Ἑβραϊκός
Hebraïkós
G1444
SILEX Entry
Definition
Belonging or pertaining to the Hebrew language or to the people identified as 'Hebrews'; primarily refers to linguistic, ethnic, or cultural attributes associated with the Hebrew-speaking population.
Semantic Range
Hebrew (language), Hebraic, pertaining to Hebrew people, relating to the Hebrew tongue or script
Root / Etymology
Adjectival suffix -ικός added to Ἑβραῖος ('Hebraios', Hebrew or Hebrew-speaking person), itself deriving from Hebrew עברי (ʿIvri, 'Hebrew'), likely referencing descent from Eber (עבר) in early genealogical traditions, though etymology is based more on Greek adaptation of the foreign ethnonym.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Koine Greek, Ἑβραϊκός is used chiefly to denote something relating to the Hebrew language, as in 'the Hebrew tongue' (see e.g., John 5:2, 19:13, 19:17, 19:20; Acts 21:40, 22:2, 26:14). It functions as an ethnic or linguistic adjective, not primarily as a religious or national identifier. The use in the New Testament is generally specific to language, unlike the related noun Ἑβραῖος, which can denote an Israelite or Hebrew person. In Hellenistic and Roman contexts, Ἑβραϊκός commonly contrasts with Ἑλληνικός (relating to Greek language/culture). English translation tradition often simplifies Ἑβραϊκός to 'Hebrew,' which may obscure its focus on language or ethnic distinctions; it does not refer to the Judean or modern Jewish identity. No usage outside referring to language or ethnic description is attested in LXX, NT, or Hellenistic Jewish literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Ἐβέρ; Hebraic or the Jewish language:--Hebrew.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 total occurrences
No occurrences found.