Lexical Summary Araps: Arab Original Word: Ἄραψ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Arabian. From Arabia; an Arab or native of Arabia -- Arabian. see GREEK Arabia Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 690: ἌραψἌραψ, ἄραβος, ὁ, an Arabian: Acts 2:11. Topical Lexicon Ethnographic Identity The term designates the peoples inhabiting the Arabian Peninsula and its adjoining deserts. In Scripture they are often grouped with tribes such as Kedar (Isaiah 42:11), Tema (Job 6:19), Sheba (1 Kings 10:1), and Dedan (Jeremiah 25:23), reflecting a confederation of nomadic and urbanized clans who traded incense, spices, livestock, and precious metals across the ancient Near East. Biblical Background in the Old Testament Arabs appear frequently in the historical and prophetic books. They raided Judah in the days of Jehoram (2 Chronicles 21:16-17), paid tribute to Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:11), opposed Uzziah but were subdued by his armies (2 Chronicles 26:7-8), and traded with Tyre (Ezekiel 27:21). The prophets pronounce oracles both of judgment and hope, revealing that the LORD’s redemptive plan extends even to desert tribes (Isaiah 13:20; Jeremiah 25:24). Presence at Pentecost (Acts 2:11) Luke records Arabs among the diverse crowd in Jerusalem on the feast of Pentecost: “Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Acts 2:11). Their inclusion underscores several truths: Expansion of the Gospel into Arabia Soon after his conversion, Paul “went into Arabia” (Galatians 1:17), indicating that missionary advance continued south-eastward. Later he reasoned that “Mount Sinai is in Arabia” (Galatians 4:25), anchoring redemptive history on Arabian soil and reminding believers that God has met His people in desert places. Early church tradition locates Christian communities at Bostra, Petra, and Himyar, suggesting that seeds sown at Pentecost and by Paul yielded lasting fruit. Theological Implications 1. Universal Offer of Salvation: The inclusion of Arabs at Pentecost exemplifies the Abrahamic promise—“all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). Contemporary Ministry Connections Modern missions among Arabic-speaking peoples stand on a firm biblical foundation. The Pentecost narrative encourages prayerful expectation that the Spirit who once enabled Arab pilgrims to praise Christ in their own language will again open hearts. Partnerships in Bible translation, medical outreach, and refugee aid echo the early church’s commitment to break geographical and cultural boundaries for the sake of the gospel. Summary Though Strong’s 690 appears only once in the New Testament, it represents a people group woven through the fabric of Salvation History—from Old Testament trade routes to Pentecost’s firstfruits and beyond. Their account affirms that the Word of God is living, active, and destined to be proclaimed “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Forms and Transliterations Αραβες Ἄραβες Arabes ÁrabesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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