2903. kratistos

Lexicon

kratistos: Most excellent, most noble

Original Word: κράτιστος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: kratistos
Pronunciation: KRAH-tis-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (krat'-is-tos)
Definition: Most excellent, most noble
Meaning: most excellent, an official epithet, used in addressing a Roman of high rank, and in the second century one of equestrian (as distinguished from senatorial) rank.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

most excellent, noble.

Superlative of a derivative of kratos; strongest, i.e. (in dignity) very honorable -- most excellent (noble).

see GREEK kratos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
superl. from kratus (strong)
Definition
strongest, noblest
NASB Translation
most excellent (4).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2903: κράτιστος

κράτιστος, κρατίστη, κράτιστον, superlative of the adjective κρατύς (κράτος) (from (Homer) Pindar down), mightiest, strongest, noblest, most illustrious, best, most excellent: vocative κράτιστε used in addressing men of conspicuous rank or office, Acts 23:26; Acts 24:3; Acts 26:25, (Otto, De ep. ad Diognetum etc. Jena 1845, p. 79ff, and in his Epist. ad Diognet. Leips. edition, p. 53f, has brought together examples from later writings). Perhaps also it served simply to express friendship in Luke 1:3 (as in Theophrastus, char. 5; Dionysius Halicarnassus, de oratt. 1; Josephus, Antiquities 4, 6, 8), because in Acts 1:1 it is omitted in addressing the same person. Cf. Grimm in Jahrbb. f. deutsche Theol. for 1871, p. 50f.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Superlative form of the Greek adjective κρατύς (kratus), meaning "strong" or "mighty."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for the Greek superlative "κράτιστος" in the Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, as the concept of superlatives is expressed differently in Hebrew. However, similar concepts of strength and excellence can be found in Hebrew words like גָּדוֹל (gadol, Strong's 1419) meaning "great" or "mighty," and נָשִׂיא (nasi, Strong's 5387) meaning "prince" or "leader," which convey notions of high status and respect.

Usage: The word "κράτιστος" appears in the New Testament as a form of address to individuals of high rank or esteemed position. It is used to convey respect and acknowledge the authority or nobility of the person being addressed.

Context: The term "κράτιστος" is found in the New Testament primarily in the context of formal address to Roman officials or individuals of high social standing. It is used three times in the Book of Acts and once in the Gospel of Luke. In Acts 23:26, the term is used by Claudius Lysias in his letter to Governor Felix: "Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings." Similarly, in Acts 24:3, Paul addresses Felix as "most excellent Felix" during his defense. In Acts 26:25, Paul uses the term when speaking to Festus: "But Paul replied, 'I am not insane, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.'" In Luke 1:3, the term is used by the author to address Theophilus: "Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus."

The use of "κράτιστος" in these contexts reflects the cultural norms of the time, where titles of respect were important in communication, especially in legal and formal settings. The term underscores the social hierarchy and the importance of acknowledging authority and status in the Greco-Roman world. It also highlights the careful and respectful approach taken by early Christians in their interactions with governing authorities.

Forms and Transliterations

κράτιστα κρατίστας κρατιστε κράτιστε κρατίστη κρατίστοις κράτιστον κρατιστω κρατίστω κρατίστῳ kratiste krátiste kratisto kratistō kratístoi kratístōi

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 1:3 Adj-VMS
GRK: σοι γράψαι κράτιστε Θεόφιλε
NAS: [it] out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus;
KJV: in order, most excellent Theophilus,
INT: to you to write most excellent Theophilus

Acts 23:26 Adj-DMS
GRK: Λυσίας τῷ κρατίστῳ ἡγεμόνι Φήλικι
NAS: Lysias, to the most excellent governor
KJV: Lysias unto the most excellent governor
INT: Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix

Acts 24:3 Adj-VMS
GRK: πανταχοῦ ἀποδεχόμεθα κράτιστε Φῆλιξ μετὰ
NAS: and everywhere, most excellent Felix,
KJV: in all places, most noble Felix,
INT: everywhere we gladly accept [it] most excellent Felix with

Acts 26:25 Adj-VMS
GRK: μαίνομαι φησίν κράτιστε Φῆστε ἀλλὰ
NAS: I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus,
KJV: not mad, most noble Festus; but
INT: I am insane says most noble Festus but

Strong's Greek 2903
4 Occurrences

κράτιστε — 3 Occ.
κρατίστῳ — 1 Occ.