Lexical Summary Parthos: Parthian Original Word: Παρθός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Parthian. Probably of foreign origin; a Parthian, i.e. Inhabitant of Parthia -- Parthian. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a Parthian, an inhab. of Parthia NASB Translation Parthians (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3934: ΠάρθοςΠάρθος, Παρθου, ὁ, a Parthian, an inhabitant of Parthia, a district of Asia, bounded on the north by Hyrcania, on the east by Ariana, on the south by Carmania Deserta, on the west by Media; plural in Acts 2:9 of the Jewish residents of Parthia. (B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Cultural and Geographical Background Parthia lay east of Mesopotamia in what is now northeastern Iran and Turkmenistan. From the third century BC to the third century AD its rulers challenged both Hellenistic successors of Alexander and later the Roman Empire. Stretching along the Silk Road, Parthia controlled key caravan routes linking the Mediterranean world with India and China. Although its aristocracy spoke Greek for diplomacy, the people used various Iranian dialects and Aramaic in trade. By the first century AD many Jews had settled there, the fruit of earlier Assyrian and Babylonian deportations and later voluntary migrations for commerce. Parthians at Pentecost (Acts 2:9) Luke lists Parthians first among the fifteen language-groups present when the Holy Spirit fell: “Parthians, Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia…” (Acts 2:9-11). Their inclusion shows: 1. The breadth of the Jewish dispersion—with communities even under a rival empire hostile to Rome. Historical Ripples of Their Presence Returning pilgrims likely carried the gospel eastward long before any apostle arrived. Early church writers connect Thomas, Thaddaeus, and Bartholomew with mission work in Parthia, and by the second century Christian communities existed in Media, Hyrcania, and Bactria. Though extrabiblical, these traditions harmonize with the New Testament pattern: itinerant Jews and God-fearers spread the word wherever they traveled (Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19-21). Parthia and Prophetic Expectation The presence of Parthians at Pentecost anticipates the prophetic vision of nations streaming to Zion (Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-3) and foreshadows the “great multitude… from every nation and tribe and people and tongue” who will worship the Lamb (Revelation 7:9-10). What began with a handful of diaspora Jews prefigures the ultimate ingathering of the world. Ministry Applications • God prepares hearts through dispersion. Communities displaced by exile or trade become bridges for the gospel. Summary Strong’s Greek 3934 marks the Parthians as early recipients of the apostolic message. Their single mention testifies to the historical reality of a multinational Pentecost and underscores the Lord’s design to carry salvation “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Forms and Transliterations Παρθοι Πάρθοι Parthoi PárthoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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