Original Word: Ῥωμαῖος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: Rhómaios
Pronunciation: hro-MAH-yos
Phonetic Spelling: (hro-mah'-yos)
Definition: Roman; subst: a Roman citizen.
Meaning: A Roman; pertaining to Rome or its citizens.

Word Origin: Derived from Ῥώμη (Rhōmē), meaning "Rome."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Hebrew equivalents for Ῥωμαῖος, as it specifically refers to Roman identity and citizenship, a concept that is distinct to the Greco-Roman world and not present in the Hebrew Scriptures. However, the broader concept of foreign nations and rulers can be found in various Hebrew terms related to Gentiles and empires, such as גּוֹי (goy, Strong's H1471) for "nation" or "people."

Usage: The term Ῥωμαῖος is used in the New Testament to refer to individuals who are citizens of Rome or are associated with Roman identity and culture.

Context: The term Ῥωμαῖος (Rhōmaios) appears in the New Testament to denote individuals who are citizens of the Roman Empire, which was the dominant political and cultural power during the time of the early Christian church. The Roman Empire, with its capital in Rome, was known for its extensive reach, governance, and influence over the Mediterranean region and beyond.

In the New Testament, the term is used to highlight the Roman identity of certain individuals or groups, often in the context of legal and political matters. For example, in Acts 16:37, Paul asserts his rights as a Roman citizen: "But Paul said to the officers, 'They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Certainly not! Let them come themselves and escort us out.'" (BSB)

The Roman citizenship carried significant privileges, including legal protections and the right to a fair trial, which Paul utilized in his missionary journeys and legal defenses. The presence of Roman citizens in the narrative underscores the intersection of early Christianity with the broader Roman world, highlighting the spread of the Gospel across diverse cultural and political landscapes.

The term also appears in John 11:48, where the Jewish leaders express concern about the potential repercussions of Jesus' growing influence: "If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." (BSB) This reflects the tension between the Jewish authorities and the Roman government, as well as the perceived threat of Jesus' ministry to the established order.

Word Origin
from Rhómé
Definition
Roman
NASB Translation
Roman (5), Romans (6), Rome (1).

STRONGS NT 4514: Ῥωμαῖος

Ῥωμαῖος, Ρ᾽ωμαιου, ὁ, a Roman: John 11:48; Acts 2:10 (R. V. here from Rome); Acts 16:21, 37; Acts 22:25-27, 29; Acts 23:27; Acts 25:16; Acts 28:17. ((Polybius, Josephus, others); often in 1 and 2 Macc.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Roman, of Rome.

From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman (as noun) -- Roman, of Rome.

see GREEK Rhome

Forms and Transliterations

Ρωμαιοι Ῥωμαῖοι Ῥωμαῖοί Ρωμαιοις Ῥωμαίοις Ρωμαιον Ῥωμαῖον Ρωμαιος Ῥωμαῖος Ῥωμαῖός Ρωμαιους Ῥωμαίους Ρωμαιων Ῥωμαίων Rhomaioi Rhomaîoi Rhomaîoí Rhōmaioi Rhōmaîoi Rhōmaîoí Rhomaiois Rhomaíois Rhōmaiois Rhōmaíois Rhomaion Rhomaíon Rhomaîon Rhōmaion Rhōmaiōn Rhōmaíōn Rhōmaîon Rhomaios Rhomaîos Rhomaîós Rhōmaios Rhōmaîos Rhōmaîós Rhomaious Rhomaíous Rhōmaious Rhōmaíous Romaioi Rōmaioi Romaiois Rōmaiois Romaion Rōmaion Rōmaiōn Romaios Rōmaios Romaious Rōmaious

Links

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