Αἴγυπτος (Aiguptos)
Aiguptos
Egypt
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Aiguptos simply names the country of Egypt, the land along the Nile in northeast Africa. In the New Testament it appears twenty-three times, mostly in Acts and Matthew. It serves as a concrete geographic marker for real events, such as the Holy Family’s flight to escape Herod (Matthew 2:13) or Stephen’s recounting of Israel’s history (Acts 7:9-39).
Its most striking feature is a metaphorical shift in Revelation. In that book, Jerusalem is called "Egypt" because it stands hostile to God and kills his witnesses (Revelation 11:8). This usage draws on the Old Testament pattern where Egypt represents oppression and slavery, likening the city’s persecution of the early church to the Egyptians’ treatment of Israel.
The word’s origin is uncertain, though some ancient sources suggested a meaning related to "double straits." Regardless of its etymology, the term carries heavy theological weight. It reminds readers that Egypt is not just a place on a map but a symbol of bondage from which God delivers his people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Egypt appears often in Scripture as a real place along the Nile, but it carries a deeper weight for your faith. In Matthew’s Gospel, Joseph takes Jesus there to hide from Herod, fulfilling an ancient prophecy that God would call His Son out of Egypt. This moment shows that even in flight and fear, God is guiding history. Your own seasons of uncertainty are held by the same faithful hand that protected the Holy Family.
The New Testament also uses Egypt as a symbol of bondage from which God delivers His people. Hebrews reminds us that Moses chose suffering with Christ over the treasures of Egypt, showing that true wealth lies in faithfulness. When Revelation calls Jerusalem 'Egypt,' it warns against spiritual oppression, yet points to the hope of deliverance. This word invites you to trust that God brings life out of confinement and purpose out of exile.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Egypt13×
- of Egypt5×
- Egypt,3×
- of Egypt,2×
- Egypt;1×
- Egypt.’1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Αἴγυπτον7×
- Αἰγύπτου6×
- Αἰγύπτῳ4×
- Αἴγυπτον,3×
- Αἰγύπτου,2×
- Αἴγυπτος,1×
- Αἴγυπτον·1×
- Αἴγυπτον.¶1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 2:15
and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
This verse explicitly links Jesus’ stay in Egypt to the prophecy 'Out of Egypt I called my son,' framing His life as a recapitulation of Israel’s history.
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Hebrews 11:26
considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
Moses is praised for valuing the reproach of Christ above Egyptian treasures, highlighting the spiritual priority of faith over worldly power.
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Acts 7:34
I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning. I have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you into Egypt.’
Stephen recounts God’s declaration of seeing the affliction in Egypt, emphasizing divine awareness and the intent to deliver His people from suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Egypt symbolize in the New Testament?
Why did Jesus go to Egypt?
How is Egypt mentioned in Acts?
Every Occurrence (23 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…
Matthew 2:14He arose and took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt,
Matthew 2:15and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet,…
Matthew 2:19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,