### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Aigýptios**, represented by `{{G124}}`, refers to an **Egyptian** or an inhabitant of Egypt. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used to identify individuals from Egypt, often placing them within a narrative of conflict, wisdom, or rebellion in relation to God's people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G124}}` appears in several key moments, particularly in the retelling of Moses's life and the Exodus. Stephen's speech in Acts recounts how Moses was educated in all the **wisdom** `{{G4678}}` of the **Egyptians** [[Acts 7:22]], making him **mighty** `{{G1415}}` in words and **deeds** `{{G2041}}`. This same account describes Moses defending an Israelite by striking down an **Egyptian** [[Acts 7:24]], an act that is recalled the next day [[Acts 7:28]]. The term is also used to describe the fate of the army that pursued Israel, noting that the **Egyptians** `{{G124}}` were drowned when they attempted to cross the Red Sea by **faith** `{{G4102}}` as the Israelites had [[Hebrews 11:29]]. In a different context, the Apostle Paul is mistaken for an **Egyptian** `{{G124}}` who had previously started an uproar and led murderers into the **wilderness** `{{G2048}}` [[Acts 21:38]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the context in which an **Egyptian** `{{G124}}` is mentioned:
* `{{G3475}}` **Mōseús** (Moses): The central figure in the accounts where the **Egyptians** are most prominent, as the lawgiver who led Israel out of Egypt and who was learned in their wisdom [[Acts 7:22]].
* `{{G4678}}` **sophía** (wisdom): This term is specifically connected to the **Egyptians** to describe the worldly knowledge and education that Moses received [[Acts 7:22]].
* `{{G3960}}` **patássō** (to smite, strike): This verb describes the violent action Moses took against the **Egyptian** who was wronging an Israelite [[Acts 7:24]].
* `{{G2666}}` **katapínō** (to drink down, i.e. gulp entire): This word is used to describe how the **Egyptians** were "drowned" or swallowed up by the sea, a definitive act of divine judgment [[Hebrews 11:29]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{G124}}` is tied to its role as a contrast to God's people and power.
* **Worldly Power and Knowledge:** The **Egyptians** represent a source of profound worldly **wisdom** `{{G4678}}`, as exemplified by the education of **Moses** `{{G3475}}` [[Acts 7:22]].
* **An Opposing Force:** The term is consistently used to identify an antagonist, whether it is an individual oppressing an Israelite [[Acts 7:24]] or an army pursuing God's people.
* **Object of Judgment:** The drowning of the **Egyptians** in the Red Sea [[Hebrews 11:29]] serves as a powerful testament to God's deliverance of Israel and His judgment upon those who oppose His will.
* **Symbol of Insurrection:** In a later New Testament context, the identity of an **Egyptian** is associated with leading a violent rebellion against Roman authority [[Acts 21:38]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G124}}` is more than a simple identifier for a person from Egypt. In the biblical narrative, an **Egyptian** often represents a powerful, worldly force characterized by both wisdom and opposition to God's purposes. The term is integral to stories of conflict, deliverance, and divine judgment, highlighting the contrast between human power and God's sovereign might.
TRV