Greek Word of the Day

Noun: καρδία (kardia), GK G2840 (S G2588), 156x. καρδία denotes the “heart.” The metaphorical use of this word dominates in the NT. καρδία covers the whole range of activities that go on within one’s inner self, including thinking (Mk. 2:6,8), grieving (Jn. 16:6), rejoicing (Jn. 16:22), desiring (Rom. 1:24), understanding (Eph. 1:18), and decision-making (2 Cor. 9:7). The center of one’s spiritual life is in the καρδία, where there may be temptation (Jn. 13:2), devotion (Lk. 12:34), faith (Rom. 10:9), or doubt (Lk. 24:38). Paul teaches that salvation is a matter of the heart (Rom. 10:9–10), but the human heart by itself cannot accomplish it (Eph. 2:8). The Lord must open the καρδία, enabling a person to respond to his grace (Acts 16:14).

Noun: ἔθνος (ethnos), GK G1620 (S G1484), 162x. ἔθνος means, “nation” and “Gentile.” In the latter sense, it refers specifically to all non-Jews, specifically those groups that do not profess faith in the God of Israel (Mt. 10:18; Acts 11:1; 14:5). By extension, ἔθνος also sometimes refers to non-Israelite Christians (Rom. 16:4; Gal. 2:12).

Noun: πόλις (polis), GK G4484 (S G4172), 163x. In the NT, πόλις refers mainly to a place of human inhabitation such as a “city, town, village.” The designation of Bethany as a πόλις points to the NT’s lack of distinction between “city” proper and “village” (πόλις) because Bethany is called a πόλις (GK G3267) in Mk. 8:23. Most significantly, Jerusalem is portrayed as “the holy city” (Mt. 4:5; 27:53; see also Rev. 11:2; 20:9). πόλις can also describe the inhabitants of a place (Mt. 8:34; 21:10; Mk. 1:33).

Noun: ὄχλος (ochlos), GK G4063 (S G3793), 175x. ὄχλος describes a large “crowd” or “multitude” of people. “When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake” (Mt. 8:18). In Revelation, ὄχλος denotes that great “multitude” that no one can number (Rev. 7:9; 19:1, 6). ὄχλος is also used as a “number” that can be quantified. “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7; cf. 11:24; 19:26).