### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Klaúdios**, represented by `{{G2804}}`, is of Latin origin and is the name of two Romans mentioned in scripture. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, identifying specific historical figures whose lives and actions intersect with the narrative of the early church. The name serves as a historical anchor, linking biblical events to the timeline of the Roman Empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2804}}` is used to identify two distinct individuals. First, it refers to the Roman emperor **Claudius** Caesar, during whose reign a prophet named Agabus foretold a great dearth that would affect the entire world [[Acts 11:28]]. This same emperor **Claudius** is also mentioned as having commanded all Jews to depart from Rome, an event which caused Aquila and Priscilla to relocate, where they subsequently met the apostle Paul [[Acts 18:2]]. The name is also used by a Roman commander, **Claudius** Lysias, in a letter to the governor Felix regarding Paul's case [[Acts 23:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the roles and events associated with the name **Claudius**:
* `{{G2541}}` **Kaîsar** (Cæsar): This title for the Roman emperor is used in conjunction with **Claudius** to specify the emperor during a great famine [[Acts 11:28]].
* `{{G1299}}` **diatássō** (appoint, command, give order): This word describes the official edict issued by Emperor **Claudius** that all Jews were to depart from Rome [[Acts 18:2]].
* `{{G3042}}` **limós** (dearth, famine, hunger): This term identifies the specific event, a great **dearth**, that was prophesied to occur during the time of **Claudius** Caesar [[Acts 11:28]].
* `{{G2232}}` **hēgemṓn** (governor, prince, ruler): This title identifies Felix as the **governor** to whom **Claudius** Lysias addressed his letter, illustrating the Roman chain of command [[Acts 23:26]].
### Theological Significance
The historical weight of `{{G2804}}` is significant for anchoring the book of Acts in verifiable history.
* **Imperial Edict:** The command from Emperor **Claudius** for Jews to leave Rome is a pivotal event that directly leads to the meeting of Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla, shaping the course of Paul's ministry [[Acts 18:2]].
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The prophecy of a worldwide **dearth** is explicitly tied to the reign of **Claudius** Caesar, providing a historical marker for the fulfillment of a prophecy given by the Spirit through Agabus [[Acts 11:28]].
* **Roman Administration:** The name's use by **Claudius** Lysias demonstrates the integration of figures into the Roman administrative structure that governed Judea, a structure which Paul navigated during his trials [[Acts 23:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2804}}` functions as more than just a name. It is a specific historical identifier for both a Roman emperor and a military officer whose actions had direct consequences for the early church. From imperial decrees that scattered believers to the administrative correspondence that documented Paul's legal troubles, the name **Claudius** connects the sacred history of the apostles to the secular history of the Roman world, grounding the biblical narrative in a specific time and place.
TRV