### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Κλεόπας (Kleópas, `{{G2810}}`) is understood to be a contraction, likely from a compound of two Greek words: κλέος (kleos, glory, renown, fame, `{{G2811}}`) and πατήρ (patēr, father, `{{G3962}}`). Thus, the name inherently carries the meaning "glory of the father" or "renowned father." As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily limited to identifying a specific individual within the biblical narrative, carrying the etymological weight of its constituent parts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Κλεόπας (Kleópas, `{{G2810}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 24:18]]**: "One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, 'Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?'"
This sole occurrence places Cleopas as one of the two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus shortly after the resurrection of Jesus. They are depicted as sorrowful and perplexed by the events in Jerusalem, particularly the crucifixion of Jesus and the conflicting reports of His empty tomb and angelic appearances. The unrecognized Jesus joins them, engaging them in a profound theological discussion, explaining the Scriptures concerning Himself. Cleopas's question reveals their deep confusion and their initial blindness to the identity of their companion. The narrative culminates in their recognition of Jesus during the breaking of bread ([[Luke 24:30-31]]) and their subsequent return to Jerusalem to report their encounter. Cleopas, therefore, is a pivotal figure in one of the most significant post-resurrection appearances of Christ, serving as a witness to the resurrected Lord and the transformative power of His presence and the unfolding of His Word.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of Κλεόπας (Kleópas, `{{G2810}}`) connect it to several significant concepts:
* **κλέος (kleos, `{{G2811}}`)**: "Glory" or "renown." This root word points to the divine glory of God, the glory of Christ, and the ultimate renown that belongs to the Father. In the context of Cleopas, his name could subtly foreshadow the revelation of God's glorious plan through the resurrection of Christ.
* **πατήρ (patēr, `{{G3962}}`)**: "Father." This refers primarily to God the Father, but also to earthly fathers. The "glory of the father" could allude to the Father's plan for redemption being brought to glory through the Son.
It is crucial to distinguish Cleopas (Κλεόπας, `{{G2810}}`) from Clopas (Κλωπᾶς, `{{G2832}}`), who is mentioned in [[John 19:25]] as the husband of Mary, standing by the cross. While the names are phonetically similar and some early traditions conflated the two, linguistically they are distinct. Κλεόπας is a Greek name, whereas Κλωπᾶς (Clopas) is likely a Hellenized form of an Aramaic name, possibly Alphaeus (Ἀλφαῖος, `{{G256}}`). The New Testament itself presents them as distinct individuals in separate contexts.
The narrative involving Cleopas also connects to broader biblical concepts:
* **Discipleship**: Cleopas embodies the journey of a disciple from confusion and sorrow to understanding and joy through encounter with the resurrected Christ.
* **Scriptural Illumination**: The Emmaus road encounter highlights the necessity of divine revelation for understanding the prophecies concerning Christ ([[Luke 24:27, 45]]).
* **Recognition of Christ**: The narrative underscores the initial spiritual blindness of even close followers and the subsequent opening of their eyes to recognize the Lord, often through familiar actions like the breaking of bread.
### Theological Significance
Cleopas's encounter on the road to Emmaus holds profound theological significance. He represents the state of the disciples immediately following the crucifixion: deeply disheartened, confused, and struggling to reconcile the tragic events with their hopes in Jesus. His initial inability to recognize Jesus, even while walking and conversing with Him, illustrates the spiritual blindness that can afflict even sincere believers when faced with circumstances that challenge their understanding of God's plan.
The turning point in the narrative, and for Cleopas, is the exposition of the Scriptures by the unrecognized Christ. This demonstrates the power of God's Word, interpreted by the Holy Spirit, to illuminate the truth about Jesus, causing their hearts to "burn within them" ([[Luke 24:32]]). This burning heart signifies a spiritual awakening, a profound internal recognition of divine truth that precedes and enables the physical recognition of Christ.
Furthermore, Cleopas's role as a witness is crucial. Having personally encountered the resurrected Lord and understood the scriptural necessity of His suffering and glory, he and his companion return immediately to Jerusalem to testify to the other disciples ([[Luke 24:33-35]]). This act underscores the imperative of sharing the good news of the resurrection, rooted in personal experience and scriptural understanding. Cleopas's journey from sorrow to joy, from confusion to clarity, and from blindness to witness, serves as a paradigm for the transformative power of the resurrected Christ in the lives of His followers. His name, "glory of the father," subtly resonates with the ultimate glory revealed in the Father's plan through the resurrection of His Son.
### Summary
Κλεόπας (Kleópas, `{{G2810}}`), meaning "glory of the father" or "renowned father," is a proper Greek name appearing once in the New Testament. He is identified as one of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, encountering the resurrected Jesus without initially recognizing Him ([[Luke 24:18]]). His journey from sorrow and confusion to understanding and joy, facilitated by Jesus' exposition of the Scriptures, highlights the transformative power of God's Word and the personal encounter with the risen Lord. Cleopas's experience serves as a testament to the spiritual illumination required to comprehend the divine plan and recognize Christ. He then becomes an important early witness to the resurrection. It is important to distinguish Cleopas (Κλεόπας, `{{G2810}}`) from Clopas (Κλωπᾶς, `{{G2832}}`), a distinct individual mentioned elsewhere in the Gospels.
TRV