Σαμαρείτης (Samareitēs)
Samareitēs
Samaritan
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Samareitēs simply means a Samaritan, referring to an inhabitant of the region of Samaria rather than just the city itself. In the New Testament, it appears nine times, primarily in the Gospels of Luke and John, with a single mention in Matthew. The term identifies people by their geographic and ethnic origin, serving as a straightforward label for those living in that central part of Palestine.
While often used neutrally to describe individuals like the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:33 or the woman at Jacob’s well in John 4:9, the word carried significant social weight. It could function as an insult, as when Jesus’ opponents call him a Samaritan in John 8:48 to imply he is morally and religiously impure. This usage highlights the deep division between Jews and Samaritans, who viewed each other with suspicion and hostility.
Translators consistently render Samareitēs as "Samaritan," preserving the specific cultural identity without adding extra theological nuance. The word’s power lies in its context: it marks a boundary that Jesus frequently crossed, using Samaritans to challenge Jewish prejudices about who deserves mercy and who belongs to God’s people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Samareitēs identifies people from Samaria, a region with a long history of tension between Jews and their neighbors. In the New Testament, this label appears in moments that challenge social boundaries. Jesus does not shy away from these interactions; instead, He uses them to show that God’s care extends beyond ethnic lines or religious expectations.
Consider the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:33. Here, a traveler helps a stranger who was left for dead, breaking cultural barriers to show mercy. This act redefines what it means to be a neighbor. It is not about shared background, but about compassion in action.
When you encounter this word, remember that God’s love crosses every divide. Whether you feel like an outsider or part of the majority, you are known and valued by Him. His grace invites everyone to rest in His presence, offering peace that transcends human divisions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Samaritans2×
- with Samaritans.1×
- of the Samaritans1×
- of [the] Samaritans1×
- a Samaritan.1×
- a Samaritan1×
- Samaritans,1×
- A Samaritan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Σαμαριτῶν4×
- Σαμαρίτης2×
- Σαμαρῖται,1×
- Σαμαρίτης.¶1×
- Σαμαρίταις.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:33
But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion,
This verse highlights the Samaritan’s compassion for a Jewish stranger, directly challenging the cultural hostility between the two groups.
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John 4:9
The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, “How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
The woman points out the social barrier, noting that Jews typically avoid any interaction with Samaritans.
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John 8:48
Then the Jews answered him, “Don’t we say well that you are a Samaritan, and have a demon?”
Here the term is used as an insult by Jesus’ opponents to imply He is morally impure and outside God’s true people.
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Matthew 10:5
Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans.
Jesus initially restricts His disciples from entering Samaritan cities, showing a specific phase in His ministry focused on Israel.