### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Héllēn**, represented by `{{G1672}}`, refers to a Grecian or, by extension, a Greek-speaking person who is a non-Jew, often translated as **Greek** or **Gentile**. It appears **27 times** across **26 unique verses**, primarily to represent the non-Jewish world in contrast to the Jew, establishing a key theme in the New Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1672}}` is most frequently used to demonstrate the universal scope of the gospel. The apostle Paul repeatedly pairs it with "Jew" `{{G2453}}` to show that God's plan applies equally to all people. This is seen in the message of salvation, which is for "the Jew `{{G2453}}` first `{{G4412}}`, and also to the **Greek**" [[Romans 1:16]]. This same pattern applies to judgment, with tribulation `{{G2347}}` for evil, and glory `{{G1391}}` for good, coming to both the Jew and the **Gentile** [[Romans 2:9-10]]. The term is also used in a literal sense to describe a person's ethnic identity, such as Timothy's father being a **Greek** [[Acts 16:1]] and Titus being a **Greek** [[Galatians 2:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the social and ethnic landscape of the New Testament:
* `{{G2453}}` **Ioudaîos** (Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:--Jew(-ess), of Judæa): This is the primary counterpart to `{{G1672}}`, establishing the foundational religious and cultural division that is made obsolete in Christ. Scripture declares there is "neither `{{G3756}}` Jew `{{G2453}}` nor `{{G3761}}` **Greek** `{{G1672}}`" in Christ Jesus [[Galatians 3:28]].
* `{{G915}}` **bárbaros** (a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek):--barbarian(-rous)): This term appears alongside `{{G1672}}` to encompass the entire non-Jewish world. Paul expresses his obligation to preach to all, stating, "I am `{{G1510}}` debtor `{{G3781}}` both to the **Greeks** `{{G1672}}`, and to the **Barbarians** `{{G915}}`" [[Romans 1:14]].
* `{{G1401}}` **doûlos** (a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):--bond(-man), servant): This word denotes a social status that, like ethnic identity, is transcended through faith, as there is "neither `{{G3756}}` **bond** `{{G1401}}` nor `{{G3761}}` free `{{G1658}}`" [[Galatians 3:28]].
* `{{G1658}}` **eleútheros** (unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or liability):--free (man, woman), at liberty): As the opposite of `doûlos`, this term completes a common pairing used to illustrate the leveling of all social hierarchies within the body of Christ [[Colossians 3:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1672}}` is significant in understanding the nature of the church and salvation.
* **Universal Scope of the Gospel:** The term is crucial for establishing that the gospel is not limited to one ethnic group. Repentance `{{G3341}}` and faith `{{G4102}}` are testified to both Jews and **Greeks** [[Acts 20:21]], and the same Lord is rich unto all who call upon him [[Romans 10:12]].
* **Unity in Christ:** In Christ `{{G5547}}`, the distinction between **Greek** and Jew is abolished. Believers are all one, regardless of their previous ethnic, social, or gender identity ([[Galatians 3:28]], [[Colossians 3:11]]).
* **Universal Sin and Judgment:** The term is also used to show that all humanity is in the same condition before God. Paul proves that both Jews `{{G2453}}` and **Gentiles** `{{G1672}}` are "all `{{G3956}}` under `{{G5259}}` sin `{{G266}}`" [[Romans 3:9]].
* **Receptivity to the Gospel:** While some **Greeks** considered the message of Christ crucified `{{G4717}}` to be foolishness `{{G3472}}` [[1 Corinthians 1:23]], many believed, including a great multitude in Iconium [[Acts 14:1]] and devout **Greeks** in other cities [[Acts 17:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1672}}` **Héllēn** is far more than a simple ethnic label. It is a cornerstone of New Testament theology, used to articulate the radical inclusivity of the gospel. By consistently placing the **Greek** on equal footing with the Jew, scripture dismantles the primary cultural and religious division of the ancient world, showing that God is forming one new people in Christ from every nation.
TRV