Χαλδαῖος
Chaldaîos
G5466 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A member of the Chaldean people; specifically, an inhabitant or native of southern Babylonia (the region of Chaldea) and, by extension, a Babylonian wise man or astrologer. The primary meaning is an ethnic and geographic designation, referring to those from the region known as Chaldea. In later Hellenistic and Roman sources—including the Septuagint and New Testament—the term also came to signify learned men, especially those specializing in Babylonian astrology, divination, and the interpretation of omens, owing to the reputation of Chaldeans in the ancient Near East for such practices.
Semantic Range
member of the Chaldean people, native or inhabitant of Chaldea (southern Babylonia), Babylonian sage, magician, astrologer, or interpreter of omens
Root / Etymology
From Hebrew כַּשְׂדִּים (kasdîm, gentilic form of כַּשְׂדִּי 'Chaldean') via Aramaic ܟܰܣܕܳܝܳܐ (kasdaya). The Greek Χαλδαῖος transposes the Semitic root into Greek phonology. The original root is uncertain but is consistently associated with the people and region of southern Babylonia/Chaldea.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek usage from the 5th century BCE, Χαλδαῖος refers to the inhabitants of Chaldea, particularly those of the Neo-Babylonian dynasty, which ruled over Babylonia. By the Hellenistic period, the term often denoted Babylonian astrologers or magi, reflecting the fame of Mesopotamian scholarly traditions. In the Septuagint, Χαλδαῖος is used to translate the Hebrew terms for 'Chaldeans,' both as a general people group and for members of the Babylonian priestly/astrological caste. In the New Testament (e.g., Matt. 2:1 magi), the direct term Χαλδαῖος does not occur, but Hellenistic sources outside the New Testament frequently use it for astrologers or magicians from Mesopotamia. English versions traditionally render it as 'Chaldean,' but this can obscure the distinction between the ethnic/geographic identity and the role as a class of diviners. 'Chaldean' in Greek contexts does not connote ethnic 'Babylonian' in general, but rather a specific group with a reputation for wisdom and interpretation of celestial phenomena.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably of Hebrew or (כַּשְׂדִּי); a Chaldæan (i.e. Kasdi), or native or the region of the lower Euphrates:--Chaldæan.
Root Family
Χαλδαῖος (Chaldaios) — Chaldean person, inhabitant of Chaldea, Babylonian astrologer
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5466-01 |
Χαλδαίων | chaldaion | N GEN M PL |
Chaldaeans | of Chaldeans | of Chaldeans | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5466-01 |
Acts 7:4 | Χαλδαίων | chaldaion | N GEN M PL |
Chaldaeans | of Chaldeans | of Chaldeans |