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Νίγερ

Níger

G3526 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A personal name of Latin origin meaning 'black' or 'dark-skinned.' In the Greek text of Acts 13:1, Νίγερ is applied as an additional identifying name to 'Simeon' among a group of leaders in Antioch. Its primary function is as a descriptive byname, distinguishing an individual by physical appearance or background.

Semantic Range

personal name derived from 'black' or 'dark,' descriptive byname, nickname indicating physical appearance

Root / Etymology

From Latin 'niger' meaning 'black, dark-colored.' Borrowed directly into Greek as a loanword and used as a proper name or nickname. Not formed from native Greek morphology; originally a Roman Latin cognomen.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Νίγερ appears only once in the New Testament (Acts 13:1) as an epithet or byname for Simeon, one of the prophets and teachers in Antioch. Its use reflects the common ancient Mediterranean practice of employing bynames descriptive of physical features or origins. In Roman tradition, 'Niger' functioned as a cognomen to distinguish individuals of darker complexion. There is no indication in the text whether the name refers specifically to complexion, place of origin, or another identifying feature. The usage here reflects cultural contact between Latin and Greek speakers in the eastern Roman Empire. In English translations, the name usually appears as 'Niger' without gloss. Not to be confused with titles or terms of group identity; its use is strictly personal and descriptive in this context. The term is not a Greek ethnonym nor does it carry the later connotations found in subsequent languages or historical eras.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Latin origin; black; Niger, a Christian:--Niger.

Root Family

Νίγερ (Níger) — black, dark-colored, descriptive byname

Root uncertain black, dark-colored (as descriptor)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3526-01 Νίγερ niger N NOM M SG Niger Black Niger 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3526-01 Acts 13:1 Νίγερ niger N NOM M SG Niger Black Niger
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