Ἑβραΐς
Hebraḯs
G1446 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
the Hebrew language; specifically, the language spoken by the Israelites/Judeans, commonly understood as the classical Hebrew of biblical texts; in some Hellenistic and Roman sources, may refer more generally to a Semitic language associated with the Israelite/Judean people, potentially including Aramaic depending on speaker or context. In broader usage, 'Hebraïs' can denote language, speech, or custom distinct from Greek (Hellēnikē).
Semantic Range
the Hebrew language, the Judean/Israelite vernacular (occasionally Aramaic), language or speech associated with Israelites/Judeans, distinct from Greek language
Root / Etymology
From Ἑβραῖος (Hebraios, 'Hebrew' or 'Israelite/Judean') with the suffix -ίς forming a feminine noun denoting language or manner of speech. Ultimately derived from Ἔβερ (Eber), although this is a later interpretive connection rather than a linguistic derivation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic sources, Ἑβραΐς denotes the language associated with the Israelites/Judeans, primarily understood as Hebrew but on occasion extending to Aramaic, which was commonly spoken by Judeans during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. In the New Testament (e.g., Acts 21:40, 22:2; Revelation 9:11, 16:16), Ἑβραΐς is typically used to specify that a speech or inscription was in 'the Hebrew language,' generally signifying a Semitic language distinct from Greek. However, by the first century CE, 'Hebraïs' sometimes referred to Aramaic, the vernacular of Judea, while Hebrew properly referred to the ancient liturgical/literary/'Scriptural' language. Consequently, modern translations and traditions that render Ἑβραΐς with 'Hebrew' may not reflect the precise linguistic reality of this period; rather, the term indicates the language understood by the local Judean/Israelite population in contrast with Greek. The suffix -ίς parallels other Greek language designations (e.g., Ἑλληνίς, 'Greek language'). The term is not used to define a religious identity but refers strictly to language or customary speech.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Ἐβέρ; the Hebraistic (Hebrew) or Jewish (Chaldee) language:--Hebrew.
Root Family
Ἑβραΐς (Hebrais) — Hebrew, language of the Hebrews, Israelite/Judean language
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1446-01 |
Ἑβραΐδι | ebraidi | ADJ.A DAT F SG |
Hebrew | in the Hebrew language | Hebrew | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1446-01 |
Acts 21:40 | Ἑβραΐδι | ebraidi | ADJ.A DAT F SG |
Hebrew | in the Hebrew language | Hebrew |
G1446-01 |
Acts 22:2 | Ἑβραΐδι | ebraidi | ADJ.A DAT F SG |
Hebrew | in the Hebrew language | Hebrew language |
G1446-01 |
Acts 26:14 | Ἑβραΐδι | ebraidi | ADJ.A DAT F SG |
Hebrew | in the Hebrew language | Hebrew |