"Festus, pr. name, Acts 24:27; 25:1, 4, 12ff., 22ff.; 26:24f., 32*"
Definition and meaning
Festus, pr. name, Acts 24:27; 25:1, 4, 12ff., 22ff.; 26:24f., 32*
In the original Greek the word is written: Φῆστος
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of phestos (G5347) across the King James Bible.
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G5347 (phestos) is a Greek word that means: Festus, pr. name, Acts 24:27; 25:1, 4, 12ff., 22ff.; 26:24f., 32* It appears 13 times in the King James Bible.
The word phestos (G5347) appears 13 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5347 is phestos, a Greek word defined as: Festus, pr. name, Acts 24:27; 25:1, 4, 12ff., 22ff.; 26:24f., 32*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
phestos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.