### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The term Ἐλαμίτης (Elamítēs) is derived from the Hebrew `{{H5867}}` (ʿÊlām), which refers to the ancient kingdom of Elam. Geographically, Elam was situated to the east of Mesopotamia, in what is modern-day southwestern Iran. Historically, Elam was a powerful civilization, often in conflict or alliance with Mesopotamian empires. The Greek term, therefore, denotes an inhabitant of Elam, an "Elamite." The base definition also notes the possibility of "Persian," which reflects the later historical absorption of Elam into the Persian Empire. Thus, semantically, it refers to a person from this specific geopolitical region, often associated with its distinct culture and language, though later subsumed under the broader Persian identity. Its primary meaning is ethno-geographical.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Ἐλαμίτης appears only once in the New Testament, in the pivotal account of Pentecost in [[Acts 2:9]]. In this passage, the Elamites are listed among the diverse groups of "devout Jews from every nation under heaven" who were present in Jerusalem and miraculously heard the apostles speaking in their native languages. The full list includes "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians." The inclusion of Elamites in this list underscores the far-reaching impact of the Jewish diaspora. Even though Elam as a distinct political entity had long been absorbed into larger empires (Persian, then Hellenistic, then Roman), its people, or at least descendants of those who had settled there, maintained their identity and connection to Judaism. Their presence at Pentecost signifies the universal scope of the Gospel's initial proclamation, reaching even those from historically distant and culturally distinct regions. The miracle of speaking in tongues directly addresses this linguistic diversity, ensuring that the message of salvation could be understood by all present, including the Elamites.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew `{{H5867}}` (ʿÊlām), from which Ἐλαμίτης is derived. This Hebrew term refers to the land and its people throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [[Genesis 10:22]], [[Isaiah 21:2]], [[Jeremiah 49:34-39]], [[Ezekiel 32:24]]). The Old Testament prophecies concerning Elam often speak of its destruction and subsequent restoration, particularly in Jeremiah, indicating God's sovereignty over all nations. Other related concepts include the broader categories of "nations" (ἔθνη, `{{G1484}}`) and "tongues" (γλῶσσα, `{{G1100}}`), which are central to the Pentecost narrative. The presence of Elamites alongside other diverse groups highlights the breaking down of ethnic and linguistic barriers in the early church, a theme further developed in Paul's epistles (e.g., [[Galatians 3:28]], [[Colossians 3:11]]). The concept of "diaspora" is also relevant, as these Elamites were likely part of the Jewish communities scattered throughout the ancient world.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of Ἐλαμίτης in the New Testament, specifically at Pentecost, carries profound theological significance. It represents the global reach of God's redemptive plan. The miracle of tongues, enabling Elamites and others to hear the Gospel in their own language, symbolizes the reversal of the confusion at Babel ([[Genesis 11:1-9]]). While Babel scattered humanity through linguistic division, Pentecost unified humanity through a common understanding of God's mighty works, transcending linguistic and ethnic barriers. The inclusion of Elamites, along with other nations, demonstrates that the Holy Spirit's outpouring was not confined to a specific geographic or ethnic group but was intended for "all flesh" ([[Acts 2:17]], quoting [[Joel 2:28]]). This foreshadows the universal mission of the Church to proclaim the Gospel to "all nations" (πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, [[Matthew 28:19]]). The Elamites' presence serves as a concrete example of the early fulfillment of this mandate, indicating that God's grace extends even to those from the furthest reaches of the then-known world. It underscores the inclusivity of the nascent Christian community, which from its very inception embraced people from diverse backgrounds.
### Summary
Ἐλαμίτης (Elamítēs) refers to an inhabitant of Elam, an ancient kingdom east of Mesopotamia, later absorbed into the Persian Empire. Its sole New Testament occurrence is in [[Acts 2:9]], where Elamites are listed among the diverse Jewish diaspora present in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Their inclusion highlights the miraculous, universal nature of the Holy Spirit's outpouring, enabling the Gospel to be understood by people from various linguistic and ethnic backgrounds. This event signifies the reversal of Babel and the inclusive, global scope of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing the Church's mission to reach all nations. The term connects the New Testament narrative to Old Testament prophecies concerning Elam (`{{H5867}}`) and underscores the breaking down of barriers in Christ.
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