Lexical Summary Médos: Mede Original Word: Μῆδος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mede. Of foreign origin (compare Maday); a Median, or inhabitant of Media -- Mede. see HEBREW Maday NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a Mede, Median, an inhab. of Media NASB Translation Medes (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3370: ΜῆδοςΜῆδος, Μηδου, ὁ, a Mede, a native or an inhabitant of Media, a well-known region of Asia whose chief city was Ecbatana (see B. D., under the word): Acts 2:9. (Cf. B. D. and Schaff-Herzog under the word Media.) Topical Lexicon Identity and Historical Background The term Μῆδοι (Medes) designates the inhabitants of ancient Media, a region situated south and southwest of the Caspian Sea in what is today northwestern Iran. Renowned for their horsemanship, archery, and strategic alliances, the Medes were closely related to the Persians ethnically and linguistically. By the seventh century BC they had emerged as a formidable power, later joining with Babylon to overthrow Assyria (circa 612 BC). Under Cyrus the Great, the Median kingdom was federated with Persia, becoming the influential Medo-Persian Empire that figures prominently in Scripture. The Medes in Old Testament Prophecy and Narrative 1. Instruments of Divine Judgment 2. Transition of Empires 3. Preservation of God’s People The Singular New Testament Occurrence—Acts 2:9 At Pentecost pilgrims from many regions heard the apostles declare “the wonders of God” (Acts 2:11) in their native tongues. Among them were “Parthians, Medes, and Elamites” (Acts 2:9). This moment illustrates: Theological Significance 1. Sovereignty of God over Nations The Medes exemplify how the Most High “removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). Their rise, alliance with Persia, and ultimate absorption into a greater empire serve as living proof that human history unfolds in accordance with divine decree. 2. Continuity between Testaments The appearance of Median pilgrims at Pentecost bridges Old Testament prophecies with the New Testament gospel. The same people group used to topple Babylon is now present when the Holy Spirit inaugurates the worldwide mission of the church, demonstrating the unified redemptive storyline of Scripture. 3. The Gospel’s Reach Acts 2 promises that even those dwelling “in the distant provinces of Media” can receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The list of nations in Acts 2:9-11 anticipates missionary expansion described later in Acts and in the Epistles, reinforcing the mandate to disciple all nations (Matthew 28:19). Ministerial Applications • Confidence in Mission: Just as God sovereignly marshaled the Medes to accomplish His purposes, He is fully able to orchestrate historical events today to advance the gospel. Summary Strong’s Greek 3370 focuses on the Medes, a people whose role in biblical history extends from the downfall of Babylon to the dawn of the church. Their narrative arc—from agents of judgment in Isaiah and Jeremiah, to imperial partners in Daniel and Esther, to worshipers at Pentecost—magnifies God’s sovereignty and the unstoppable advance of His redemptive plan. Forms and Transliterations Μηδοι Μῆδοι μηθ Medoi Mêdoi Mēdoi Mē̂doiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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