Ποντικός
Pontikós
G4193 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Pertaining to Pontus, a region on the southern coast of the Black Sea; denoting someone or something originating from Pontus. Used primarily as an adjective to describe origin, often in reference to people ('of Pontus, Pontic'). Contextually, commonly designates a person as a native or inhabitant of Pontus rather than a more general ethnic identity.
Semantic Range
originating from Pontus, pertaining to Pontus, native of Pontus, associated with Pontus (region)
Root / Etymology
Formed from Πόντος (Pontos), the name of the region, with the adjectival suffix -ικός indicating relation or origin ('from Pontus, belonging to Pontus').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Koine Greek and New Testament usage, Ποντικός appears as an ethnonymic adjective, signifying a connection to the region of Pontus, a coastal territory of northern Asia Minor bordering the Black Sea. The term does not imply specific ethnic, linguistic, or religious identity beyond geographic origin. In the New Testament, the related noun is used to indicate someone native to or originating from Pontus (Acts 18:2, 'Aquila, a man of Pontus'). English translations often render this as 'from Pontus' or 'of Pontus.' Unlike broader ethnonyms, Ποντικός is strictly geographic and is comparable in construction to other Greek regional adjectives (e.g., Μακεδονικός, Λυκαονικός). There is no evidence in Koine Greek sources of the term carrying any pejorative, honorary, or broader symbolic significance. In classical and Hellenistic literature, the usage remains likewise geographic, describing persons or items associated with that region. The adjective is not used to denote group or political affiliation beyond origin. It does not overlap with religious or cultural terms such as Ἰουδαῖος or Ἕλλην. Standard English translation traditions, using 'of Pontus,' accurately reflect the scope and limitations of the Greek term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Πόντος; a Pontican, i.e. native of Pontus:--born in Pontus.
Root Family
Ποντικός (Pontikos) — of Pontus, from Pontus, Pontic
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4193-01 |
Ποντικὸν | pontikon | ADJ.P ACC M SG |
a native of Pontus | a man from Pontus | a man from Pontus | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4193-01 |
Acts 18:2 | Ποντικὸν | pontikon | ADJ.P ACC M SG |
a native of Pontus | a man from Pontus | a man from Pontus |