Lexical Summary nomikos: Lawyer, expert in the law Original Word: νομικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance about the law, lawyer. From nomos; according (or pertaining) to law, i.e. Legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (Mosaic) law -- about the law, lawyer. see GREEK nomos HELPS Word-studies 3544 nomikós (from 3551 /nómos, "law") – properly, an expert in Jewish law (theology); an ancient Jewish-attorney ("Scripture-lawyer"), specializing in interpreting the OT and applying the teachings of established rabbis. 3544 /nomikós ("lawyer") implies someone even more learned in the Law than a typical scribe. (Ezra would have been considered a 3544 /nomikós.) [3544 (nomikós) is also a regular term for attorney in antiquity, i.e. an expert jurist in secular law.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nomos Definition relating to law, learned in the law NASB Translation Law (1), lawyer (3), lawyers (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3544: νομικόςνομικός, νομικη, νομικόν (νόμος), pertaining to (the) law (Plato, Aristotle, others): μάχαι, Titus 3:9; ὁ νομικός, one learned in the law, in the N. T. an interpreter and teacher of the Mosaic law (A. V. a lawyer; cf. γραμματεύς, 2): Matthew 22:35; Luke 10:25; Titus 3:13; plural, Luke 7:30; Luke 11:45f, 52; Luke 14:3. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 3544, nomikos, denotes one who is learned in, or closely connected to, the Mosaic Law. In the Gospels it most often functions substantivally for “expert in the Law” or “lawyer”; in Titus 3:9 it appears adjectivally (“legal,” “about the Law”). Historical Background in Second Temple Judaism By the first century the study of Torah had produced a professional class specializing in textual interpretation, precedent, and application. These men did more than copy Scripture; they taught in synagogues, drafted legal documents, rendered judgments, and formed a leading voice within the Pharisaic movement. Their influence rested on three pillars: (1) mastery of written Torah, (2) familiarity with the expanding oral traditions, and (3) recognized authority to decide difficult cases. While allied with scribes (grammateis) and often Pharisees, they occupied a distinct niche as jurists of sacred law. Occurrences in the New Testament Matthew 22:35; Luke 7:30; 10:25; 11:45-46; 11:52; 14:3; Titus 3:9, 13. Eight of the nine texts describe Jewish lawyers who confront Jesus; one identifies a Christian lawyer named Zenas. Together they provide a balanced picture of both the perils of legalistic religion and the redemptive reach of the gospel. Jesus’ Interactions with the Lawyers 1. Testing His Orthodoxy (Matthew 22:35; Luke 10:25) “One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with a question” (Matthew 22:35). The incisive questions on greatest commandment and eternal life show their intellectual rigor yet reveal a heart posture of trial rather than humble inquiry. 2. Rejecting John’s Baptism (Luke 7:30) “The Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves.” Their refusal illustrates how attachment to status can blind one to prophetic calls for repentance. 3. Receiving Jesus’ Rebuke (Luke 11:45-46, 52; 14:3) a. Burdens: “You weigh men down with heavy burdens, but you yourselves will not lift a finger” (Luke 11:46). b. Key of Knowledge: “You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves have not entered” (Luke 11:52). c. Sabbath Healing: Jesus places mercy over meticulous tradition (Luke 14:3). Collectively, these passages warn against weaponizing Scripture, substituting human regulation for God-given compassion. Paul’s Instructions Concerning Legal Controversies Titus 3:9 cautions against “quarrels about the law,” highlighting the danger of fruitless speculation in a Gentile mission context. Healthy doctrine centers on the gospel, not endless debate over minutiae. A Redeemed Lawyer: Zenas (Titus 3:13) “Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer.” The presence of a believer who retains his legal expertise demonstrates that knowledge of Torah can be sanctified for kingdom service. Paul’s directive to supply Zenas underscores practical partnership across vocational lines. Theological Implications 1. Law and Grace: Nomikos reminds readers that the divine Law is good (Romans 7:12), yet fallen interpreters may distort it. Christ fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17), liberating believers from legalistic bondage while preserving moral truth. Practical Lessons for Ministry Today • Pursue biblical scholarship with humility, recognizing the temptation to elevate tradition over revelation. Summary Nomikos paints a dual portrait: human expertise distorted by pride, and the same expertise redeemed for mission. The term invites continual self-examination and renewed commitment to handle God’s Word faithfully, freeing others rather than binding them. Forms and Transliterations νόμημα νομικας νομικάς νομικὰς νομικοι νομικοί νομικοὶ νομικοις νομικοίς νομικοῖς νομικον νομικόν νομικὸν νομικος νομικός νομικὸς νομικους νομικούς νομικοὺς νομικων νομικών νομικῶν νομίμα νόμιμα νόμιμά νομίμοις νόμιμον νομίμων nomikas nomikàs nomikoi nomikoì nomikois nomikoîs nomikon nomikòn nomikôn nomikōn nomikō̂n nomikos nomikós nomikòs nomikous nomikoùsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 22:35 Adj-NMSGRK: ἐξ αὐτῶν νομικὸς πειράζων αὐτόν NAS: One of them, a lawyer, asked KJV: them, [which was] a lawyer, asked INT: of them a lawyer testing him Luke 7:30 Adj-NMP Luke 10:25 Adj-NMS Luke 11:45 Adj-GMP Luke 11:46 Adj-DMP Luke 11:52 Adj-DMP Luke 14:3 Adj-AMP Titus 3:9 Adj-AFP Titus 3:13 Adj-AMS Strong's Greek 3544 |
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