Ἑλληνικός
Hellēnikós
G1673 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Pertaining to the Greeks or to the Greek language; specifically, relating to the people, culture, or language designated as 'Hellenic.' In the context of the Koine period, primarily describes the Greek language or speech, in contrast to other languages spoken in the eastern Mediterranean and Near East. May also be used more broadly to signify things characteristic of Greek ethnicity, customs, or culture.
Semantic Range
Greek (language); pertaining to the Greek language; Greek in manner or style; relating to Greek people or culture; Hellenic
Root / Etymology
Derived from Ἕλλην (Hellēn), meaning 'Greek' (in ethnic or cultural sense), with the adjectival suffix -ικός to form 'pertaining to Greeks or to Greek-ness.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Ἑλληνικός is chiefly used in Koine and Hellenistic contexts to denote the Greek language or to differentiate Greek language or culture from other regional identities (e.g., Judean, Aramaic, Egyptian). It does not itself signify ethnicity—rather, it marks attributes, especially Greek speech. In the New Testament and related literature, it mostly appears in reference to the language ('in Greek'), such as in distinctions between Hebrew (Judean/Aramaic) and Greek inscriptions (see John 19:20). In Septuagint and other Hellenistic writings, used more broadly for things associated with Greekness or Hellenic culture. English translations traditionally render the term as 'Greek' or 'Grecian,' but this can obscure whether the reference is to language, culture, or other Greek-associated phenomena. Contrast with the noun Ἕλλην (Greek person) and with Ἑλληνισταί (Hellenists, Greek-speaking Judeans). The semantic nuance may shift depending on context: while it may be a general descriptor in Hellenistic Greek, in the New Testament it is tightly linked to language use and communication.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Ἕλλην; Hellenic, i.e. Grecian (in language):--Greek.
Root Family
Ἑλληνικός (Hellēnikos) — Greek, Hellenic, pertaining to Greeks, Greek-speaking
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1673-01 |
Ἑλληνικῇ | ellenike | ADJ.S DAT F SG |
Greek | to/for the Greek | Greek | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1673-01 |
Revelation 9:11 | Ἑλληνικῇ | ellenike | ADJ.S DAT F SG |
Greek | to/for the Greek | Greek |