The prompt below stems from the article at BSA by Robin Faith-Walsh here.
From Claude.ai on 5/5/25. Prompt: Provide a list of words in the time of Jesus that had meanings like “pneuma” as “spirit” or “ekklesia” as “voluntary association” or “church” but now theologians use them in very narrow meanings such as “gospel” now means a book.
I’d be happy to provide a list of key theological terms from the time of Jesus that had broader meanings in their original context but have since acquired more specialized or narrow theological definitions.
Important Greek Terms with Shifting Meanings
- Euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) – Originally meant “good news” or “reward for bringing good news” in secular Greek. Now primarily refers to the four canonical books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) that tell Jesus’s story.
- Christos (Χριστός) – Meant “anointed one” (a translation of the Hebrew “Messiah”) and could refer to kings, priests, or prophets. Now almost exclusively refers to Jesus as a proper name.
- Ekklesia (ἐκκλησία) – Referred to any public assembly or gathering of citizens in a Greek city-state. Now specifically means “church” as a Christian institution or community.
- Pneuma (πνεῦμα) – Meant “breath,” “wind,” or “spirit” in a general sense. Now often specifically refers to the Holy Spirit in Christian theology.
- Pistis (πίστις) – Meant “trust,” “confidence,” or “reliability” in general relationships. Now often narrowly understood as “faith” in a religious sense.
- Soteria (σωτηρία) – Meant “preservation,” “deliverance,” or “safety” from harm or danger. Now specifically refers to spiritual “salvation.”
- Dikaiosyne (δικαιοσύνη) – Meant “justice,” “righteousness,” or “right behavior” in general ethical terms. Now often specifically refers to “righteousness” in relation to God.
- Mysterion (μυστήριον) – Referred to secret rites or teachings in Greek religion. Now refers to Christian “mysteries” or sacraments.
- Parousia (παρουσία) – Simply meant “presence” or “arrival” of a person. Now specifically refers to the Second Coming of Christ.
- Apostolos (ἀπόστολος) – Meant “one who is sent” or “messenger” in general. Now specifically refers to the twelve disciples and Paul as “apostles.”
- Agape (ἀγάπη) – Was one of several Greek words for love, often meaning selfless love. Now specifically refers to Christian divine love.
- Parakletos (παράκλητος) – Meant “advocate,” “intercessor,” or “helper” in legal contexts. Now specifically refers to the Holy Spirit.
- Diatheke (διαθήκη) – Meant “will,” “testament,” or “covenant” in legal contexts. Now refers to the Old and New “Testaments” or “Covenants.”
- Metanoia (μετάνοια) – Meant “change of mind” or “afterthought” in general. Now specifically refers to “repentance” in a religious sense.
- Martys (μάρτυς) – Originally meant “witness” in a legal sense. Now often narrowly understood as “martyr” who dies for their faith.
These terms had broader, more flexible meanings in their original Greco-Roman context but have been given more specialized theological definitions through centuries of Christian tradition and interpretation.
