### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4948 (Σύρος, Sýros) functions as an ethnic or geographical descriptor, literally meaning "a Syrian" or "a native of Syria." Its etymological root is directly from G4947 (Συρία, Syria), signifying a direct connection to the geographical region. While the base definition notes "probably Tyrian," suggesting a potential specific association with the prominent Phoenician city of Tyre within the broader Syrian sphere, the primary and most direct meaning remains an inhabitant of Syria. It designates an individual's origin from the ancient region of Syria, which encompassed a vast territory north and east of ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4948 (Sýros) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 4:27]]**: "And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but Naaman the **Syrian**."
In this passage, Jesus is teaching in His hometown synagogue in Nazareth. He highlights instances from Israel's history where God's favor extended beyond the covenant community, specifically mentioning the widow of Zarephath (a Sidonian) and Naaman the Syrian. The reference to Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria), underscores God's sovereign choice to bless a Gentile. The term "Syrian" here emphasizes Naaman's foreignness and non-Israelite identity, serving as a powerful example for Jesus' audience that God's redemptive work is not confined to national or ethnic boundaries. This citation from [[2 Kings 5]] challenges the narrow expectations of His listeners, pointing towards the universal scope of God's saving activity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is G4947 (Συρία, Syria), the geographical region from which the "Syrian" originates. This direct etymological link is crucial for understanding the term. In the Old Testament, the region and its people are often referred to as Aram or Arameans, using the Hebrew term `{{H5493}}` (אֲרָם, Aram). The specific individual identified as a Syrian in the New Testament occurrence is Naaman, whose story is found in `{{H5283}}` (נַעֲמָן, Naaman) in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Related concepts include:
* **Gentile Inclusion**: The use of "Syrian" highlights God's willingness to extend His grace to those outside the traditional covenant people of Israel.
* **Divine Sovereignty**: God chooses whom to bless, irrespective of human expectations or national identity.
* **Prophetic Witness**: Both Elisha's ministry to Naaman and Jesus' reference to it serve as prophetic declarations of God's broader plan.
* **Healing and Restoration**: Naaman's physical healing from leprosy symbolizes spiritual cleansing and God's power to restore.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G4948 in [[Luke 4:27]] holds profound theological significance. Jesus' reference to Naaman the Syrian is a radical statement about the nature of God's grace and the breadth of His salvific purposes. By citing a foreign military commander as a recipient of divine favor, Jesus challenges the ethnocentric worldview prevalent among some in His audience. This serves as a clear precursor to the universal mission of the early Church, demonstrating that God's plan of salvation was never exclusively for Israel but always intended to embrace the Gentiles.
The story of Naaman, a "Syrian," underscores several key theological truths:
* **God's Impartiality**: God is not bound by human distinctions of race or nationality. His grace is freely given to those who respond in faith, regardless of their background.
* **The Breaking of Barriers**: Jesus' use of this example foreshadows the dismantling of the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, a central theme in Pauline theology (cf. [[Ephesians 2:14]]).
* **Faith Over Lineage**: Naaman's healing was a result of his obedience and faith in the word of the prophet, not his Israelite heritage (which he lacked). This emphasizes that true blessedness comes through humble submission to God's will.
* **The Scope of the Kingdom**: The inclusion of a "Syrian" in God's redemptive narrative points to the expansive, global nature of God's kingdom, which transcends all earthly borders.
### Summary
The Greek word G4948 (Σύρος, Sýros) denotes a person from Syria, derived directly from the geographical term G4947 (Syria). Its sole appearance in the New Testament in [[Luke 4:27]] is highly significant, where Jesus uses Naaman the Syrian as a powerful example of God's grace extending beyond the boundaries of Israel to the Gentiles. This reference underscores core theological themes such as God's impartiality, the universal scope of salvation, and the breaking down of ethnic and national barriers in God's redemptive plan. It connects the New Testament narrative to the Old Testament account of `{{H5283}}` (Naaman) in `{{H5493}}` (Aram), serving as a foundational illustration of God's inclusive love for all humanity.
TRV