Lexical Summary Samarités: Samaritan Original Word: Σαμαρείτης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Samaritan. From Samareia; a Samarite, i.e. Inhabitant of Samaria -- Samaritan. see GREEK Samareia NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Samareia Definition a Samaritan, an inhab. of the region of Samaria NASB Translation Samaritan (3), Samaritans (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4541: ΣαμαρείτηςΣαμαρείτης (Σαμαρείτης Tdf.; (see Tdf. Proleg., p. 87; WH's Appendix, p. 154; cf. Iota) (Σαμάρεια), Σαμαρειτου, ὁ, a Samaritan (Samarites, Curt. 4, 8, 9; Tacitus, ann. 12, 54; Samaritanus, Vulg. ((2 Kings 17:29 'Samaritae')) and ecclesiastical writings), i. e. an inhabitant either of the city or of the province of Samaria. The origin of the Samaritans was as follows: After Shalmaneser (others say Esarhaddon, cf. Ezra 4:2, 10; but see Kautzsch in Herzog edition 2, as referred to under the preceding word), king of Assyria, had sent colonists from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and Sepharvaim into the land of Samaria which he had devastated and depopulated (see Σαμάρεια, 1), those Israelites who had remained in their desolated country (cf. 2 Chronicles 30:6, 10; 2 Chronicles 34:9) associated and intermarried with these heathen colonists and thus produced a mixed race. When the Jews on their return from exile were preparing to rebuild the temple of Jerusalem, the Samaritans asked to be allowed to bear their part in the common work. On being refused by the Jews, who were unwilling to recognize them as brethren, they not only sent letters to the king of Persia and caused the Jews to be compelled to desist from their undertaking flown to the second year of Darius (Hystaspis) ( Topical Lexicon Identity and Origin The term Σαμαρῖται (Samaritai) designates the inhabitants of the central hill-country between Judea and Galilee. After the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom in 722 B.C., foreign settlers intermarried with the remnant of Israel, producing a mixed population that adopted a form of Yahwistic worship centered on Mount Gerizim (2 Kings 17:24-41). By New Testament times, Samaritans accepted only the Pentateuch, rejected the Davidic monarchy, and maintained a distinct priesthood and temple site. Centuries of rivalry and mutual suspicion left relations with the Jews tense (cf. Ezra 4; Nehemiah 4). Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Matthew 10:5 – Jesus forbids the Twelve “to enter any town of the Samaritans” during their first limited mission. Jesus and the Samaritans Although He initially limited the Twelve to “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 10:6), Jesus personally ministered to Samaritans and used them illustratively. His conversation with the woman at Jacob’s well (John 4) reveals His willingness to transcend entrenched prejudices, offering “living water” to one viewed as doubly outcast—by ethnicity and personal sin. The two-day stay in Sychar (John 4:40) foreshadows the wider Gentile mission, demonstrating that “we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world” (John 4:42). Samaritans in Parabolic Teaching The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) overturns conventional expectations: a despised outsider embodies covenantal neighbor-love more faithfully than priest or Levite. Likewise, the thankful leper (Luke 17:11-19) highlights genuine faith that recognizes Jesus’ messianic authority. In both accounts, ethnic and religious boundaries are relativized in the presence of authentic compassion and gratitude. Apostolic Ministry among Samaritans Acts 8 records Philip preaching Christ in Samaria, followed by Peter and John who pray that believers might receive the Holy Spirit. This Samaritan Pentecost underscores the unity of the church: Jews (Acts 2), Samaritans (Acts 8), and Gentiles (Acts 10) are incorporated into one body under apostolic oversight, preserving doctrinal continuity while extending geographic reach. Theological Themes 1. Universal Scope of the Gospel – Salvation extends beyond Judea to Samaria and “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Historical Continuation A small Samaritan community persists today near Mount Gerizim and in Holon, Israel, preserving ancient liturgy and Passover sacrifices. Their survival testifies to the longstanding distinctiveness that framed New Testament encounters. Implications for Contemporary Ministry • Engage those considered outsiders; cultural barriers are opportunities for gospel witness. Summary Strong’s Greek 4541 portrays Samaritans as real historical actors and narrative foils through which Scripture reveals the breadth of God’s redemptive purpose. Their appearances call believers to a gospel that heals divisions, embodies mercy, and proclaims Jesus as the Savior for every people. Forms and Transliterations Σαμαρειται Σαμαρεῖται Σαμαρειταις Σαμαρείταις Σαμαρειτης Σαμαρείτης Σαμαρειτων Σαμαρειτῶν Σαμαρῖται Σαμαρίταις Σαμαρίτης Σαμαριτῶν Samaritai Samarîtai Samaritais Samarítais Samarites Samaritēs Samarítes Samarítēs Samariton Samaritôn Samaritōn Samaritō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 10:5 N-GMPGRK: εἰς πόλιν Σαμαριτῶν μὴ εἰσέλθητε NAS: [any] city of the Samaritans; KJV: [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye INT: into a city of [the] Samaritians not enter Luke 9:52 N-GMP Luke 10:33 N-NMS Luke 17:16 N-NMS John 4:9 N-DMP John 4:39 N-GMP John 4:40 N-NMP John 8:48 N-NMS Acts 8:25 N-GMP Strong's Greek 4541 |
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