future active participle masculine of ἰάομαι; about to cure; Jason, a Christian:--Jason.
Transliteration:Iásōn
Pronunciation:ee-as'-oan
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G2394}}` (Iásōn) is primarily a proper noun, referring to a specific individual in the early Christian community. Its etymological root, however, provides a deeper layer of meaning. `{{G2394}}` is derived from the verb `{{G2390}}` (iaomai), which means "to heal," "to cure," or "to restore." As a future active participle masculine, the name Ἰάσων literally conveys the sense of "one who is about to heal" or "a healer." While the individual named Jason in the New Testament is not explicitly described as performing acts of healing, his name carries this significant semantic weight, connecting him conceptually to the broader theme of divine restoration and salvation inherent in the Christian message. Thus, while its direct semantic range in the biblical text is limited to its function as a proper name, its underlying meaning points to the restorative power of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jason appears twice in the New Testament, always referring to the same individual, a prominent figure in the early church:
1. **[[Acts 17:5-9]]**: Jason is introduced in Thessalonica as a host to Paul and Silas. After the apostles preached the gospel with great success, inciting both conversions and opposition, a mob of unbelieving Jews attacked Jason's house, seeking Paul and Silas. When they could not find the apostles, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city authorities, accusing them of harboring those who "have turned the world upside down" and of acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar by proclaiming another king, Jesus. Jason and the others were required to post bond before being released. This passage highlights Jason's courageous hospitality and the significant personal risk he undertook by associating with and sheltering the apostles. His actions demonstrate a deep commitment to the nascent Christian movement in the face of severe persecution.
2. **[[Romans 16:21]]**: Jason is listed among those who send greetings to the Roman church, alongside Timothy, Lucius, and Sosipater. Paul refers to these individuals as his "kinsmen" (συγγενεῖς, `{{G4773}}`), which could imply a familial relationship or, more broadly, a fellow countryman, a Jew. This reference places Jason within Paul's inner circle of trusted companions and fellow laborers, further solidifying his identity as an active and respected member of the early Christian fellowship, likely in Corinth where the letter to the Romans was penned.
In both contexts, Jason is portrayed as a faithful Christian, actively involved in supporting the apostolic mission and enduring hardship for the sake of the gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{G2394}}` is the verb `{{G2390}}` (iaomai), meaning "to heal" or "to cure." This root is used extensively throughout the New Testament to describe both physical healing performed by Jesus and the apostles, and spiritual healing from sin.
Other related concepts include:
* **Hospitality (φιλοξενία, `{{G5381}}`)**: Jason's willingness to host Paul and Silas exemplifies this virtue, which was crucial for the spread of the gospel in the early church.
* **Fellowship/Kinsmen (συγγενεῖς, `{{G4773}}`)**: The bond of community and shared faith among believers, as seen in Jason's inclusion among Paul's greetings.
* **Persecution (διωγμός, `{{G1375}}`)**: Jason's experience in Thessalonica underscores the reality of suffering and opposition faced by early Christians.
* **Witness/Testimony (μαρτυρία, `{{G3141}}`)**: His steadfastness in the face of adversity serves as a quiet testimony to the power of faith.
### Theological Significance
While Jason is a minor figure in the biblical narrative, his presence holds significant theological import. His story illuminates several key aspects of early Christian life and the mission of the church:
1. **The Cost of Discipleship**: Jason's experience in Thessalonica vividly illustrates the immediate and tangible risks associated with following Christ and supporting His messengers. His willingness to suffer for the gospel underscores the call to radical commitment that characterized early Christian faith.
2. **The Vital Role of Lay Believers**: Jason was not an apostle, yet his hospitality and steadfastness were indispensable to the apostolic mission. His example highlights that the spread of the gospel relied not only on prominent leaders but also on the faithful, courageous actions of ordinary believers who opened their homes and faced opposition.
3. **The Brotherhood of Faith**: His inclusion among Paul's "kinsmen" in [[Romans 16:21]] emphasizes the profound spiritual bonds that united believers across geographical and social divides. This fellowship was a source of strength, encouragement, and mutual support in a hostile world.
4. **Etymological Resonance**: Although Jason is not depicted as a literal healer, his name, "Healer," subtly resonates with the overarching theme of God's redemptive work. Through his support of Paul, who brought the message of salvation, Jason participated in the "healing" of a broken world, contributing to the spiritual restoration that is the essence of the gospel. His actions, though not miraculous healing, facilitated the spiritual healing of many.
### Summary
`{{G2394}}` (Iásōn) is a Greek proper name, meaning "healer" or "one who is about to cure," derived from the verb `{{G2390}}` (iaomai). In the New Testament, Jason is identified as a faithful Christian who played a significant, albeit understated, role in the early church. He is known for his courageous hospitality in Thessalonica, where he sheltered Paul and Silas, enduring persecution and posting bond for their sake ([[Acts 17:5-9]]). He is also counted among Paul's trusted companions and "kinsmen," sending greetings to the Roman church ([[Romans 16:21]]). Jason's life exemplifies the commitment, hospitality, and resilience required of early believers. His story serves as a testament to the vital contribution of ordinary individuals in the spread of the gospel, enduring hardship for the sake of Christ and His kingdom. While not a literal healer, his name subtly echoes the divine work of spiritual healing and restoration that he, by supporting the apostles, helped to bring into the world.
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