Νικόλαος
Nikólaos
G3532 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A personal name: Nikólaos, meaning 'victory of the people' or 'one who achieves victory among the people.' Attested in both Hellenistic and Roman periods as a common Greek name; in the New Testament specifically refers to a member of the group of seven appointed in Acts 6:5. Historically, the name may be associated with followers of a group called the 'Nicolaitans' (Νικολαῖται), though the specific derivation and connection are debated.
Semantic Range
Nikólaos as a personal name; 'victory of the people'; name bearer; potential referent for the associated group 'Nicolaitans' in subsequent Christian literature
Root / Etymology
From νῖκος ('victory') + λαός ('people'); a standard compound personal name in Greek (Nikólaos), analogous to other Greek names formed with -λαος as a second element (e.g., Ἀντίλαος, Δημόλαος). Root elements νικ- ('to conquer, prevail') and λαός ('people, populace').
Historical & Contextual Notes
The name Nikólaos was widespread across the Greek-speaking world prior to and during the Hellenistic and Roman periods and was not unique to Judean or Christian circles. In Acts 6:5, Nikólaos is identified as a proselyte from Antioch, suggesting a Hellenistic cultural background. Later Christian writings (e.g., Revelation 2:6, 2:15) refer to the 'Nicolaitans' as a group associated with heretical practices, but it is uncertain whether this is directly connected to the historical Nikólaos of Acts. The English form 'Nicholas' derives from the same Greek original. The name's literal meaning, 'victory of the people,' does not itself carry specific theological or ideological connotations in the original Greek context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from νῖκος and λαός; victorious over the people; Nicolaüs, a heretic:--Nicolaus.
Root Family
Νικόλαος (Nikolaos) — victory, conquer, people, populace
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3532-01 |
Νικόλαον | nikolaon | N ACC M SG |
Nicolas | Nikólaos | Nikolaos | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3532-01 |
Acts 6:5 | Νικόλαον | nikolaon | N ACC M SG |
Nicolas | Nikólaos | Nikolaos |