from Ἰταλία; Italic, i.e. belonging to Italia:--Italian.
Transliteration:Italikós
Pronunciation:ee-tal-ee-kos'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G2483 (Italikós) is derived directly from G2482 (Italia), which refers to the geographical region of Italy. Consequently, its core meaning is straightforward: "Italian," or "belonging to Italia." It describes something or someone originating from, associated with, or characteristic of Italy. Unlike many biblical terms, G2483 possesses a very narrow semantic range, functioning primarily as a geographic and ethnic descriptor without significant metaphorical or theological layers embedded in its base definition. It simply denotes an association with the Italian peninsula, particularly within the context of the Roman Empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2483 (Italikós) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 10:1]]: "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Cohort."
In this singular occurrence, Italikós modifies "cohort" (σπεῖρα, speira), referring to a specific Roman military unit known as the "Italian Cohort" (Cohors Italica). This detail is significant for several reasons. First, it identifies Cornelius as a Roman centurion, a high-ranking officer in the imperial army, indicating his authority and Gentile status. Second, the "Italian Cohort" was likely a unit whose soldiers were either recruited directly from Italy or maintained a strong connection to Italian identity and tradition, distinguishing them from auxiliary units recruited from other provinces. This underscores Cornelius's distinct non-Jewish background and his integration into the Roman administrative and military structure. The context of [[Acts 10]] is pivotal, as it narrates the divine initiative to extend the Gospel explicitly to Gentiles, with Cornelius serving as the first prominent Gentile convert, whose household receives the Holy Spirit prior to baptism. The designation "Italian" highlights his "outsider" status from a Jewish perspective, making his conversion all the more profound in demonstrating God's impartiality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is G2482 (Italia), the noun from which G2483 is derived, referring to the country itself. The concept of "Italian" is intrinsically linked to the broader historical and political reality of the Roman Empire, which dominates the New Testament world. Therefore, related concepts include:
* **Roman Citizenship/Identity:** While Cornelius is not explicitly stated to be a Roman citizen, his position as a centurion in an "Italian Cohort" strongly implies a close association with Roman identity and authority.
* **Gentiles:** The term Italikós serves to categorize Cornelius as a non-Jew, a Gentile. This places him within the broader theological distinction between Israel and the nations, which is a key theme in Acts and Pauline theology.
* **Roman Military:** The "Italian Cohort" is a specific manifestation of the Roman military presence in the provinces, a force that both maintained order and was often a point of interaction with the early Christian community.
* **Universalism of the Gospel:** The inclusion of an "Italian" centurion into the nascent Christian community foreshadows the universal reach of the Gospel message, extending beyond ethnic and national boundaries.
### Theological Significance
While G2483 itself is a descriptive geographical term, its sole appearance in [[Acts 10:1]] carries immense theological weight due to its association with Cornelius. The conversion of Cornelius, an "Italian" centurion, marks a watershed moment in the narrative of salvation history. It signals the decisive breaking down of the wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, a theme profoundly articulated by Paul in [[Ephesians 2:14]].
God's choice to initiate the Gentile mission through a man from the heart of the Roman Empire, an "Italian," demonstrates the boundless and impartial nature of His grace ([[Acts 10:34-35]]). The fact that the Holy Spirit falls upon Cornelius and his household *before* their baptism is a divine confirmation that salvation is by faith alone and is available to all, regardless of ethnic origin or previous religious standing. The "Italian Cohort" is thus not merely a historical detail but a theological marker, signifying that God's redemptive plan embraces all peoples, extending the covenant promises to those previously considered "outsiders." It underscores the inclusivity of the Church, which is called to be a multi-ethnic body united in Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word G2483 (Italikós) is a simple adjective meaning "Italian" or "belonging to Italy." Its singular occurrence in the New Testament in [[Acts 10:1]] is profoundly significant, identifying Cornelius as a centurion of the "Italian Cohort." This seemingly mundane detail serves as a crucial theological pointer, highlighting Cornelius's Gentile identity and underscoring the pivotal moment in salvation history when the Gospel was explicitly extended to the nations. The conversion of this "Italian" Roman officer demonstrates God's impartiality and the universal scope of His redemptive plan, establishing the foundational truth that the Christian faith is for all peoples, transcending ethnic and national distinctions.
TRV