probably from the base of δαμάζω; perhaps gentle; Damaris, an Athenian woman:--Damaris.
Transliteration:Dámaris
Pronunciation:dam'-ar-is
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Δάμαρις (Dámaris, `{{G1152}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymology is typically traced to the base of the verb δαμάζω (damazō, `{{G1150}}`), which carries the core meaning "to tame," "to subdue," or "to master." From this root, the suggested semantic nuance for the name Damaris is "perhaps gentle," implying one who has been tamed, is amenable to being tamed, or possesses a gentle disposition. As a proper noun, its primary function is to identify a unique individual, and its semantic range is therefore limited to this specific referent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Damaris appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 17:34]]: "However, some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them."
This verse describes the immediate aftermath of the Apostle Paul's sermon on the Areopagus (Mars Hill) in Athens. While many mocked or deferred, a select few believed. Damaris is specifically named alongside Dionysius, a prominent member of the Areopagus council. Her inclusion by name, particularly alongside a notable male convert, suggests her conversion was significant enough for Luke, the author of Acts, to record. While her social standing is not explicitly stated, her being named in this context could imply she was a woman of some note in Athenian society or that her conversion was particularly remarkable among the few who responded positively to Paul's challenging message about the resurrection. The etymological suggestion of "gentle" might subtly hint at her receptivity to the gospel, contrasting with the intellectual pride and skepticism of many Athenians.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to Δάμαρις (Dámaris, `{{G1152}}`) is the verb δαμάζω (damazō, `{{G1150}}`), from which her name is derived. This verb is used in the New Testament to describe the taming of wild animals (e.g., [[James 3:7-8]]) and metaphorically, the taming of the tongue.
Concepts related to Damaris's appearance in the text include:
* **Conversion:** Her belief marks her as one of the early converts in Athens.
* **Discipleship:** She joined Paul and the other believers, indicating a commitment to follow Christ.
* **Women in Early Christianity:** Her specific mention highlights the presence and recognition of women among the early followers of Christ, even in a public sphere like Athens.
* **Paul's Missionary Strategy:** Her conversion is part of the fruit of Paul's evangelistic efforts in a highly intellectual, yet spiritually resistant, city.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Damaris by name in [[Acts 17:34]] carries several theological implications. First, it underscores the universal reach of the gospel, which transcends gender, social status, and intellectual barriers. Even in a city renowned for its philosophy and skepticism, the Holy Spirit moved hearts to believe. Second, her specific mention alongside Dionysius, a prominent male figure, implicitly affirms the value and recognition of women within the nascent Christian community. This challenges prevailing societal norms where women were often less visible or acknowledged in public records. Her conversion serves as a testament to the power of Paul's preaching, demonstrating that even in an environment largely unreceptive to the resurrection message, God calls out a remnant for Himself. The potential meaning of her name, "gentle" or "tamed," can be seen as a beautiful metaphor for the work of the Holy Spirit in subduing rebellious hearts and making them receptive to divine truth.
### Summary
Δάμαρις (Dámaris, `{{G1152}}`) is a Greek proper noun, the name of an Athenian woman mentioned in [[Acts 17:34]]. Derived from the verb δαμάζω (damazō, `{{G1150}}`), meaning "to tame" or "to subdue," her name possibly connotes a "gentle" disposition. She is notable as one of the few individuals, alongside Dionysius the Areopagite, who believed Paul's message on Mars Hill. Her inclusion by name in the biblical narrative emphasizes the gospel's transformative power across all segments of society, including women, and highlights the significance of individual conversion in the early church. Her story stands as a quiet yet powerful witness to the Holy Spirit's work in taming hearts and drawing them to faith, even in intellectually proud and skeptical environments.
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