Κλεοπᾶς

Cleopas

Definition

Κλεοπᾶς (Cleopas) is a proper name referring to a specific individual in the New Testament. He is identified as one of the two disciples who encountered the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus, as recorded in Luke 24:13-35. While walking and discussing the recent events in Jerusalem, they were joined by Jesus, whom they did not initially recognize. Cleopas is specifically named in Luke 24:18 when he responds to Jesus's question about their conversation. The name appears only in this narrative, and no other major senses or meanings are attested in biblical usage.

Biblical Usage

Κλεοπᾶς is used only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 24:18). It functions strictly as a personal name within the narrative of the post-resurrection appearance on the road to Emmaus. The usage provides a specific identity to one of the two disciples, anchoring the miraculous encounter in a historical, personal context. There are no patterns of usage across other books.

Etymology

Κλεοπᾶς is a Greek masculine proper name, likely a shortened form of Κλεόπατρος (Kleopatros), which means 'glory of the father' (from κλέος, kleos, 'glory, fame' and πατήρ, patēr, 'father'). It is a compound name common in the Hellenistic world. Some scholars have suggested a possible, though debated, identification with Clopas mentioned in John 19:25, but the linguistic connection is uncertain.

Semantic Range

While Κλεοπᾶς itself is a simple name, the narrative in which it appears is theologically significant. Cleopas represents the ordinary, questioning believer who walks with Jesus even in confusion. His story in Luke 24 illustrates key doctrines of Christ's resurrection, his patient teaching from Scripture (Luke 24:27), and the revelation of himself in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:30-31). Understanding that this is a specific, named individual enriches the reading by emphasizing the historical reality and personal nature of the resurrection appearances.

As a Greek name, Κλεοπᾶς reflects the Hellenistic cultural setting of first-century Judea, where Greek names were common alongside Hebrew/Aramaic ones. It signifies that the individual was part of a society influenced by Greek language and culture. The name itself carries the common Hellenistic value of seeking honor or glory (kleos). There is no significant difference in modern understanding of the name itself, though its cultural connotations of 'glory' are less prominent today.

Κλωπᾶς (Klōpas, G2832) — A similar-sounding name (Clopas) mentioned in John 19:25 as the husband of one of the women at the cross; possible variant or different individual.

Word Details

Scripture References