NAS Word Usage – Total: 2

1. a Greek women
2. a Gentile women, not a Jewess

What Does “Hellenis” Mean?

The word “Hellenis” comes from the Greek word “Hellēn,” which means “Greek” or “a person who follows Greek customs.” During ancient times, “Hellenis” referred to anyone who was a native Greek or someone who adopted Greek culture and language. This included people from various regions who embraced Greek ways of life, philosophy, and religion.

The term “Hellenis” is important because it shows how widely Greek culture spread during the Hellenistic period (323-31 BCE), especially after the conquests of Alexander the Great. This widespread influence of Greek culture affected many aspects of life, including the world in which the early Christians lived.

The Spread of Hellenism

Hellenism refers to the spread of Greek culture, language, and ideas throughout the Mediterranean world and beyond. When Alexander the Great conquered vast territories, he spread Greek culture far and wide. This period is known as the Hellenistic Age, and it saw the mingling of Greek customs with those of the conquered lands.

As a result, many people in the Roman Empire spoke Greek, and Greek became a common language, or “lingua franca,” in the region. This helped bridge communication across different cultures and made Greek the primary language for many written works, including parts of the Bible.

“Hellenis” in the New Testament

The New Testament, which is part of the Christian Bible, was written in Greek. This is partly because Greek was a widely understood language at the time. In the New Testament, the term “Hellenis” or its variants are used to refer to Greek-speaking people. For example, in the Book of Acts, we read about the spread of Christianity among Greek-speaking Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews).

In Acts 6:1, there is mention of “Hellenistic Jews” who were Greek-speaking Jews living among the early Christian community. The verse says: “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food” (NIV).

This passage highlights the presence of Greek-speaking Jews in the early church and suggests some of the cultural and linguistic challenges they faced. It also indicates that Greek-speaking Jews played a significant role in the early Christian movement.

The Importance of Greek in Early Christianity

Greek was more than just a language in the early Christian world; it was a vehicle for spreading religious ideas. Many of the apostles and early Christian missionaries, like Paul, spoke Greek and used it to communicate their messages to a broad audience. Greek was used to write most of the New Testament scriptures, making it accessible to many people across the Roman Empire.

Furthermore, the use of Greek helped to translate the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) into what we now call the Septuagint. The Septuagint is a Greek version of the Hebrew Scriptures, translated by Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt, before the birth of Christ. This Greek translation made the Jewish scriptures available to non-Hebrew-speaking Jews and Gentiles, fostering the spread of biblical teachings.

Hellenistic Influence on Biblical Interpretation

The spread of Greek culture also influenced how people interpreted the Bible. The Greek way of thinking and philosophical ideas seeped into how early Christians understood their faith. For instance, the concept of the “Logos,” which means “Word,” was used by the apostle John in the Gospel of John to describe Jesus Christ. This term comes from Greek philosophy, where “Logos” referred to the divine reason or principle that orders the universe.

John 1:1 says: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (NIV). By using the term “Logos,” John connected Greek philosophical ideas with Christian theology, helping Greek-speaking audiences to understand and relate to the message of Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Integration

The intersection of Greek and Jewish cultures in the Bible is another crucial aspect to consider. Jewish communities living in Greek-speaking regions had to balance their religious traditions with the dominant Hellenistic culture. This cultural blending is evident in various biblical texts.

The Apostle Paul, for example, was well-versed in both Jewish and Greek traditions. He used his understanding of Greek culture to communicate Christian teachings effectively. In Acts 17:28, Paul quotes Greek poets when addressing the Athenians: “For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” (NIV). By doing this, Paul bridged cultural gaps and brought the message of Christianity to a diverse audience.

Challenges Faced by Hellenistic Jews

The term “Hellenis” also sheds light on the challenges that Hellenistic Jews faced in maintaining their cultural and religious identity. While adopting some aspects of Greek culture, they also sought to preserve their Jewish traditions. This balancing act sometimes led to tensions within the Jewish community and between Jewish and non-Jewish populations.

In Acts 21:21, we read about an accusation against Paul: “They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs” (NIV). This accusation highlights the tension between traditional Jewish practices and the influence of Hellenistic culture.

Conclusion

Understanding the meaning of “Hellenis” in Greek and its context in the Bible helps us appreciate the cultural and linguistic landscape of the early Christian world. The spread of Greek culture, or Hellenism, influenced the language, thought, and interpretation of biblical texts. It also played a significant role in the early spread of Christianity.

By recognizing the impact of Hellenism, we can better understand the New Testament and the diverse backgrounds of its early followers. This understanding enriches our reading of the Bible and allows us to see how different cultures and languages have shaped its teachings throughout history.