Κύπριος (Kuprios)
Kuprios
Cyprus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective Kyprios simply identifies someone or something as originating from the island of Cyprus. In the New Testament, it functions as a straightforward geographic label rather than carrying deep theological weight. It appears only three times in the text, all within the book of Acts, where it serves to locate key figures and events in the early church’s expansion.
The word describes Barnabas as a "Cypriot" in Acts 4:36, establishing his background before he joins the Jerusalem community. It also appears in Acts 11:20, referring to men from Cyprus and Cyrene who began preaching in Antioch, and in Acts 21:3, where Paul’s ship lands on the island. These references help readers visualize the spread of the gospel from its Jewish roots into the wider Greco-Roman world.
While the term itself is plain, its usage highlights the diverse origins of early Christian leaders. By identifying Barnabas and others by their island home, the text underscores that the message of Jesus was being carried by people from various regions, not just Judea. The label grounds these biblical narratives in real places, reminding readers that the early church was inherently multicultural.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Kuprios simply means "Cypriot," pointing to the island of Cyprus. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, all within the book of Acts. It serves as a clear geographic marker, identifying people and places in the early spread of the gospel.
When we read about Barnabas being called a man of Cyprus by race, it reminds us that the early church was made up of people from many different backgrounds. This label grounds the biblical story in real locations, showing that the message of Jesus reached beyond Judea to diverse regions.
Seeing these specific places helps us visualise the journey of faith. It encourages us to remember that God uses individuals from every corner of the world to share His love. The diversity of origins in Acts reflects the universal nature of the Christian hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Cyprus1×
- a Cypriot1×
- Cypriot,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Κύπριος1×
- Κύπριοι1×
- Κυπρίῳ,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 4:36
Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,
This verse identifies Barnabas as a Cypriot, establishing his specific background before he joins the Jerusalem community.
-
Acts 11:20
But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Here the term highlights men from Cyprus and Cyrene who began preaching in Antioch, showing the gospel moving into new cultural spaces.
-
Acts 21:16
Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.
The word appears again to identify Mnason as an early disciple from Cyprus, linking Paul's journey to the island's early believers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word Kuprios mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Why is this word significant for understanding the early church?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Acts 3 verses
Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a…
Acts 11:20But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists,…
Acts 21:16Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we…