Νικάνωρ

Nikánōr

G3527 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Proper name: Nikanor. A personal name meaning 'victorious,' or 'conqueror,' given to men. In the New Testament, refers specifically to one of the Seven appointed in the Jerusalem assembly (Acts 6:5). The name is not a common noun but functions exclusively as a personal name derived from the idea of victory or conquest.

Semantic Range

proper name meaning 'victorious,' name of a man, personal name without adjectival or titular function

Root / Etymology

From the verb νικάω (to conquer, to overcome) and the common Greek masculine suffix -ωρ indicating agency or characteristic. The full etymology is νικάω + -ηνορ or -ανωρ, meaning 'victor' or 'one who conquers.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

Νικάνωρ is a well-established Greek personal name found throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods, attested in inscriptions and literary sources. Its usage in Acts 6:5 situates it within the context of diaspora Judeans bearing Greek names in early Christian groups; the name itself does not connote ethnic or religious identity. As a theophoric or aspirational name (desiring victory), it was common in Hellenistic societies. There is no evidence that Νικάνωρ had any specialized meaning within early assemblies beyond simply identifying the individual. English translations leave the name untranslated, using the transliteration 'Nicanor.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from νικάω; victorious; Nicanor, a Christian:--Nicanor.

Root Family

Νικάνωρ (Nikanōr) — to conquer, to be victorious, victor

Root νικ- to conquer, to be victorious

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3527-01 Νικάνορα nikanora N ACC M SG Nicanor Nikanor Nikanor 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3527-01 Acts 6:5 Νικάνορα nikanora N ACC M SG Nicanor Nikanor Nikanor