Κυρηναῖος
Kurēnaios
Cyrene
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word Κυρηναῖος (Kurēnaios) is a proper noun referring to a person from Cyrene. With six occurrences in the Bible, it is likely to be a significant figure or event associated with this city. Cyrene was a major city in ancient Greece, located in what is now modern-day Libya. While we do not know the name of the specific individual associated with this word, it is clear that the context of the Bible will provide more information about its significance. The use of Kyrenaios in different settings may indicate a range of activities, relationships, or circumstances involving people from Cyrene. This word does not provide direct insight into the meaning of Cyrene itself, but its proper noun designation emphasizes its association with a place. Further study of Kurēnaios' occurrences in the Bible will likely reveal its role in various narratives and how it contributes to the broader story and themes of the text.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences across the text
As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might carry his cross.
Mark 15:21They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross.
Luke 23:26When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it after Jesus.
Acts 6:9But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.
Acts 11:20But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Acts 13:1Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.