Lexical Summary Rhómaikos: Roman Original Word: Ῥωμαϊκός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Latin. From Rhomaios; Romaic, i.e. Latin -- Latin. see GREEK Rhomaios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originvariant reading for Rhómaisti q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4513: ῬωμαϊκόςῬωμαϊκός, Ρ᾽ωμαικη, Ρ᾽ωμαικον, Roman, Latin: Luke 23:38 R G L brackets Tr marginal reading brackets ((Polybius, Diodorus, Dionysius Halicarnassus, others.)) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Context Strong’s Greek 4513, Rhōmaikos, denotes that which is “Roman” in nature—language, culture, or origin. It is used once in the New Testament, underscoring a specific historical marker within the passion narrative. Occurrence in Scripture Luke 23:38 records the inscription placed above the crucified Christ, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS,” written, as several early manuscripts state, “in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew.” The term Rhōmaikos identifies Latin as the Roman tongue, distinguishing it from Greek and Hebrew. Historical Background: Roman Language and Culture 1. Latin as Imperial Medium: By the first century A.D., Latin had become the administrative language of the empire. Official decrees, military commands, and legal documents were issued in Latin, the linguistic badge of Roman authority. Theological Significance at the Cross 1. Universal Testimony: The trilingual placard silently proclaims Christ’s kingship to Jew, Greek, and Roman alike. Even in mockery, Rome unwittingly bears witness to the Messiah. Implications for the Universal Scope of the Gospel Acts 28:16 highlights Paul’s arrival in Rome; Romans 1:15 speaks of his eagerness to preach there. Luke’s single reference to Rhōmaikos anticipates the Book of Acts, where the Gospel moves from Jerusalem to Rome (Acts 1:8; Acts 28:31). Christ’s title in Roman script foreshadows the missionary march into the heart of the empire. Related Biblical Themes • Roman Citizenship (Acts 22:25-29) – underscores legal protections that advance the Gospel. Application for Ministry Today 1. Engage Cultural Gateways: Just as Latin served God’s purpose, believers can harness contemporary “imperial” media—global languages, technology—to exalt Christ. Rhōmaikos, though appearing only once, signals that the Roman Empire’s power, language, and reach are ultimately subservient to the crucified King who reigns over all nations. Forms and Transliterations Ρωμαικοις Ρωμαικοῖς Romaikois Romaikoîs Rōmaikois RōmaikoîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 23:38 Adj-DNPGRK: Ἑλληνικοῖς καὶ Ρωμαικοῖς καὶ Ἑβραικοῖς KJV: of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, INT: Greek and Latin and Hebrew |
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