perhaps the same as the base of βλαστάνω; Blastus, an officer of Herod Agrippa:--Blastus.
Transliteration:Blástos
Pronunciation:blas'-tos
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G986 (Βλάστος, *Blástos*) is a proper noun, functioning as the personal name of an individual. Its primary meaning is therefore simply the name "Blastus." While the Strong's definition notes a potential derivation from the root of βλαστάνω (blastano), `{{G985}}`, which means "to sprout," "to bud," or "to grow," this etymological connection does not imbue the proper noun itself with a semantic range related to "sprouting" or "growth." As a name, its semantic scope is limited to identifying a specific historical figure. Unlike common nouns or verbs, proper nouns do not typically possess a broad semantic field; their meaning is tied to their unique referent. Thus, "Blastus" signifies only the man named Blastus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name G986 (Βλάστος) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 12:20]]: "Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food."
In this sole occurrence, Blastus is identified as "the king's chamberlain" (τοῦ κοιτῶνος τοῦ βασιλέως), indicating a position of significant trust and proximity to King Herod Agrippa I. The context reveals Herod's displeasure with Tyre and Sidon, two Phoenician cities that relied on Herod's territory for their food supply. Faced with a potential economic and political crisis, the people of Tyre and Sidon sought to appease Herod. Their strategy involved gaining access to Herod through Blastus, likely due to his influential position and personal access to the king. The passage implies that Blastus was successfully "persuaded" (πείσαντες, *peisantes*) by the Tyrians and Sidonians, suggesting he used his influence to facilitate their plea for peace with Herod. This act of mediation underscores Blastus's practical importance in the political landscape of the time, serving as a crucial intermediary in a diplomatic situation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to G986 (Βλάστος) is the verb βλαστάνω (blastano), `{{G985}}`, from which the name is likely derived. βλαστάνω means "to sprout," "to bud," or "to grow," often used in the context of plants producing fruit or vegetation (e.g., [[Matthew 13:26]], [[Mark 4:27]], [[Hebrews 9:4]]). While the name Blastus may etymologically connect to this concept of "growth" or "budding," this connection is primarily lexical and does not directly inform the character's role or the name's meaning within the biblical narrative.
Beyond etymology, concepts related to Blastus's *role* include:
* **Chamberlain/Aide:** His title signifies a position of trust, administrative responsibility, and close personal access to a ruler. Such individuals often wielded considerable indirect power.
* **Mediation/Intercession:** Blastus acted as an intermediary between the people of Tyre and Sidon and King Herod. This role highlights the importance of diplomatic channels and influential individuals in resolving political disputes.
* **Political Influence:** The fact that the Tyrians and Sidonians *persuaded* Blastus demonstrates his capacity to sway the king or at least facilitate access and favorable consideration.
### Theological Significance
While Blastus is a minor character, his appearance, brief as it is, holds indirect theological significance within the broader narrative of Acts 12. His role sets the immediate historical and political stage for the dramatic divine judgment upon Herod Agrippa I.
1. **Divine Providence amidst Human Affairs:** Blastus's mediation, while seemingly a mundane political act, is part of the intricate tapestry of events orchestrated or permitted by God. His actions, whether wittingly or unwittingly, contribute to the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. The reconciliation between Herod and the Phoenician cities, facilitated by Blastus, prevents a food crisis and ensures the stability of the region, which could be seen as an example of God's common grace at work, even through secular figures.
2. **Context for Divine Judgment:** Blastus's successful intercession leads directly to the public appearance of Herod, who receives the adulation of the people. This moment of human pride and blasphemy (accepting divine honors) immediately precedes Herod's divinely-ordained death ([[Acts 12:21-23]]). Blastus, therefore, is a background figure in a narrative that powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty over human rulers and His swift judgment against those who usurp His glory.
3. **The Church's Operating Environment:** The brief mention of Blastus and the political maneuvering around Herod provide a glimpse into the complex political realities faced by the early Christian church. The narrative implicitly shows that God's work unfolds not in a vacuum, but amidst the intricate relationships of human governments and societies. Even seemingly insignificant figures like Blastus play their part in the larger divine drama.
### Summary
G986 (Βλάστος) refers to Blastus, a specific historical individual mentioned only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 12:20]]. He served as the chamberlain to King Herod Agrippa I, holding a position of trust and influence. His singular biblical appearance highlights his role as a successful mediator between the people of Tyre and Sidon and King Herod, helping to avert a potential conflict stemming from a food dependency. While the name may etymologically relate to "sprouting" or "growth" (`{{G985}}`), its primary meaning is simply the proper name itself, with no further semantic range. Theologically, Blastus serves as an important, albeit minor, figure in setting the historical stage for Herod's public display of pride and subsequent divine judgment, underscoring God's overarching providence and sovereignty even over the political machinations of human rulers.
TRV