‐ranking finance minister under Candace signals that the gospel penetrated Africa within months of Pentecost, demonstrating the Spirit’s power to cross ethnic, geographic, and social boundaries. Old Testament Foreshadowings of Ethiopian Influence The prophets long anticipated the worship of Cush: “Cush will stretch out her hands to God” (Psalm 68:31), and “From beyond the rivers of Cush My worshipers, the daughter of My dispersed people, will bring Me offerings” (Zephaniah 3:10). Isaiah envisioned tribute streaming from Nubia to Zion (Isaiah 18:1–7; Isaiah 45:14). The treasurer’s pilgrimage “to worship” in Jerusalem (Acts 8:27) fulfills these promises, linking the royal house of Candace with the covenant storyline. Social and Cultural Insights The eunuch’s authority over the “entire treasury” illustrates the administrative sophistication of Candace’s government. Female monarchs held sovereignty while high officials—often eunuchs to ensure loyalty—managed finance and foreign relations. The Greek term translated “queen” highlights Candace’s legitimacy, rebutting any ancient bias against female rule. That Luke names her signals respect for her status and underscores the strategic importance of her kingdom in God’s redemptive plan. Theological Significance 1. Universality of the gospel: Candace’s realm represents the African continent, affirming that Christ’s salvation reaches every nation without cultural assimilation. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry Through a single appearance, the title “Candace” in Acts clarifies that the risen Messiah reigns far beyond the Mediterranean world, binding together prophecies, history, and missionary mandate in one seamless testimony. Forms and Transliterations κανά Κανδακης Κανδάκης κάνθαρος κανού κανούν κανώ Kandakes Kandakēs Kandákes KandákēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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