### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun Ἄραψ (Áraps, `{{G690}}`) derives directly from Ἀραβία (Arabia, `{{G689}}`), signifying "an Arab" or "a native of Arabia." Its core meaning is primarily geographical and ethnic, identifying an individual originating from the region known as Arabia. Unlike some biblical terms that acquire extended metaphorical or symbolic meanings, Ἄραψ remains largely literal in its usage, denoting a member of a specific people group from a distinct geographical area. The term's semantic range is therefore quite narrow, focused solely on national or ethnic identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Ἄραψ (Áraps, `{{G690}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 2:11]]. This occurrence is within the profound narrative of the Day of Pentecost, where devout Jews and proselytes from "every nation under heaven" ([[Acts 2:5]]) are gathered in Jerusalem. As the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in other tongues, the astonished crowd exclaims, "Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God" ([[Acts 2:9-11]]).
In this pivotal passage, "Arabs" are listed among a diverse array of nationalities and regions, highlighting the global reach of the initial proclamation of the Gospel. Their inclusion underscores that the message of salvation through Christ was intended not for a single ethnic group or nation, but for all humanity. The presence of Arabs, a people group well-known in the ancient world for their nomadic traditions, trade routes, and distinct cultural identity (cf. Old Testament references to Arabs, e.g., [[2 Chronicles 9:14]], [[Isaiah 21:13]], [[Jeremiah 25:24]]), signifies the expansive scope of God's redemptive plan from the very outset of the church's mission.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related Greek term is Ἀραβία (Arabia, `{{G689}}`), the geographical region from which the "Arab" originates. This word also appears in the New Testament, notably in [[Galatians 1:17]], where Paul mentions his retreat to Arabia after his conversion.
In the broader biblical context, the concept of "Arabs" is present in the Old Testament through various Hebrew terms, such as עֲרָבִי (ʻArabi, `{{H6152}}`), referring to an inhabitant of Arabia, or עֲרָב (ʻArab, `{{H6157}}`), denoting the region itself. These terms often describe nomadic tribes, desert dwellers, or specific kingdoms that interacted with Israel (e.g., the Queen of Sheba, various desert tribes, or those associated with trade routes).
Furthermore, the listing of "Arabs" alongside other nationalities in [[Acts 2:9-11]] connects them conceptually to the diverse mosaic of humanity represented at Pentecost. This includes peoples like Parthians, Medes, Elamites, Egyptians, and Romans, all of whom collectively bear witness to the universal appeal and power of the Holy Spirit's work. The common thread among these groups is their distinct ethnic or national identity, all of whom are miraculously able to understand the Gospel message.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of "Arabs" in the Pentecost narrative carries significant theological weight.
1. **Universality of the Gospel:** The presence of Arabs, alongside numerous other ethnic groups, powerfully illustrates God's intention for the Gospel to transcend all geographical, cultural, and ethnic boundaries. From its very inception, the church was envisioned as a multi-ethnic body, a testament to God's impartial love for all humanity (cf. [[Romans 10:12]], [[Galatians 3:28]], [[Colossians 3:11]]).
2. **Reversal of Babel:** Pentecost is often understood as a divine reversal of the confusion of tongues at Babel (cf. [[Genesis 11:1-9]]). Whereas Babel resulted in linguistic division and dispersion, Pentecost, through the miraculous gift of tongues, enabled understanding and unity across diverse linguistic and ethnic lines, bringing people together under the common message of Christ. The "Arabs" participate in this profound act of redemptive reconciliation.
3. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The gathering of peoples from "every nation" at Pentecost, including Arabs, foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the ingathering of the nations to worship the one true God (e.g., [[Isaiah 2:2-4]], [[Zechariah 8:20-23]]).
4. **Early Church's Global Mandate:** The presence of Arabs and other foreign residents at Pentecost served as an early, tangible demonstration of the Great Commission (cf. [[Matthew 28:19-20]], [[Acts 1:8]]). It affirmed that the mission of the church was inherently global, reaching out to all peoples, including those from the Arabian peninsula.
### Summary
The Greek word Ἄραψ (Áraps, `{{G690}}`) denotes an "Arab" or "native of Arabia," drawing its meaning directly from the geographical region. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 2:11]], within the account of Pentecost, is profoundly significant. There, "Arabs" are listed among a diverse array of nationalities who miraculously hear and understand the Gospel message in their own languages. This single usage powerfully underscores the universal nature of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that the good news of Jesus Christ is intended for all peoples, transcending ethnic and geographical boundaries. The presence of Arabs at Pentecost serves as an early sign of the church's global mission and the Holy Spirit's power to unite diverse humanity in understanding and worship.
TRV