Ἀρεοπαγίτης (Areopagitēs)
Areopagitēs
Areopagite
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Areopagitēs identifies a member of the Areopagus council in Athens, a prestigious judicial body known for its wisdom and authority. In the New Testament, this title appears only once, referring to Dionysius, one of the individuals who believed Paul’s message after he spoke at Mars Hill (Acts 17:34).
Its meaning is strictly social and political rather than spiritual or moral. The word simply denotes a judge or magistrate serving on this specific Athenian court. By using this term, the text highlights that even a high-ranking official from a skeptical philosophical community responded to the gospel.
This single occurrence underscores the reach of early Christian preaching into educated, elite circles. It shows that the message was not confined to the marginalized but engaged with those holding significant civic power and intellectual influence in the Roman world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Areopagitēs points to a member of Athens’ highest court, a group respected for its wisdom and authority. In Acts 17:34, we meet Dionysius, an Areopagite who heard Paul speak at Mars Hill and chose to believe. This single name shows that the gospel reached not only ordinary people but also those in positions of influence and education.
For your faith, this reminds us that God’s message is for everyone, regardless of status or background. If a respected judge could be moved by the truth of Christ, then no one is too far gone or too proud to respond. The same Spirit that opened Dionysius’ heart is available to you today.
Let this encourage you in your own witness. You do not need perfect words or high status to share hope; simply being faithful to what God has shown you can touch those who might least expect it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Areopagite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀρεοπαγίτης1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 17:34
But certain men joined with him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
This verse uniquely identifies Dionysius by his official title, showing that the gospel reached high-ranking civic leaders in Athens.