Lexical Summary Niger: Niger Original Word: Νίγερ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Niger. Of Latin origin; black; Niger, a Christian -- Niger. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin (dark in color) Definition Niger, a Christian NASB Translation Niger (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3526: ΝίγερΝίγερ, ὁ (a Latin name (`black')), Niger, surname of the prophet Symeon: Acts 13:1. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Strong’s Greek 3526, Νίγερ (Niger), carries the Latin sense of “dark” or “black,” suggesting a distinguishing physical trait or a nickname used within the Antioch congregation. The appearance of a Latin cognomen in a Greek text evidences the linguistic and cultural blending characteristic of the first-century Mediterranean world. Scriptural Context Acts 13:1 places Simeon called Niger among five leaders of the thriving fellowship in Syrian Antioch: “In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul”. This verse marks the transition from a predominantly Jerusalem-centered movement to an outward-looking mission base, for it is the Antioch church that will commission Barnabas and Saul for their first missionary journey (Acts 13:2-3). Historical and Cultural Background Antioch, the third-largest city in the Roman Empire, had a highly diverse population of Jews, Greeks, Romans, and Africans. Its church reflected that diversity; leadership included a Levite from Cyprus (Barnabas), men from North Africa (Lucius of Cyrene), a foster brother of Herod Antipas (Manaen), and the former persecutor Saul of Tarsus. Simeon’s Latin nickname underscores both the cosmopolitan character of Antioch and the gospel’s early penetration beyond ethnic and linguistic boundaries. Role in the Church at Antioch Luke groups Simeon with prophets and teachers—gifted men who both spoke revelatory words and expounded Scripture. Their public fasting, worship, and submission to the Holy Spirit’s direction (Acts 13:2) model Spirit-led corporate decision-making. Though Simeon disappears from the narrative after verse 1, his inclusion in the Spirit’s choice of venue and leadership for sending missionaries situates him at a pivotal moment in salvation history: the deliberate expansion of the gospel into Asia Minor and, ultimately, Europe. Possible Identification with Simon of Cyrene Some have suggested that Simeon called Niger may be the same person as Simon of Cyrene who carried the Lord’s cross (Mark 15:21). Arguments include (1) phonetic similarity between “Simeon” and “Simon”; (2) Cyrene’s North-African location, compatible with a darker complexion; (3) Mark’s mention of Alexander and Rufus, names familiar to Roman believers (cf. Romans 16:13). While Scripture does not explicitly equate the two men, the hypothesis illustrates how early Christian memory could preserve biographies that interweave Passion-week events with post-Resurrection ministry. Theological Implications 1. Unity in Diversity: Simeon’s presence among Antioch’s leaders affirms that leadership in the body of Christ transcends ethnic distinctions (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14-18). Lessons for Contemporary Ministry • Cultivate multicultural leadership that mirrors the demographic makeup of the surrounding community. Key References Acts 11:19-26; Acts 13:1-3; Mark 15:21; Romans 16:13; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14-18; Isaiah 60:1-3. Forms and Transliterations Νιγερ Νίγερ Niger NígerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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