Σίλας
Silas
Silas
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe name Silas (lemma Σίλας) is mentioned 13 times in the Bible. Given that its definition simply states "Silas," it is likely a proper noun, specifically a personal name. This name is of Greek origin and serves as the name of an individual who appears to have been closely associated with St. Paul and the early Christian community. The usage of Silas as a personal name suggests its significance lies in identifying an individual within the broader context of the story. Its frequency of occurrence (13 times) indicates its importance in the narrative, while the lack of an expanded definition or usage suggests that the name itself carries the majority of its meaning. Given its association with the apostle Paul and other key figures in the early Christian narrative, Silas could be seen as a significant figure in its own right, although its meaning as a personal name remains limited to its identification as "Silas."
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
13 total occurrences across the text
Then the brothers immediately sent out Paul to go as far as to the sea, and Silas and Timothy still stayed there.
Acts 15:22Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers.
Acts 15:27We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.
Acts 15:32Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.
Acts 15:34It seemed good however the to Silas to remain here.
Acts 15:40but Paul chose Silas and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.
Acts 16:19But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.
Acts 16:25But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 16:29He called for lights, sprang in, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas,
Acts 17:4Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the chief women.
Acts 17:10The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.
Acts 17:15But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him very quickly, they departed.
Acts 18:5But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.