Νῶε

Noah

Definition

Νῶε is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name 'Noah,' referring to the righteous patriarch from Genesis 5-9. In the New Testament, he is consistently presented as a historical figure of faith and a preacher of righteousness (Hebrews 11:7, 2 Peter 2:5). He is also used typologically by Jesus as a figure whose generation was caught unprepared by the flood, paralleling the suddenness of the Son of Man's return (Matthew 24:37-38, Luke 17:26-27). Furthermore, his role in saving his family through the ark serves as a type of Christian baptism (1 Peter 3:20).

Biblical Usage

Νῶε is used eight times in the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, an epistle, and a general letter. In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus uses Noah as a historical analogy for eschatological unpreparedness (Matthew 24:37-38, Luke 17:26-27). In Hebrews 11:7, he is a premier example of faith and obedience. The Petrine letters highlight his roles as a 'preacher of righteousness' (2 Peter 2:5) and the one through whom God patiently waited, connecting the ark's salvation to baptism (1 Peter 3:20).

Etymology

Νῶε is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name נֹחַ (Noach), meaning 'rest' or 'comfort' (Genesis 5:29). It entered the Greek language through the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), retaining the exact form and referent of the Hebrew patriarch. No native Greek etymology or root words apply, as it is a borrowed proper name.

Semantic Range

Noah is a theologically rich figure representing covenant faithfulness, divine judgment, and salvation. His story underpins the doctrine of God's patience and justice (1 Peter 3:20, 2 Peter 2:5). As a type of Christ, he saves his household through an ark, prefiguring Christian salvation through the church. Jesus' use of Noah establishes a biblical theology of judgment and the urgency of repentance. Understanding the Greek ensures readers connect the New Testament references directly to the Septuagint's portrayal of Noah.

For Greek-speaking Jewish and early Christian audiences familiar with the Septuagint, 'Νῶε' would immediately evoke the complete Genesis narrative—the flood, the ark, the covenant, and his righteousness. This cultural shorthand allowed New Testament authors to reference complex themes (judgment, salvation, faithfulness) with a single name. The modern reader may lack this immediate narrative connection, needing to recall the Old Testament story to grasp the New Testament allusions fully.

There are no direct synonyms, as it is a proper name. Theologically, he is associated with concepts like: dikaiosynē (δικαιοσύνη, G1343) — righteousness, which he preached; pistis (πίστις, G4102) — faith, which he exemplified; and sōtēria (σωτηρία, G4991) — salvation, which his ark provided.

Word Details

Scripture References