Ἀγρίππας (Agrippas)
Agrippas
Agrippa
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Agrippas refers to a member of Herod’s family who held significant political power in the first century. In the New Testament, this specific form appears exclusively in the Acts of the Apostles, where it identifies King Agrippa II, the last ruler of the Herodian dynasty before Rome took direct control. He is depicted as a local monarch consulted by Roman governors regarding the fate of the Apostle Paul.
The sources indicate his name derives from roots meaning "hero-like," reflecting the royal lineage he inherited. His interactions with Paul are recorded in Acts 25 and 26, where he listens to the apostle’s defense alongside the governor Festus. These passages highlight Agrippa’s role as a Jewish king familiar with Christian disputes yet ultimately unable to reach a definitive verdict on the matter.
Occurrences of this name are concentrated in these final chapters of Acts, marking the end of Paul’s journey before his appeal to Caesar. The text presents him not as a believer, but as a powerful figure who acknowledges the innocence of the prisoner while remaining politically cautious. His story serves as a historical marker for the spread of the gospel into Roman administrative circles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Agrippas refers to King Agrippa II, a ruler who held significant political power in the first century. He is best known for his interactions with the Apostle Paul during Paul’s final legal proceedings. Rather than being a distant historical figure, Agrippa appears as a real person caught between Roman duty and Jewish tradition. His story reminds us that faith often plays out in complex social and political environments.
In Acts 26, Agrippa listens to Paul’s defense with an open mind. He acknowledges the innocence of the prisoner yet remains politically cautious. This moment shows that even those in power can be moved by truth without immediately acting on it. It invites us to consider how we respond when our beliefs challenge the status quo around us.
Agrippa’s encounter with Paul highlights the spread of the gospel into Roman administrative circles. While he did not become a believer, his willingness to listen demonstrates that curiosity often precedes conviction. His legacy serves as a historical marker for the early church’s reach beyond Jewish communities into the heart of the Empire.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Agrippa8×
- Agrippa,4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀγρίππας5×
- Ἀγρίππα,4×
- Ἀγρίππα3×
Key Verses
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Acts 26:28
Agrippa said to Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?”
This verse captures Agrippa's witty but evasive response, revealing his reluctance to fully commit despite being impressed by Paul's testimony.
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Acts 26:27
King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”
Paul’s question here challenges Agrippa directly, linking the gospel message to the prophetic hopes of Israel that Agrippa himself claimed to hold.
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Acts 25:26
of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after examination I may have something to write.
Festus admits his lack of a clear charge against Paul, showing why he specifically sought Agrippa’s expertise in Jewish law and customs.
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Acts 26:1
Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.
This moment marks the beginning of Paul’s formal defense before royalty, shifting the narrative from legal procedure to personal witness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Agrippas in the Bible?
Did King Agrippa become a Christian?
Why is Agrippa important in the book of Acts?
What does Agrippa’s name mean?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 1 books)
Acts 12 verses
Now when some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
Acts 25:22Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”
Acts 25:23So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing…
Acts 25:24Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom all the multitude of…
Acts 25:26of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before…
Acts 26:1Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.
Acts 26:2“I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you today concerning all the things that I am…
Acts 26:7which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the…
Acts 26:19“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
Acts 26:27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”
Acts 26:28Agrippa said to Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?”
Acts 26:32Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”