← G1056 G1058 →

Γαλιλαῖος

Galilaîos

G1057 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

An inhabitant or native of Galilee, or someone associated with the region of Galilee; more generally, a person whose origin, identity, or activities are linked to Galilee. The term may describe one who comes from Galilee (ethnic, geographic), demonstrates Galilean cultural characteristics, or is identified with Galilean groups or movements.

Semantic Range

person from Galilee, one associated with Galilee, Galilean by origin or identity, member of Galilean groups or movements

Root / Etymology

From Γαλιλαία (Galilaia), the Greek form of the place name Galilee, with the adjectival suffix -αῖος to denote origin or association ('of Galilee'). Ultimately from Hebrew הַגָּלִיל (ha-galil).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Hellenistic and Roman-period usage, Γαλιλαῖος designates individuals from the region of Galilee, a territory north of Judea proper. The term occurs frequently in the New Testament, where it identifies disciples or associates of Jesus, who are connected by origin to Galilee—a region noted for its distinct dialect and cultural features within Roman Syria-Palestina. Greek and Latin sources sometimes used ethnic descriptors like Γαλιλαῖος to signal regional or social distinctiveness, which could carry connotations of ruralness, provincialism, or political unrest (as with the so-called 'Galilean' movements including followers of Jesus or Judas the Galilean). English translations typically render the word as 'Galilean,' which does not convey the full range of cultural or social nuance present in ancient contexts. In the Septuagint and Greek Josephus, the term functions similarly. The identification did not imply religious difference per se, but might signal outsider status to Jerusalem elites or southern Judeans. Contrast with other geographic and ethnic terms such as Ἰουδαῖος ('Judean') or Σαμαρεῖτης ('Samaritan').

Translation Consistency

primary "Galilean" 11 occurrences

The Greek term names someone from Galilee; the natural, common English rendering is the adjective/noun “Galilean.” It covers both adjectival and nominal uses (a Galilean, the Galileans), matches the majority P2 renderings, and provides a single consistent form for all occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Γαλιλαία; Galilean or belonging to Galilea:--Galilean, of Galilee.

Root Family

Γαλιλαῖος (Galilaios) — of Galilee, related to Galilee, inhabitant of Galilee

Root Γαλιλ- related to Galilee, of Galilee, inhabitant of Galilee

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1057-01 Γαλιλαῖοι galilaioi ADJ.S NOM M PL Galileans Galileans Galileans 4
G1057-03 Γαλιλαῖος galilaios ADJ.S NOM M SG a Galilean Galilean Galilean 4
G1057-05 Γαλιλαίους galilaious ADJ.S ACC M PL Galileans Galileans Galileans 1
G1057-04 Γαλιλαίου galilaiou ADJ.S GEN M SG Galilean of a Galilean Galilean 1
G1057-02 Γαλιλαίων galilaion ADJ.S GEN M PL Galileans of Galileans Galileans 1

Occurrences in Scripture

11 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1057-04 Matthew 26:69 Γαλιλαίου galilaiou ADJ.S GEN M SG Galilean of a Galilean Galilean
G1057-03 Mark 14:70 Γαλιλαῖος galilaios ADJ.S NOM M SG a Galilean Galilean Galilean
G1057-02 Luke 13:1 Γαλιλαίων galilaion ADJ.S GEN M PL Galileans of Galileans Galileans
G1057-01 Luke 13:2 Γαλιλαῖοι galilaioi ADJ.S NOM M PL Galileans Galileans Galileans
G1057-05 Luke 13:2 Γαλιλαίους galilaious ADJ.S ACC M PL Galileans Galileans Galileans
G1057-03 Luke 22:59 Γαλιλαῖός galilaios ADJ.S NOM M SG a Galilean Galilean Galilean
G1057-03 Luke 23:6 Γαλιλαῖός galilaios ADJ.P NOM M SG Galilean Galilean Galilean
G1057-01 John 4:45 Γαλιλαῖοι galilaioi ADJ.S NOM M PL Galileans Galileans Galileans
G1057-01 Acts 1:11 Γαλιλαῖοι galilaioi ADJ.S VOC M PL of Galilee Galileans Galileans
G1057-01 Acts 2:7 Γαλιλαῖοι galilaioi ADJ.P NOM M PL Galileans Galileans Galileans
← G1056 Greek Lexicon G1058 →