Lexical Summary Lukaonisti: In the Lycaonian language Original Word: Λυκαονιστί Strong's Exhaustive Concordance in the speech of Lycaonia. Adverb from a derivative of Lukaonia; Lycaonistically, i.e. In the language of the Lycaonians -- in the speech of Lycaonia. see GREEK Lukaonia NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from Lukaonia Definition in Lycaonian (speech) NASB Translation Lycaonian language (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3072: ΛυκαονιστίΛυκαονιστί (λυκαονίζω, to use the language of Lycaonia), adverb, in the speech of Lycaonia: Acts 14:11 (see Λυκαονία). Topical Lexicon Geographical and Cultural Profile of Lycaonia Lycaonia occupied a high plateau in the interior of Asia Minor, bordered by Galatia to the north and Pisidia to the south. Its chief cities, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, lay on Roman roads traversed by merchants, soldiers, and missionaries alike. The region’s mixed population—Phrygian, Hellenistic, and indigenous Anatolian elements—preserved a vernacular distinct from the common Greek (Koine) used throughout the Empire. Pagan cults, especially the worship of Zeus and Hermes, remained vigorous, with rustic temples and priests serving rural communities. Lycaonian Language and Linguistic Landscape The single New Testament mention of the Lycaonian tongue underscores a wider multilingual reality. Greek functioned as the lingua franca, Latin as the language of Roman administration, yet many provinces retained ancestral speech. Lycaonian was one such regional idiom, possibly linked to older Anatolian dialects. Its survival alongside Greek illustrates how local identity persisted under imperial rule. Narrative Setting in Acts 14:11 Acts 14 records Paul and Barnabas in Lystra, where a man “crippled from birth” is healed. Luke notes, “When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in Lycaonian, exclaiming, ‘The gods have come down to us in human form!’” (Acts 14:11). The sudden switch to the native speech alerts the reader that an unanticipated cultural gap has emerged: while the apostles’ miracle communicates divine power, the crowd interprets it through their own mythological grid, calling Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes” (Acts 14:12). Only when the city priest brings oxen and garlands do the missionaries grasp the situation, tearing their clothes and urging the people to turn “to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them” (Acts 14:15). Missionary Lessons from Paul’s Encounter 1. Discernment of Audience: Spiritual truths may be embraced or distorted depending on the hearer’s worldview. Paul and Barnabas must respond quickly when provincial religious assumptions threaten to hijack the gospel message. Theological Reflections: Communication of the Gospel Acts 14:11 parallels other pivotal moments involving language: Together these passages reveal God’s sovereignty over language—both as a means of judgment and a tool for redemption. The Lycaonian outburst demonstrates the ongoing need for translation and contextualization so that revelation remains clear and idolatry is avoided. Implications for Contemporary Ministry • Local Vernaculars: Just as first-century missionaries confronted regional dialects, modern evangelists must value mother-tongue Scripture translation, literacy, and culturally resonant worship. Connection with Other Biblical Passages on Language Acts 14:11 complements: Summary Strong’s Greek 3072, referring to the Lycaonian language, appears once yet illuminates themes of cultural diversity, evangelistic clarity, and divine dominion over human speech. The Lystran episode warns against complacency in communication, affirming that the gospel must be both demonstrated and declared in the heart language of every people until all tongues praise the living God. Forms and Transliterations Λυκαονιστι Λυκαονιστὶ Lukaonisti Lykaonisti LykaonistìLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |