Νικάνωρ

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word Nikánōr, represented by G3527, is the name of a Christian man and means victorious. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, identifying one of the men chosen for a special role in the early church.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single appearance of G3527 occurs in the book of Acts. A proposal, or saying G3056, was presented to the early believers, which pleased G700 the whole G3956 multitude G4128. In response, they chose G1586 seven men to serve the community. Nicanor is named in this list, alongside Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas Acts 6:5.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words from this account provide context for Nicanor's role:

• G1586 eklégomai (to select): This word describes the crucial action of the community to choose these seven men, including Nicanor, for service Acts 6:5.
• G4736 Stéphanos (Stephen): The first man chosen in the list, he is described as a man G435 full G4134 of faith G4102 and of the Holy G40 Ghost G4151 Acts 6:5.
• G4402 Próchoros (Prochorus): Listed directly before Nicanor, he was also one of the seven men selected by the multitude Acts 6:5.
• G5096 Tímōn (Timon): Named immediately after Nicanor, he was another of the seven chosen men Acts 6:5.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3527 is tied to the event in which Nicanor is named.

• Chosen for Service: Nicanor was part of a group that was specifically chosen G1586 by the congregation to fill a practical and spiritual need within the church, highlighting the community's role in identifying leaders Acts 6:5.
• Unity and Approval: The selection of these men was a decision that pleased G700 the whole G3956 multitude G4128, demonstrating a unified resolution to an internal problem within the early church.
• Qualifications for Ministry: While Nicanor is not personally described, his selection alongside Stephen, a man G435 full G4134 of faith G4102 and the Holy G40 Ghost G4151, suggests he was held in similar high regard by the community Acts 6:5.

Summary

In summary, Nicanor G3527 is a figure known only by his inclusion among the first seven men chosen to serve the church in Jerusalem. His name is recorded in a key moment of the church's development, representing the establishment of an order of ministry to care for the needs of the believers. Though mentioned only once, his presence in Acts 6:5 marks him as a trusted and qualified member of the early Christian community.