Μακεδών (Makedōn)
Makedōn
Macedonia
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Makedōn refers simply to a person from Macedonia, specifically an inhabitant of the Roman province in northern Greece. It functions as a straightforward ethnic identifier, appearing five times in the New Testament to describe individuals or groups associated with that region.
This term surfaces most frequently in Acts and Second Corinthians, anchoring the narrative in specific geographic locations. In Acts 16:9, it identifies the man from Macedonia who appears in Paul’s vision, while Acts 19:29 mentions Macedonians involved in the riot in Ephesus. The references in 2 Corinthians highlight the contributions of Macedonian believers to the collection for the saints.
The word carries no inherent theological weight beyond its geographical and cultural designation. It serves as a marker of origin, helping readers track the movement of the early church from Asia Minor into Europe. Translators consistently render it as "Macedonian," preserving the clear distinction between the people and their land without adding interpretive layers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Makedōn simply identifies a person from Macedonia, a region in northern Greece that became a crucial hub for the early Christian mission. When you read this term in Acts or Second Corinthians, it is not marking a theological shift but rather tracking the physical movement of the Gospel into Europe. It reminds us that faith travels through real places and real people.
In Acts 16:9, Paul sees a man from Macedonia urging him to cross over and help. This moment shows how God uses geography to direct His servants. The believers in this region were not just passive residents; they were active participants in the spread of the message, inviting others to join their work.
Later, in Second Corinthians, Paul speaks of the Macedonians’ generosity toward other churches. Their willingness to give despite their own circumstances highlights a practical faith that looks outward. This word helps us see the early church as a connected network, where people from different regions supported one another in love and shared purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to Macedonians,1×
- of Macedonia1×
- a Macedonian1×
- Macedonians,1×
- Macedonians1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Μακεδών1×
- Μακεδόσιν,1×
- Μακεδόνος1×
- Μακεδόνες1×
- Μακεδόνας,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 16:9
A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.”
This verse uses the term to identify the specific person in Paul’s vision who directs the missionary journey into Europe.
-
Acts 19:29
The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel.
Here it identifies Gaius and Aristarchus as companions of Paul, grounding the narrative in their actual geographic origin during a crisis.
-
II Corinthians 9:2
for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to those of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for the past year. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.
Paul mentions those of Macedonia to show how the readiness of the Corinthian believers was inspiring others across regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word Makedōn mean?
Why is this word important in the New Testament?
How is Makedōn used in Second Corinthians?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Acts 3 verses
A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him and saying, “Come over into…
Acts 19:29The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and…
Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus,…