Βερνίκη (Bernikē)
Bernikē
Bernice
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Bernice is a proper name found in the New Testament, appearing three times in the book of Acts. The Greek form Bernikē corresponds to the more common Berenice, a name derived from elements meaning "bringing victory." She was the eldest daughter of Herod Agrippa I and the sister of Agrippa II.
Historical records place her in a complex family dynamic. After the death of her first husband, she lived with her brother Agrippa II under public suspicion. The biblical narrative mentions her visiting the Roman governor Festus alongside Agrippa to hear the case of the Apostle Paul (Acts 25:13; 26:3). These passages highlight her status as a royal figure interacting with Roman authority during a pivotal moment in early Christian history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Bernice appears briefly in the book of Acts, yet her presence offers a quiet reminder that faith often intersects with history in unexpected ways. She was a royal figure, sister to King Agrippa and daughter of Herod Agrippa I, living in a time when power and politics shaped daily life. Her name, meaning "bringing victory," might suggest triumph, but the biblical text places her not on a battlefield, but in a courtroom.
In Acts 25 and 26, she visits Caesarea with her brother to observe the proceedings against Paul. This was no ordinary visit; it involved Roman governors, military officers, and a prisoner who would soon share his testimony with kings. Bernice’s presence shows that even those outside the early church community were drawn into the unfolding story of the gospel. Her life reminds us that God’s work reaches into every sphere of influence, whether we are in the palace or the prison.
While we know little of her personal faith journey, her inclusion in Scripture highlights how ordinary moments can become part of a larger divine narrative. It invites reflection on how our own lives, with all their complexities and relationships, might be used to witness to truths greater than ourselves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bernice3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Βερνίκη2×
- Βερνίκης1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 25:13
Now when some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
This verse introduces Bernice into the narrative as she arrives in Caesarea with her brother Agrippa, setting the stage for Paul’s hearing before royalty.
-
Acts 25:23
So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing with the commanding officers and the principal men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.
Here, Bernice is described arriving with "great pomp," emphasizing the political weight and public spectacle surrounding Paul’s trial.
-
Acts 26:30
The king rose up with the governor and Bernice, and those who sat with them.
Bernice rises alongside the king and governor after Paul’s defense, marking the end of the hearing and her direct engagement with the apostle’s message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bernice in the Bible?
What does the name Bernice mean?
Why is Bernice mentioned in Acts?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Acts 3 verses
Now when some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
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 26:30The king rose up with the governor and Bernice, and those who sat with them.