Ἑβραϊκός (Hebraikos)
Hebraikos
Hebrew
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective Hebraikos simply means "Hebrew." It is a straightforward descriptor used to identify language, culture, or origin. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 23:38.
In that specific instance, it modifies the title placed on the cross above Jesus. The inscription was written in three languages, and this word specifies the Hebrew version among them. This usage highlights the local linguistic context of Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion.
Because the term occurs so rarely, it does not carry complex theological nuances or a wide range of meanings. Its primary value is historical and linguistic, marking the presence of the Hebrew language in the New Testament narrative alongside Greek and Latin.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Hebraikos identifies the Hebrew language used on the sign above Jesus’ cross. In Luke 23:38, this inscription declared His kingship in three tongues. This detail grounds the gospel story in a real place and time.
For your faith, this reminds you that God’s truth is not hidden in abstract ideas. It speaks into specific cultures and languages. The message of Jesus’ identity was clear to everyone who passed by, regardless of their native tongue.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in Hebrew;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἑβραϊκοῖς·1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 23:38
An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
This verse uses Hebraikos to specify that the charge against Jesus was written in Hebrew, ensuring local Jewish readers understood the accusation.