ἐθνικῶς
ethnikōs
G1483 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In the manner of the nations; characteristically or in the fashion of non-Israelite peoples. The adverb describes conduct, practices, or ways that are typical of or associated with ἔθνη (ethnē), i.e., peoples or ethnoi outside the Israelite or Judean community. It often implies behavior deemed foreign or distinct from the normative customs of the Judean community.
Semantic Range
in a manner characteristic of non-Israelites, like the nations, as foreigners, according to the customs of the nations, in a pagan or non-Judean way
Root / Etymology
From the adjective ἐθνικός (ethnikos, 'of or pertaining to a nation/people'), itself derived from ἔθνος ('nation, people, ethnic group'). The adverbial ending -ῶς forms a manner adverb indicating 'in the way/manner of' those described by the root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in later Koine Greek, the term ἐθνικῶς is rare in extant Greek literature and primarily occurs in New Testament texts (e.g., Galatians 2:14). In this setting, it denotes living or behaving according to the customs of the ἔθνη (peoples/nations), often marking non-Judean or non-Israelite practices. The normative contrast is between Judean (Ἰουδαϊκῶς, 'in the Judean manner') and 'ethnic' or Gentile manners. Standard English translations often render ἐθνικῶς as 'like a Gentile' or 'after the manner of Gentiles,' but the meaning is broader: it refers to any conduct seen as characteristic of non-Israelite/nations' ways, rather than translating to a fixed ethnic or religious identity. In earlier Greek literature, related terms (ἔθνος, ἐθνικός) denote any people or nation distinct from one's own, but in Hellenistic and Roman-era Judean writing, ἐθνικός is often used for those outside the Judean cultural-religious community. Contrast with Ἰουδαϊκῶς ('in the Judean manner').
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from ἐθνικός; as a Gentile:--after the manner of Gentiles.
Root Family
ἔθνο- (ethnikōs) — people, nation, foreigner, non-Israelite
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1483-01 |
ἐθνικῶς | ethnikos | ADV |
like a Gentile | in a non-Israelite manner | in a non-Israelite manner | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1483-01 |
Galatians 2:14 | ἐθνικῶς | ethnikos | ADV |
like a Gentile | in a non-Israelite manner | in a non-Israelite manner |