Δαμασκηνός
Damaskēnós
G1153 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
An inhabitant of Damascus; more generally, a person native to the city of Damascus or associated with it. The word primarily designates geographic origin or affiliation, with rare emphasis on civic or cultural identity. In certain contexts, it may function as an adjective (of or relating to Damascus).
Semantic Range
inhabitant of Damascus, native of Damascus, relating to Damascus, Damascene (person), Damascene (adjective referring to origin or connection with the city)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the placename Δαμασκός (Damaskos), with the adjectival suffix -ηνός (-ēnos) denoting belonging or origin. Thus, Δαμασκηνός means 'of Damascus' or 'Damascene'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Hellenistic and Roman-era usage, including the New Testament and contemporary Greek texts, Δαμασκηνός refers chiefly to residents or natives of Damascus, the prominent city in Syria. The term is used both substantively (for a person) and adjectivally. In the Septuagint, Δαμασκηνός is rare but appears in genealogical or descriptive lists to indicate an individual's place of origin. In the New Testament (Acts 9:2, 9:10, 22:5, 26:20; 2 Corinthians 11:32), the term strictly demarcates people residing in or associated with Damascus, without reference to ethnicity or religion. English Bible translations typically render it 'Damascene,' which adequately conveys the original meaning. There are no significant shifts in usage between earlier Greek literature and the Koine period, as the term's function remained tied to geographic identity. Related terms include Δαμασκός (the city) and similar forms for denizens of other cities (e.g., Ἀλεξανδρεύς for one from Alexandria). The term does not inherently imply ethnic, religious, or political allegiance beyond local connection to Damascus.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Δαμασκός; a Damascene or inhabitant of Damascus:--Damascene.
Root Family
Δαμασκηνός (Damaskēnos) — of Damascus, belonging to Damascus, from Damascus
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1153-01 |
Δαμασκηνῶν | damaskenon | ADJ.S GEN M PL |
of-the-Damascenes | of Damascenes | of Damascenes | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1153-01 |
2 Corinthians 11:32 | Δαμασκηνῶν | damaskenon | ADJ.S GEN M PL |
of-the-Damascenes | of Damascenes | of Damascenes |