Κορνήλιος (Kornēlios)

Kornēlios

Cornelius

G2883 · Greek · New Testament · 9 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 9 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The name Kornēlios, or Cornelius, is a Latin loanword appearing exclusively in the New Testament book of Acts. It refers to a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea who commanded the Italian Cohort. Unlike other biblical figures with Hebrew names, this entry highlights the early expansion of the Christian message into the Gentile world through a high-ranking military officer.

Lexical sources identify him as a devout man who feared God and gave generously to the Jewish people. His story in Acts 10 marks a pivotal moment where the gospel crosses cultural boundaries, leading to his household receiving the Holy Spirit before baptism. The name itself, meaning "of a horn," likely symbolizes strength or prominence, fitting for a commander of an elite unit.

Translators consistently render this proper noun as Cornelius, preserving its historical identity. The nine occurrences in Acts focus entirely on his narrative arc: from his vision to Peter’s arrival and the subsequent inclusion of Gentiles in the church. This single name thus anchors one of the most significant theological shifts 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

The name Cornelius appears only in the book of Acts, yet it marks a turning point for the entire church. As a Roman centurion, he held significant social and military power, but his heart was oriented toward God. He is described as devout and generous, giving to those in need while seeking spiritual truth. This story shows that God looks beyond cultural boundaries and social status, inviting anyone who seeks Him into His family.

What makes Cornelius’s account so encouraging is the mutual openness between him and Peter. Neither man had a complete picture at first; both needed to learn from the other. When Peter arrived, he preached the gospel, and the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius’s household just as it had on the Jewish believers. This moment reminds us that faith is not about maintaining strict social barriers, but about welcoming others into the shared hope of Christ.

For your own life, this narrative invites you to look for God’s work in unexpected places. Just as a Roman officer was drawn to the message of Jesus, people around you may be searching for meaning in ways you might not anticipate. By living with generosity and openness, you become part of that same story of inclusion and grace.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Cornelius6×
Cornelius,2×
Cornelius!1×

Forms in the text

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

Κορνήλιος4×
Κορνηλίου2×
Κορνήλιος,1×
Κορνήλιε.1×
Κορνήλιε,1×

Key Verses

Acts 10:1
Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,

This introduction establishes Cornelius’s identity as a centurion in Caesarea, setting the stage for the gospel’s expansion into Gentile territories.
Acts 10:22
They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say.”

Here, his reputation as a righteous man who fears God is confirmed by Jewish witnesses, showing his respected standing before God and people.
Acts 10:31
and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God.

The angel’s message directly links his prayers and charitable gifts to God’s attention, highlighting that his devotion was already recognized by Heaven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Cornelius mean?

Cornelius is a Latin name that likely means 'of a horn,' symbolizing strength or prominence. It fits well with his role as a commander of the Italian Cohort, an elite military unit in the Roman army.

Why is Cornelius important in the Bible?

His story in Acts 10 is significant because it marks the first time the gospel is openly accepted by Gentiles without them first becoming Jewish proselytes. This event helped the early church understand that salvation was available to all nations.

What kind of man was Cornelius?

He is described as devout, God-fearing, and generous. He gave alms to the Jewish people and prayed regularly, showing a sincere desire to know God even before he met Peter or heard the full message of Jesus.

Every Occurrence (9 verses across 1 books)

Acts 9 verses

Acts 10:1

Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,

Acts 10:3

At about the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him,…

Acts 10:17

Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were…

Acts 10:21

Peter went down to the men, and said, “Behold, I am he whom you seek. Why have you come?”

Acts 10:22

They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the…

Acts 10:24

On the next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and…

Acts 10:25

When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him.

Acts 10:30

Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold,…

Acts 10:31

and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God.