Κύπριος
Kýprios
G2953 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Person from Kypros (Cyprus), an inhabitant or native of the island of Cyprus. The primary lexical meaning is geographic origin, indicating someone who hails from, resides in, or is closely associated with Cyprus. The sense may refer to heritage, citizenship, or geographic residence in various contexts.
Semantic Range
inhabitant of Cyprus, native of Cyprus, person from Cyprus, of Cypriot origin or residence
Root / Etymology
From Κύπρος (Kypros), the Greek name for the island of Cyprus, with the adjectival suffix -ιος indicating belonging or origin. The term thus means 'of or from Cyprus.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, Κύπριος is the standard demonym for individuals originating from Cyprus, encompassing both birth and residence. The term appears in literature, inscriptions, and official documents to distinguish people according to their regional origin. In the New Testament (e.g., Acts 4:36 referencing Barnabas), Κύπριος marks the Judean Levite Joseph as originating from Cyprus, highlighting both his geographic identity and possibly cultural background. English translations sometimes render this simply as 'from Cyprus' or 'a Cypriot'; however, 'Cypriote' and 'Cyprian' are also attested in older translations. The term is purely geographic and does not of itself denote religious, ethnic, or political affiliation. In the Septuagint and broader Greek usage, the meaning remains stable. Related terms include Κυπριακός (pertaining to Cyprus), but Κύπριος specifically denotes the person. The meaning did not shift significantly during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Κύπρος; a Cyprian (Cypriot), i.e. inhabitant of Cyprus:--of Cyprus.
Root Family
Κύπριος (Kyprios) — originating from Cyprus, belonging to Cyprus, inhabitant of Cyprus
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2953-02 |
Κύπριοι | kuprioi | N NOM M PL |
Cyprians | Cypriots | Cypriots | 1 |
G2953-03 |
Κύπριος | kuprios | N NOM M SG |
Cypriot | Cypriot man | Cypriot man | 1 |
G2953-01 |
Κυπρίῳ | kuprio | N DAT M SG |
of Cyprus | to a Cypriot | a Cypriot | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2953-03 |
Acts 4:36 | Κύπριος | kuprios | N NOM M SG |
Cypriot | Cypriot man | Cypriot man |
G2953-02 |
Acts 11:20 | Κύπριοι | kuprioi | N NOM M PL |
Cyprians | Cypriots | Cypriots |
G2953-01 |
Acts 21:16 | Κυπρίῳ | kuprio | N DAT M SG |
of Cyprus | to a Cypriot | a Cypriot |