### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G2992}}` (λαός, *laós*) fundamentally denotes "a people" or "a nation," referring to a collective group of individuals. Its core meaning emphasizes a general populace, distinct from `{{G1218}}` (δῆμος, *dēmos*), which typically signifies "one's own populace" or the citizens of a particular city or region, often with political or civic connotations. While *dēmos* might highlight the organized citizenry, *laós* is broader, encompassing a people group in a more general, often ethnic, national, or even covenantal sense—a people belonging to a particular leader or deity. In the Septuagint (LXX), `{{G2992}}` frequently translates the Hebrew `{{H5971}}` (עַם, *ʿam*), which similarly refers to a people, nation, or tribe, often in the context of their relationship with God. This foundational understanding of a unified yet distinct collective body is crucial for grasping its rich biblical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G2992}}` (λαός) is ubiquitous throughout the New Testament, reflecting its deep roots in Old Testament theology and its significance for the early Christian community. In the Gospels, *laós* often refers to the Jewish people, particularly in their relationship with God, their leaders, and Jesus. For instance, Jesus is presented as coming to save "his people" [[Matthew 1:21]], a clear reference to Israel. The multitudes who followed Jesus are frequently termed *laós* [[Luke 7:29]], indicating the general populace rather than a specific political entity.
In the book of Acts, *laós* continues to designate the Jewish nation, especially in the context of their response to the Gospel, whether in acceptance or rejection, and their persecution of the apostles. Stephen's discourse in [[Acts 7]] recounts God's historical dealings with "his people" (Israel). However, a profound theological shift becomes evident as the Gospel expands beyond Jewish boundaries. Peter, echoing Old Testament prophecy in [[1 Peter 2:9-10]], applies the designation "a people for his own possession" (λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν) to believing Gentiles, signifying the creation of a new, spiritual people of God that transcends ethnic origin. Paul also uses *laós* to refer to both Israel and the new community of believers, often underscoring God's enduring faithfulness to his chosen "people" [[Romans 11:1-2]]. The book of Revelation employs *laós* to describe the redeemed from "every tribe and language and people and nation" [[Revelation 5:9]], illustrating its ultimate universal scope in God's eschatological plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G2992}}` (λαός) shares conceptual space with several other Greek terms describing human groupings, yet each carries distinct nuances:
* `{{G1218}}` (δῆμος, *dēmos*): As previously noted, *dēmos* refers to the populace of a specific city or region, often with political implications (e.g., "the people" in a democratic assembly). *Laós* is broader and lacks this inherent civic-political emphasis.
* `{{G1484}}` (ἔθνος, *ethnos*): This term denotes a "nation" or "ethnic group," highlighting shared ancestry, culture, or territory. While *laós* can refer to a nation, *ethnos* more strongly emphasizes distinct ethnic identity. In the New Testament, *ethnos* is frequently used in the plural ("the Gentiles") to contrast with Israel. However, the concept of God having "a people" (λαός) drawn from all nations (ἔθνη) is a pivotal theological development.
* `{{G3793}}` (ὄχλος, *ochlos*): This word means "a crowd" or "multitude," typically implying an unorganized or transient gathering. While the *laós* might be described as an *ochlos* (e.g., the crowds following Jesus), *ochlos* lacks the sense of a defined, cohesive "people" that *laós* conveys.
* `{{G1577}}` (ἐκκλησία, *ekklēsia*): This term, "assembly" or "church," represents the ultimate "people of God" in the New Covenant. The *ekklēsia* is not merely a collection of individuals but a called-out assembly, the new *laós* chosen by God. The transition from Israel as the primary *laós* to the *ekklēsia* as the new *laós* is a central theme in New Testament theology.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2992}}` (λαός) is profound, tracing the unfolding of God's redemptive plan from Old Covenant Israel to the New Covenant church. In the Old Testament, *laós* primarily designates Israel as God's chosen "people" [[Deuteronomy 7:6]], set apart from all other nations. This election signifies a unique covenantal relationship, marked by God's presence, law, and promises. The prophets frequently address Israel as "my people," lamenting their unfaithfulness and promising future restoration and renewal.
In the New Testament, Jesus is presented as the one who will "save his people" [[Matthew 1:21]], fulfilling these ancient promises. However, the crucifixion and resurrection redefine the boundaries of this "people." The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marks the birth of a new *laós*, composed of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ. This new *laós* is not defined by ethnic lineage but by faith in Jesus and participation in his Spirit. Peter's declaration in [[1 Peter 2:9]] – "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" – explicitly applies the covenantal titles of Old Testament Israel to the multi-ethnic Christian community. This underscores their new identity as God's redeemed people, emphasizing the universality of God's saving grace and the spiritual nature of the new covenant, where the "people of God" are those who belong to Christ, drawn from every corner of the earth.
### Summary
`{{G2992}}` (λαός, *laós*) denotes "a people" or "a nation," a collective group distinguished from a specific political populace. Its usage in the Septuagint frequently aligns with the Hebrew `{{H5971}}` (*ʿam*), signifying God's chosen people, Israel. In the New Testament, *laós* initially refers to the Jewish people, particularly in their interactions with Jesus and the early apostles. However, a pivotal theological development occurs as the term expands to encompass the new community of believers in Christ, comprising both Jews and Gentiles. This new "people of God" transcends ethnic and national boundaries, united by faith and the Holy Spirit, fulfilling God's universal redemptive purpose. The concept of *laós* thus encapsulates the continuity and transformation of God's covenantal relationship with humanity, culminating in the church as His peculiar and beloved people.
TRV