"Silas, pr. name, in Luke, Acts 15:22; see Σιλουανός"
Definition and meaning
Silas, pr. name, in Luke, Acts 15:22; see Σιλουανός
In the original Greek the word is written: Σίλας
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 silas (G4609) across the King James Bible.
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
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Common questions
Strong's G4609 (silas) is a Greek word that means: Silas, pr. name, in Luke, Acts 15:22; see Σιλουανός It appears 13 times in the King James Bible.
The word silas (G4609) appears 13 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4609 is silas, a Greek word defined as: Silas, pr. name, in Luke, Acts 15:22; see Σιλουανός. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
silas is a Greek word found in the New Testament.