feminine of Ἕλλην; a Grecian (i.e. non-Jewish) woman:--Greek.
Transliteration:Hellēnís
Pronunciation:hel-lay-nis'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnís, `{{G1674}}`) is the feminine form of Ἕλλην (Hellēn, `{{G1672}}`). Its base definition is "a Grecian (i.e., non-Jewish) woman." While literally referring to a woman of Greek ethnicity, in the New Testament context, it often carries a broader semantic range, denoting a woman who is a Gentile, particularly one influenced by Hellenistic culture and language, as opposed to a Jewess. This distinction is not merely geographical or ethnic but frequently carries religious and cultural connotations, setting her apart from those of Jewish heritage. Therefore, a *Hellēnís* is understood as a woman from the Gentile world, often embodying the broader Hellenistic cultural milieu that permeated the Roman Empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnís, `{{G1674}}`) appears in key passages that illuminate its significance:
* **[[Mark 7:26]]**: This is perhaps the most significant occurrence. Here, the woman who approaches Jesus seeking healing for her demon-possessed daughter is described as "a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race." The dual description is crucial: "Greek" (Ἑλληνίς) indicates her cultural or religious identity as a Gentile, while "Syrophoenician by race" specifies her ethnic origin. This demonstrates that "Greek" in this context is not solely an ethnic descriptor but functions as a broader category for non-Jews, underscoring her outsider status in relation to Israel. Her persistent faith, despite Jesus' initial silence and the metaphor of the "children's bread," leads to her daughter's healing, powerfully illustrating the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers in Christ's ministry.
* **[[Acts 17:12]]**: In the account of Paul's ministry in Berea, Luke reports that "many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greek women of high standing and men." Here, *Hellēnís* is used alongside "men" (referring to `{{G1672}}`) to describe a significant demographic of converts. This highlights the widespread appeal of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities, reaching into the Hellenistic world and encompassing women of social prominence. It signifies the inclusion of Gentile women into the nascent Christian community, demonstrating the universal reach of the Gospel message.
In both instances, the term emphasizes the non-Jewish identity of the women, setting them apart from the Jewish people. Their inclusion in the narrative underscores the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnís, `{{G1674}}`) is enhanced by examining related terms and concepts:
* **Ἕλλην (Hellēn, `{{G1672}}`)**: The masculine counterpart, often used broadly to refer to Gentiles or Greek-speaking people. The pairing of *Hellēnís* and *Hellēn* (e.g., [[Acts 17:12]]) underscores the comprehensive nature of the Gospel's reach to both genders within the Gentile world.
* **Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaios, `{{G2453}}`)**: "Jew." This term represents the primary contrast to *Hellēnís* and *Hellēn* in the New Testament. The dichotomy of "Jew and Greek" is a fundamental theological framework, particularly in Pauline theology, highlighting the universal scope of salvation ([[Romans 1:16]]; [[Galatians 3:28]]).
* **ἔθνος (ethnos, `{{G1484}}`)**: "Nation, Gentile." *Hellēnís* is a specific manifestation of an *ethnos*—a Gentile woman. The broader concept of *ethnos* encompasses all peoples outside of Israel, and *Hellēnís* provides a concrete example of an individual from this larger category.
* **Hellenism**: The cultural, linguistic, and philosophical influence of ancient Greece that pervaded the Roman Empire. A *Hellēnís* is a woman who lives within or is shaped by this cultural environment, whether ethnically Greek or not. The Gospel's encounter with Hellenism, represented by figures like the Syrophoenician woman, demonstrates its power to transcend cultural boundaries.
### Theological Significance
The presence and specific usage of Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnís, `{{G1674}}`) carry profound theological significance:
* **Universal Scope of Salvation**: The inclusion of *Hellēnís* women among believers, as seen in [[Acts 17:12]], vividly illustrates the universal call to salvation. God's redemptive plan is not limited to a single ethnic group but extends to all nations, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of Gentiles coming to the light of God ([[Isaiah 49:6]]).
* **Breaking Down Barriers**: The encounter with the Syrophoenician woman in [[Mark 7:26]] is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' ministry transcending ethnic and social boundaries. Her identity as a "Greek" woman, an outsider to the covenant people, yet one who displays extraordinary faith, foreshadows the extensive Gentile mission of the early church. It challenges the prevailing Jewish-Gentile divide and underscores that faith, not lineage, is the pathway to God's grace.
* **Equality in Christ**: The conversion of *Hellēnís* women, alongside men, underscores the radical equality proclaimed by the Gospel. Paul's declaration in [[Galatians 3:28]], "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus," finds concrete expression in the early church. The term *Hellēnís* in its context affirms that gender and ethnic background do not impede access to salvation or standing within the new community of believers.
* **Inclusivity of the Kingdom**: The instances of *Hellēnís* women receiving healing or believing the Gospel reveal the inclusive nature of God's Kingdom. It demonstrates that Christ's compassion and the power of the Holy Spirit are available to all, regardless of their cultural or ethnic origin.
### Summary
The term Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnís, `{{G1674}}`) denotes a non-Jewish woman, often one who is culturally Hellenized. Its occurrences in the New Testament, particularly in [[Mark 7:26]] and [[Acts 17:12]], are pivotal in demonstrating the universal and inclusive nature of the Gospel. *Hellēnís* serves as a concrete example of the Gentile world being drawn into God's redemptive plan, highlighting the breaking down of ethnic, cultural, and gender barriers in Christ. The theological significance of this word lies in its powerful illustration of salvation extending beyond the confines of Israel, affirming the equality of all believers in Christ and the boundless reach of God's grace to all who believe.
TRV