Ἀγρίππας

Agrippa

Definition

Agrippa refers to Herod Agrippa II, the last ruler of the Herodian dynasty, who was king over territories in northern Palestine and a client king of the Roman Empire. In the New Testament, he is the Agrippa before whom the Apostle Paul makes his defense in Caesarea (Acts 25:13–26:32). The name itself is a personal name and does not carry multiple senses; it consistently identifies this specific historical figure, the son of Herod Agrippa I and great-grandson of Herod the Great.

Biblical Usage

The name Ἀγρίππας is used exclusively in the Book of Acts, appearing 12 times within the narrative of Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea (Acts 25:13–26:32). It is used in direct address (Acts 26:2, 26:7), in third-person reference by other characters like Festus (Acts 25:24, 25:26), and by the narrator. The usage consistently establishes his royal authority and role as a Jewish ruler interacting with Roman officials during a legal proceeding.

Etymology

The name Ἀγρίππας (Agrippa) is of Latin origin (Agrippa), not Greek. It was a prominent Roman family name. The proposed Greek folk etymology, breaking it into ἀ- ('not') and a hypothetical root 'grippas' (perhaps implying 'wild horse'), is linguistically incorrect but reflects ancient attempts to interpret foreign names. It entered the Greek New Testament as a direct transliteration of the Latin name.

Semantic Range

Herod Agrippa II serves as a significant figure in the narrative of Acts, representing worldly political and religious authority before whom the gospel is proclaimed. His interaction with Paul (Acts 26:1-29) showcases the apostolic testimony presented to the highest levels of Jewish leadership and Roman client royalty. His response—'In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?' (Acts 26:28)—highlights a moment of near-persuasion by the power of the gospel, yet one that ultimately does not result in conversion, illustrating the varied responses to apostolic preaching.

Herod Agrippa II was a culturally complex figure: a Jew educated in Rome, granted royal authority by the Roman emperor, and entrusted with oversight of the Jerusalem temple treasury and the appointment of the high priest. His presence with his sister Bernice (Acts 25:13, 25:23) carried political weight and potentially scandalous rumors. To Luke's original audience, Agrippa represented the pinnacle of the compromised Herodian dynasty—a Jewish ruler with Roman power, embodying the political tensions of the first century.

βασιλεύς (basileus, G935) — The generic Greek word for 'king'; Agrippa is specifically identified by his personal name, but his office is that of a king. Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs, G2264) — His family dynasty name; Agrippa is a Herod, but the text uses his personal praenomen for specificity.

Word Details

Scripture References