Word Study for G3479 (Ναζαρηνός)

Nazarēnós /nad-zar-ay-nos'/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom Ναζαρέθ

Meaninga Nazarene, i.e. inhabitant of Nazareth

KJV usageof Nazareth.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of Nazarēnós — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word Nazarēnós, represented by G3479, is defined as "a Nazarene, i.e. inhabitant of Nazareth." It is derived from the name of the town Nazareth. This term appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, indicating a very specific application.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G3479 is used exclusively as an identifier for Jesus. It is spoken by an angel at the empty tomb, who refers to "Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified" Mark 16:6. The term is also used by unclean spirits who, upon encountering him, cry out, "what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth?" (Mark 1:24, Luke 4:34). Finally, it serves as the basis of an accusation against Peter when a woman identifies him as having been "with Jesus of Nazareth" Mark 14:67.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the context in which Jesus is identified as the Nazarene:

G2424 Iēsoûs (Jesus): This is the name consistently modified by G3479, specifying which Jesus is being discussed, such as "Jesus of Nazareth" (Mark 1:24, Mark 14:67).
G622 apóllymi (to destroy fully): In their confrontations, demonic spirits directly connect the identity of Jesus of Nazareth with his power to destroy them, asking if he has come for this purpose (Mark 1:24, Luke 4:34).
G40 hágios (holy): The title "Jesus of Nazareth" is immediately linked to a divine one, as demons proclaim, "I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God" (Mark 1:24, Luke 4:34).

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3479 is significant, highlighting key aspects of Jesus's identity and mission.

A Title of Authority: The term is not merely a geographic locator but a title that carries power. When used by demonic spirits, it is in the context of recognizing Jesus's authority to destroy G622 them Mark 1:24.
Witness to Divine Nature: Even hostile spiritual beings use "of Nazareth" in tandem with the messianic title "the Holy One G40 of God G2316," acknowledging his divine identity while referencing his earthly origin Luke 4:34.
Identifier of the Crucified and Risen Lord: An angel uses the title to identify the specific Jesus who was crucified G4717 and has now risen G1453, connecting the Nazarene with the central event of the gospel Mark 16:6.
Mark of Discipleship: Association with Jesus of Nazareth G3479 becomes a defining characteristic for his followers, as seen when Peter G4074 is identified by his connection to him Mark 14:67.

Summary

In summary, G3479 functions as more than a simple reference to a person's hometown. It serves as a specific and powerful title for Jesus G2424, acknowledged by angels, humans, and demons alike. The term "of Nazareth" inextricably links his earthly life to his divine power, his crucifixion, and his resurrection. It is a title that evokes both fear in his enemies and becomes a mark of identity for his followers.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as an adjective across 6 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Genitive Singular Masculine Location Gentilic 2×
Vocative Singular Masculine Location Gentilic 2×
Accusative Singular Masculine Location Gentilic 1×
Nominative Singular Masculine Location Gentilic 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Vocative: Direct address — naming who is spoken to.
Singular: One.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
Location: The name of a place.
Gentilic: Naming a people or nationality.

Related Words

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 2 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Mark (3 verses); never once in the other 25.

Mark

Luke

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.