Ἄγαβος (Agabos)
Agabos
Agabus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Agabus is a proper name found only twice in the New Testament, both in the Book of Acts. The sources identify him as a Christian prophet who played a role in the early church’s narrative. His name itself carries meaning, with lexicons noting it derives from Hebrew and translates to "locust."
Agabus appears in two distinct events that highlight his prophetic function. In Acts 11:28, he predicts a severe famine under Emperor Claudius, which helps the early church understand the need for relief efforts. Later, in Acts 21:10-11, he binds his own hands and feet with Paul’s belt to symbolize the imprisonment Paul will face in Jerusalem. These accounts show Agabus not as a central character, but as a significant witness to God’s guidance through difficult times.
The brevity of his mentions underscores that his importance lies in the specific messages he delivered rather than his personal biography. His name, meaning locust, may seem unusual for a prophet, yet it connects him to biblical imagery often associated with judgment or divine warning. This brief appearance reminds readers that prophecy in the early church was practical and immediate, aimed at preparing believers for real-world challenges.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Agabus appears only twice in Scripture, yet his brief presence offers a clear picture of how God guides His people through uncertainty. In Acts 11, he warns of a coming famine, prompting the early church to prepare for hardship. This shows that prophecy was not just about the future, but about practical care and readiness for the challenges ahead.
Later, in Acts 21, Agabus uses a dramatic act with Paul’s belt to signal imprisonment. His role reminds us that God’s guidance often comes through others in our community. We do not need to know every detail of what lies ahead; we only need to trust that God is present in both the warning and the way forward.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Agabus,1×
- Agabus1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἅγαβος,1×
- Ἅγαβος1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 11:28
One of them named Agabus stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius.
Agabus uses this prediction to mobilize the early church toward practical relief efforts during a time of crisis.
-
Acts 21:10
As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
This introduction sets the stage for a symbolic act that foreshadows Paul’s impending suffering in Jerusalem.