The term "Nazaraean" is closely associated with Jesus of Nazareth and His followers, often used interchangeably with "Nazarene." It originates from the town of Nazareth, where Jesus was raised, as noted in the Gospels. The term is significant in understanding the identity and mission of Jesus, as well as the early Christian community.

Biblical References:

1. Jesus of Nazareth: The most prominent use of the term is in reference to Jesus Himself. In Matthew 2:23 , it is written, "So He went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: 'He will be called a Nazarene.'" This passage highlights the fulfillment of prophecy, although the specific Old Testament reference is not directly quoted, suggesting a thematic fulfillment rather than a verbatim prophecy.

2. Early Christians: The term "Nazaraean" or "Nazarene" was also used to describe the early followers of Jesus. In Acts 24:5 , the apostle Paul is accused by Tertullus before the governor Felix: "We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect." Here, "Nazarene" is used to identify the early Christian movement, which was seen as a distinct sect within Judaism.

Theological Significance:

The designation "Nazaraean" carries theological weight, as it ties Jesus to His humble origins and fulfills the messianic expectations of the Old Testament. The town of Nazareth was not highly esteemed, as reflected in Nathanael's question in John 1:46 , "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" This underscores the unexpected nature of God's plan, choosing what is lowly and despised to accomplish His purposes.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Nazareth was a small village in the region of Galilee, and its association with Jesus highlights the humble beginnings of the Messiah. The term "Nazaraean" thus became a point of identity for Jesus and His followers, distinguishing them from other Jewish groups and emphasizing their connection to Jesus' earthly life and ministry.

Prophetic Fulfillment:

The use of "Nazaraean" in Matthew 2:23 is often discussed in terms of prophetic fulfillment. While no specific Old Testament prophecy explicitly states that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene, scholars suggest that it may refer to a broader theme of the Messiah being despised and rejected, as seen in passages like Isaiah 53. The term may also allude to the Hebrew word "netzer," meaning "branch," which is used in messianic prophecies such as Isaiah 11:1.

Conclusion:

The term "Nazaraean" serves as a significant identifier for Jesus and His followers, encapsulating themes of humility, fulfillment of prophecy, and the distinct identity of the early Christian community. It reflects the unexpected and transformative nature of Jesus' mission and the establishment of His kingdom.Nazaraean (14 Occurrences)

Matthew 2:23
and came and dwelt in a town called Nazareth; so that that should be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, He shall be called a Nazaraean.
(DBY)

Matthew 26:71
And when he had gone out into the entrance, another maid saw him, and says to those there, This man also was with Jesus the Nazaraean.
(DBY)

Mark 10:47
And having heard that it was Jesus the Nazaraean, he began to cry out and to say, O Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on me.
(DBY)

Luke 18:37
And they told him that Jesus the Nazaraean was passing by.
(DBY)

Luke 24:19
And he said to them, What things? And they said to him, The things concerning Jesus the Nazaraean, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people;
(DBY)

John 18:5
They answered him, Jesus the Nazaraean. Jesus says to them, I am he. And Judas also, who delivered him up, stood with them.
(DBY)

John 18:7
He demanded of them therefore again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus the Nazaraean.
(DBY)

John 19:19
And Pilate wrote a title also and put it on the cross. But there was written: Jesus the Nazaraean, the King of the Jews.
(DBY)

Acts 2:22
Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazaraean, a man borne witness to by God to you by works of power and wonders and signs, which God wrought by him in your midst, as yourselves know
(DBY)

Acts 3:6
But Peter said, Silver and gold I have not; but what I have, this give I to thee: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazaraean rise up and walk.
(DBY)

Acts 4:10
be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazaraean, whom ye have crucified, whom God has raised from among the dead, by him this man stands here before you sound in body.
(DBY)

Acts 6:14
for we have heard him saying, This Jesus the Nazaraean shall destroy this place, and change the customs which Moses taught us.
(DBY)

Acts 22:8
And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said to me, I am Jesus the Nazaraean, whom thou persecutest.
(DBY)

Acts 26:9
I indeed myself thought that I ought to do much against the name of Jesus the Nazaraean.
(DBY)

Nazaraean (14 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nazaraean (14 Occurrences). Matthew 2:23 and came
and dwelt in a town called Nazareth; so that that should ...
/n/nazaraean.htm - 10k

Nazaraeans (1 Occurrence)

/n/nazaraeans.htm - 6k

Wrought (186 Occurrences)
... Acts 2:22 Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazaraean, a man borne witness
to by God to you by works of power and wonders and signs, which God wrought ...
/w/wrought.htm - 37k

Entrance (190 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 26:71 And when he had gone out into the entrance, another maid saw
him, and says to those there, This man also was with Jesus the Nazaraean. ...
/e/entrance.htm - 37k

Demanded (40 Occurrences)
... opened?" (See NIV). John 18:7 He demanded of them therefore again, Whom
seek ye? And they said, Jesus the Nazaraean. (DBY). John 18 ...
/d/demanded.htm - 17k

Borne (172 Occurrences)
... Acts 2:22 Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazaraean, a man borne witness
to by God to you by works of power and wonders and signs, which God wrought ...
/b/borne.htm - 38k

Taught (134 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:14 for we have heard him saying, This Jesus the Nazaraean shall destroy
this place, and change the customs which Moses taught us. (DBY). ...
/t/taught.htm - 36k

Nay (92 Occurrences)

/n/nay.htm - 34k

Delivered (427 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus the Nazaraean. Jesus says to them,
I am he. And Judas also, who delivered him up, stood with them. (DBY YLT). ...
/d/delivered.htm - 35k

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