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Σίλας

Sílas

G4609 noun

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain personal name, proper noun

Definition

A personal name; specifically, Silas, an early associate and companion of Paul in the apostolic mission. The name itself does not carry a lexical meaning outside of its function as a proper noun.

Semantic Range

personal name, companion of Paul, early assembly leader

Root / Etymology

The name Σίλας appears to be a Greek variant or contraction of the Latin Silvanus (Σιλουανός), though some suggest an Aramaic or Hebrew origin (possibly related to שָׁאוּל, Sha'ul/Saul, or the Aramaic שִׁילָא, Shila). Its precise derivation is debated; etymology uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Σίλας is attested in Acts and Pauline literature as a prominent figure in the earliest assemblies of the followers of Jesus, serving as a companion of Paul and leader among the brothers (Acts 15–18). In some New Testament passages, the same individual is referred to as Silvanus (Σιλουανός), likely the Latinized form of the name. The Septuagint does not use this name, and it does not appear in earlier Greek literature. While traditional English translations render Σίλας as 'Silas,' this is a transliteration, not a translation of meaning. The dual forms (Silas/Silvanus) reflect the mingling of Greek and Latin personal names in the Roman East. Unlike other biblical names, Σίλας cannot be analyzed for lexical meaning in the way common nouns or verbs can; it is purely a proper noun. Its occurrence is restricted to the context of early Jesus movement literature, with no independent usage in classical Greek.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

contraction for Σιλουανός; Silas, a Christian:--Silas.

Root Family

Σίλας (Silas) — personal name, proper noun

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4609-02 Σιλᾶν silan N ACC M SG Silas Silas Silas 6
G4609-03 Σιλᾶς silas N NOM M SG Silas Silas Silas 4
G4609-01 Σίλᾳ sila N DAT M SG Silas to Silas Silas 3

Occurrences in Scripture

13 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4609-02 Acts 15:22 Σιλᾶν silan N ACC M SG Silas Silas Silas
G4609-02 Acts 15:27 Σιλᾶν silan N ACC M SG Silas Silas Silas
G4609-03 Acts 15:32 Σιλᾶς silas N NOM M SG Silas Silas Silas
G4609-01 Acts 15:34 Σίλᾳ sila N DAT M SG Silas to Silas Silas
G4609-02 Acts 15:40 Σιλᾶν silan N ACC M SG Silas Silas Silas
G4609-02 Acts 16:19 Σιλᾶν silan N ACC M SG Silas Silas Silas
G4609-03 Acts 16:25 Σιλᾶς silas N NOM M SG Silas Silas Silas
G4609-01 Acts 16:29 Σιλᾷ sila N DAT M SG Silas to Silas Silas
G4609-01 Acts 17:4 Σιλᾷ sila N DAT M SG Silas to Silas Silas
G4609-02 Acts 17:10 Σιλᾶν silan N ACC M SG Silas Silas Silas
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