probably of foreign origin; a Parthian, i.e. inhabitant of Parthia:--Parthian.
Transliteration:Párthos
Pronunciation:par'-thos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Πάρθος (Párthos, `{{G3934}}`) refers to an inhabitant of Parthia, an ancient empire located primarily in what is now modern-day Iran. The base definition indicates its probable foreign origin, suggesting the name for the region and its people was adopted into Greek. Semantically, Πάρθος is a precise ethnographical and geographical designation, denoting a specific people group from a distinct region. It carries no broader abstract or metaphorical meanings, but rather points to a concrete identity within the ancient world. The Parthian Empire was a powerful and influential entity, a significant rival to the Roman Empire, known for its formidable cavalry and archery.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Πάρθος (Párthos, `{{G3934}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 2:9]]. This solitary occurrence is within the pivotal account of the Day of Pentecost, describing the diverse crowd gathered in Jerusalem: "Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia..."
In this context, the inclusion of "Parthians" is crucial. It enumerates one of the many nationalities, representing the vast Jewish diaspora and proselytes, who were present in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks. The miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in various foreign languages, allowing these diverse individuals to understand the Gospel message "in our own tongues" ([[Acts 2:8]]). The presence of Parthians signifies the global reach of the Jewish community and, by extension, the immediate universal scope of the Gospel's proclamation, extending to distant and powerful empires from the very outset of the church's mission.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term Πάρθος (Párthos, `{{G3934}}`) is directly related to the geographical and ethnic diversity highlighted in [[Acts 2:9-11]]. It stands alongside other nationalities such as Medes (`{{G3370}}`), Elamites (`{{G1639}}`), Mesopotamians (`{{G3318}}`), Cappadocians (`{{G2588}}`), and others, all of whom represent the "every nation under heaven" (`{{G3956}}`) gathered at Pentecost. This enumeration underscores the concept of the Jewish Diaspora, where Jewish communities were established across the known world. The event also vividly illustrates the universalism inherent in the Gospel message, which transcends ethnic, linguistic, and geographical boundaries. The miraculous ability to communicate across these divides, as seen at Pentecost, stands in stark contrast to the confusion of tongues at Babel (cf. [[Genesis 11:1-9]]), signifying a reversal and a new unity in the Spirit.
### Theological Significance
The mention of "Parthians" in [[Acts 2:9]] carries profound theological significance. It demonstrates that from the very genesis of the Christian church, the message of salvation was intended for all peoples, not merely those in Judea or ethnically Jewish. The fact that individuals from such a distant and formidable empire as Parthia were present and able to comprehend the Gospel in their native tongue signifies the Holy Spirit's immediate work to bridge cultural and linguistic divides. This miraculous event serves as a foundational testament to the universal mission of the church, prefiguring the Great Commission to make disciples of "all nations" ([[Matthew 28:19]]). The presence of Parthians, representing a powerful non-Roman entity, further emphasizes the breadth of God's redemptive plan, reaching beyond geopolitical rivalries and demonstrating the breaking down of dividing walls ([[Ephesians 2:14]]). It underscores the truth that the Gospel is for the entire world, reaching "to the end of the earth" ([[Acts 1:8]]).
### Summary
The Greek word Πάρθος (Párthos, `{{G3934}}`) precisely identifies an inhabitant of the ancient Parthian Empire. Its singular, yet highly significant, appearance in [[Acts 2:9]] places it within the pivotal narrative of Pentecost. The presence of "Parthians" among the diverse crowd in Jerusalem underscores the vast reach of the Jewish diaspora and, more importantly, highlights the immediate and universal scope of the Gospel message. As one of the many nationalities who heard the apostles speak in their own languages, the Parthians represent the Holy Spirit's power to transcend geographical and linguistic barriers, signaling the church's global missionary mandate from its very inception. Their inclusion in this foundational moment serves as a powerful testament to God's all-encompassing plan to bring salvation to all nations.
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