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Κορίνθιος (Korinthios)

Korinthios

Corinthian

G2881 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The adjective Korinthios simply identifies something or someone as belonging to the city of Corinth. In the New Testament, it appears in three contexts: describing the letter addressed to the church there, referring to a specific individual from that city, and appearing in the title of the epistle itself.

Thayer’s lexicon notes its use for an inhabitant of Corinth, such as the man mentioned in Acts 18:8. The word carries no hidden theological weight or complex nuance; it is a straightforward geographic label. Translators consistently render it as "Corinthian," maintaining this clear, descriptive function across all occurrences.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

This word simply means "Corinthian," pointing directly to the city of Corinth and its people. It serves as a geographic label rather than a theological term, helping us identify who was involved in the early church’s history. When you see it in Scripture, it grounds the message in a real place with real people facing real struggles.

For your faith, this reminds you that God’s word is not abstract but spoken into specific communities. The Corinthian believers were known for their gifts and their conflicts, yet Paul wrote to them with love and correction. This shows that God meets us exactly where we are, in our messy, imperfect cities and relationships.

Whether reading about Crispus believing in the Lord or Paul addressing the church directly, these references connect you to a long line of Christians who sought to follow Jesus despite their challenges. It encourages you that your own context matters to God, and He uses ordinary places for His extraordinary purposes.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Corinthians2×
  • Corinthians,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Κορίνθιοι,1×
  • Κορινθίων1×
  • Κορινθίους1×

Key Verses

  • Acts 18:8
    Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized.

    This verse identifies Crispus and others as Corinthians, showing the word used for inhabitants who responded to Paul’s preaching with belief and baptism.

  • II Corinthians 6:11
    Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged.

    Paul directly addresses the recipients as Corinthians here, emphasizing his open heart and availability to this specific community despite their difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Korinthios mean in the Bible?

It is an adjective meaning "Corinthian," describing something or someone from the city of Corinth. It appears in the New Testament to identify people like Crispus or to address the church in that city.

Why is this word important for understanding the New Testament?

It helps locate the early Christian communities geographically and culturally. Knowing who the Corinthians were highlights the real-world context of Paul’s letters and Acts, showing how the gospel spread to major urban centers.

How is Korinthios different from other Greek words for people?

Unlike terms with deep theological or moral connotations, Korinthios is purely geographic. It simply identifies origin without adding spiritual judgment or praise, serving as a straightforward descriptor.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 3 books)