Θευδᾶς (Theudas)
Theudas
Theudas
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Theudas appears only once in the New Testament, found in Acts 5:36 within Gamaliel’s speech to the Sanhedrin. It is a proper noun referring to a Jewish insurgent who led a group of about four hundred followers. The sources suggest the name may be a contraction of Theodorus, meaning "God-given," though its exact etymology remains uncertain.
Gamaliel mentions Theudas as a historical example to argue against violent opposition to the apostles, noting that such movements typically fade when their leader dies. While the historian Josephus records another figure named Theudas who rebelled around AD 44 under Claudius, scholars distinguish this individual from the one mentioned by Luke, placing Theudas’s activity earlier, likely near the end of Herod’s reign.
This single reference serves as a historical marker rather than a theological teaching. It illustrates how early Christian leaders contextualized their ministry within recent political unrest, using past failures of other rebels to counsel patience and divine sovereignty over human schemes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Theudas appears only once in the New Testament, tucked into a speech by Gamaliel in Acts 5:36. It is not a theological term but a historical reference to a failed rebel leader. Gamaliel uses this figure to show that human schemes, no matter how passionate, often crumble when they rely on human strength alone.
For your faith, this serves as a quiet reminder of the difference between God’s work and our own. When we try to force outcomes or lead movements based on our own power, we may find ourselves like Theudas—briefly noticed but ultimately passing away. True hope rests not in our ability to rally crowds, but in the sovereignty of God who guides history.
This single mention encourages patience. It reminds us that we do not need to fight for our cause with worldly methods. Instead, we can trust that God’s purposes stand firm, while human efforts fade. This brings peace to those who feel pressured to prove themselves or control outcomes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Theudas1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Θευδᾶς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 5:36
For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves. He was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed and came to nothing.
This verse identifies Theudas as a failed rebel leader whose movement collapsed after his death, serving as Gamaliel’s example of human schemes that do not endure.