Αἰθίοψ (Aithiops)
Aithiops
Ethiopian
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Aithiops refers to an Ethiopian or person from the region south of Egypt, historically known as Cush. Its etymology combines a word for "burning" with a term for "face," suggesting a description based on skin tone. In the Septuagint, this Greek term translates the Hebrew word for Cush, linking it to ancient African kingdoms.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 8:27. It describes an official serving under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. The text identifies him as a eunuch and treasurer, highlighting his high status despite being a foreigner. His journey to Jerusalem and subsequent encounter with Philip illustrate the early church’s expansion beyond Jewish boundaries.
Translators typically render Aithiops as "Ethiopian" or "African." The term carries no negative connotation in this context but rather serves as a geographical and ethnic identifier. It underscores the diverse nature of the early Christian community, where individuals from distant lands were included in the message of the gospel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Aithiops appears just once in the New Testament, marking a significant moment in Acts 8:27. It identifies an Ethiopian official who traveled to Jerusalem to worship. This single mention highlights how the early Christian message quickly reached people from distant lands and diverse backgrounds.
His story reminds us that God’s grace is not limited by geography or social status. As a high-ranking treasurer under Queen Candace, he held power yet sought spiritual truth. His encounter with Philip shows that the gospel invites everyone, regardless of origin, to find peace in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Ethiopians,1×
- an Ethiopian1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Αἰθίοψ1×
- Αἰθιόπων,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 8:27
He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship.
This verse uses Aithiops to identify a high-ranking official from a distant land, showing the gospel's reach beyond Jewish communities.