λαός (laos)
laos
a people
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 139 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word laos refers to a people, specifically those bound by shared race, language, or common assembly. While it can denote any group gathered together, its most significant usage in Scripture follows the Old Testament tradition where it identifies Israel as God’s chosen nation. This distinguishes it from generic terms for population; laos carries the weight of identity and covenant, appearing frequently in Luke and Acts to describe both the historical people of Israel and the emerging community of believers.
Translators often render laos simply as "people," yet the context reveals a deeper theological distinction. When contrasted with ethnē (nations or Gentiles), laos highlights the unique status of God’s own group. The sources note that in passages like Matthew 27:25, the crowd is called laos, emphasizing their role as the national body rather than just a random mob. In the New Testament, this identity expands to include Christians, who are described as a "chosen people" or a "royal priesthood," continuing the lineage of Israel’s calling.
A notable feature of laos is its association with divine possession. Phrases such as "my people" or "the people of God" appear throughout Luke and Hebrews, signaling a special relationship with the Creator. This usage echoes the Septuagint, where laos translates the Hebrew am, reinforcing the idea that this group belongs to God. The term thus bridges the gap between ancient Israel and the church, presenting believers as the continuation of that historic people chosen for a specific purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word laos carries the weight of belonging. In Scripture, it is never just a random crowd; it describes a group bound by identity and covenant. When Jesus speaks of saving his laos, He points to a specific relationship where God knows His own by name. This concept moves beyond mere population statistics to reveal a personal connection between the Creator and those who trust in Him.
This understanding invites us into a story larger than ourselves. The biblical narrative shows this identity expanding from ancient Israel to include all who follow Christ. You are part of this continuing line, described as a chosen people with a royal calling. It is a comforting truth that your faith connects you to a historic community defined not by ethnicity, but by shared grace and divine purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 139 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- people82×
- people.15×
- people,15×
- peoples7×
- a people6×
- people;5×
- a people.2×
- peoples.1×
- peoples,1×
- people:1×
- people.’1×
- people!1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λαὸν27×
- λαοῦ25×
- λαὸς19×
- λαῷ16×
- λαοῦ,7×
- λαῷ.¶5×
- λαόν.5×
- λαῷ,4×
- λαόν,4×
- λαός3×
- λαόν·3×
- λαόν3×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:21
She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
This verse defines the core mission of Jesus as Savior for his specific covenant people.
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Luke 1:68
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people;
Zacharias praises God for visiting and redeeming his people, linking salvation to historical deliverance.
-
Luke 2:32
a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Simeon identifies Jesus as a light for the nations while also highlighting the glory of Israel, showing the dual scope of God's plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does laos mean in the New Testament?
How is laos different from other Greek words for people?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (139 verses across 14 books)
Matthew 15 verses
She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 2:4Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born.
Matthew 2:6‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah; for out of you shall come a governor who…
Matthew 4:16the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has…
Matthew 4:23Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing…
Matthew 9:35Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Good News of the…
Matthew 13:15for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; or else…
Matthew 15:8‘These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Matthew 21:23When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and…
Matthew 26:3Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high…
Matthew 26:5But they said, “Not during the feast, lest a riot occur among the people.”
Matthew 26:47While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and…
Matthew 27:1Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to…
Matthew 27:25All the people answered, “May his blood be on us and on our children!”
Matthew 27:64Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal…