Strong's Lexicon kratistos: Most excellent, most noble Original Word: κράτιστος Word Origin: Superlative form of the Greek word "kratys," meaning strong or mighty. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "kratistos," the concept of addressing someone with honor and respect can be seen in Hebrew terms like "אֲדֹנִי" (adonai, meaning "my lord") or "נָשִׂיא" (nasi, meaning "prince" or "leader"). Usage: The term "kratistos" is used as a title of respect and honor, often addressing individuals of high social or political standing. It conveys a sense of nobility, excellence, or superiority in rank or character. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, titles such as "kratistos" were commonly used to address officials, dignitaries, or individuals of high status. This reflects the hierarchical nature of ancient societies, where social rank and honorific titles were significant. The use of such titles in the New Testament indicates the early Christians' awareness of and engagement with the cultural norms of their time. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsuperl. from kratus (strong) Definition strongest, noblest NASB Translation most excellent (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2903: κράτιστοςκράτιστος, κρατίστη, κράτιστον, superlative of the adjective κρατύς (κράτος) (from (Homer) Pindar down), mightiest, strongest, noblest, most illustrious, best, most excellent: vocative κράτιστε used in addressing men of conspicuous rank or office, Acts 23:26; Acts 24:3; Acts 26:25, (Otto, De ep. ad Diognetum etc. Jena 1845, p. 79ff, and in his Epist. ad Diognet. Leips. edition, p. 53f, has brought together examples from later writings). Perhaps also it served simply to express friendship in Luke 1:3 (as in Theophrastus, char. 5; Dionysius Halicarnassus, de oratt. 1; Josephus, Antiquities 4, 6, 8), because in Acts 1:1 it is omitted in addressing the same person. Cf. Grimm in Jahrbb. f. deutsche Theol. for 1871, p. 50f. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance most excellent, noble. Superlative of a derivative of kratos; strongest, i.e. (in dignity) very honorable -- most excellent (noble). see GREEK kratos Forms and Transliterations κράτιστα κρατίστας κρατιστε κράτιστε κρατίστη κρατίστοις κράτιστον κρατιστω κρατίστω κρατίστῳ kratiste krátiste kratisto kratistō kratístoi kratístōiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 1:3 Adj-VMSGRK: σοι γράψαι κράτιστε Θεόφιλε NAS: [it] out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; KJV: in order, most excellent Theophilus, INT: to you to write most excellent Theophilus Acts 23:26 Adj-DMS Acts 24:3 Adj-VMS Acts 26:25 Adj-VMS Strong's Greek 2903 |
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