### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Samareítēs**, represented by `{{G4541}}`, identifies an **inhabitant of Samaria**. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible, where it serves to distinguish this specific group of people from both Jews and Gentiles in various narrative contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4541}}` is used to highlight a significant social and religious distinction. Jesus initially instructs his twelve disciples to **enter** `{{G1525}}` not into any city of the **Samaritans** [[Matthew 10:5]]. However, he himself is shown interacting with them, such as when his messengers entered a Samaritan village to **make ready** `{{G2090}}` for him [[Luke 9:52]]. The term is used to present a surprising example of **compassion** `{{G4697}}` in the parable of the good **Samaritan** [[Luke 10:33]] and faith in the one leper who returned **giving** him **thanks** `{{G2168}}` [[Luke 17:16]]. The deep-seated animosity is evident when the **Jews** `{{G2453}}` insultingly call Jesus a **Samaritan** [[John 8:48]] and when it is noted that Jews **have** no **dealings** `{{G4798}}` with them [[John 4:9]]. Despite this, **many** `{{G4183}}` **Samaritans** believed in Jesus [[John 4:39]] and later received the gospel from the apostles [[Acts 8:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the status and interactions of the Samaritans:
* `{{G2453}}` **Ioudaîos** (Jew): This term for a **Judæan** is crucial, as the tension between the **Jews** `{{G2453}}` and **Samaritans** `{{G4541}}` is a recurring theme. The mutual separation is stated explicitly [[John 4:9]], and the term **Samaritan** is even used by Jews as an accusation against Jesus [[John 8:48]].
* `{{G1484}}` **éthnos** (Gentile, nation): This word for a **nation** or foreign people is used in Jesus' command to avoid both the way of the **Gentiles** `{{G1484}}` and the cities of the **Samaritans** `{{G4541}}`, placing the Samaritans in a category distinct from both groups [[Matthew 10:5]].
* `{{G4542}}` **Samareîtis** (of Samaria): This is the feminine form, meaning a **Samaritess, i.e. woman of Samaria**. It is used in the account of Jesus' conversation at the well, where the social barriers between Jews and Samaritans are brought to the forefront [[John 4:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4541}}` is significant, often used to illustrate key principles of Jesus' ministry.
* **Challenging Prejudice:** The figure of the **Samaritan** is used to confront the prejudices of the time. By portraying a **Samaritan** as an exemplar of **compassion** `{{G4697}}` [[Luke 10:33]] and another as the sole person to show gratitude [[Luke 17:16]], Jesus subverts his audience's expectations about who could demonstrate true righteousness.
* **Object of Scorn:** The term's use as an insult against Jesus—"thou art a **Samaritan**, and hast a **devil** `{{G1140}}`" [[John 8:48]]—demonstrates the extreme animosity held by the religious establishment and reveals the social cost of association.
* **Inclusion in the Gospel:** Despite the initial command to avoid their cities [[Matthew 10:5]], the **Samaritans** become a key group for evangelism. Many **believed** `{{G4100}}` in Jesus during his earthly ministry [[John 4:39]], and the apostles later **preached the gospel** `{{G2097}}` in **many** `{{G4183}}` Samaritan **villages** `{{G2968}}` [[Acts 8:25]].
### Summary
In summary, **Samareítēs** `{{G4541}}` is not merely an identifier for an inhabitant of Samaria but a term loaded with social and theological weight. Its usage in scripture traces a powerful narrative from exclusion and scorn ([[Matthew 10:5]], [[John 8:48]]) to becoming a central example of true neighborliness and faith [[Luke 10:33]]. The inclusion of the **Samaritans** in the apostolic mission demonstrates the breaking down of man-made walls and the expansion of the gospel to all people.
TRV