Σύρος (Suros)
Suros
Syrian
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Suros identifies a person from Syria, serving as the straightforward demonym for inhabitants of that region in the New Testament. It appears only twice in the Greek text, specifically in Luke 4:27 and Mark 7:26, where it functions to locate characters geographically rather than to convey complex theological ideas.
In these instances, the word provides essential context for the narrative setting. Luke uses it when Jesus mentions Naaman, a Syrian military commander, highlighting that even Gentiles from distant lands recognized the power of Israel’s prophets. Mark employs it to describe the Syrophoenician woman, noting her origin as she approaches Jesus in the region of Tyre and Sidon.
The term derives directly from the name for the land itself, Syria (G4947). Its usage is strictly descriptive, anchoring the stories in their historical and cultural reality without adding symbolic weight. Translators consistently render it simply as "Syrian," preserving the clear ethnic and geographic identification intended by the original authors.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Suros simply means 'Syrian,' identifying someone from that specific region in the ancient world. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, serving as a clear geographic marker rather than a complex theological term. It helps readers understand where characters come from and situates their stories within real historical settings.
One notable instance is found in Luke 4:27, where Jesus mentions Naaman, a Syrian commander. This reference highlights that God’s power and mercy extend beyond Israel to people from distant lands. It reminds us that faith and divine intervention are not limited by borders or national identity.
Understanding this word helps us see the broader scope of God’s work in the world. It encourages us to recognize the value of diverse backgrounds and the universal nature of God’s grace, which reaches out to all people regardless of their origin.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Syrian.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Σύρος.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 4:27
There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian.”
This verse uses Suros to identify Naaman as a Syrian commander, emphasizing that God's healing power extended to Gentiles outside Israel.