Ἀγρίππας – Pronunciation Guide: ah-GRIP-pahs (emphasis on second syllable)
Basic Definition
Strong’s G67: Agrippas, a proper noun referring to Herod Agrippa II, the last of the Herodian kings who ruled various territories in Judea under Roman authority. He was the son of Herod Agrippa I and great-grandson of Herod the Great.
Word Study
- Part of Speech: Proper Noun
- Language Origin: Latin name adopted into Greek
- Etymology: Derived from Latin “Agrippa,” possibly meaning “born feet first” or “difficult birth”
Morphology:
- Ἀγρίππας (Agrippas) – Nominative singular
- Ἀγρίππα (Agrippa) – Genitive/Vocative singular
Word Origin & History
The name Agrippa has Roman origins, first gaining prominence through Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a close friend and general of Emperor Augustus. The Herodian dynasty adopted this name to show allegiance to Rome, with Herod Agrippa II being named after his father Agrippa I.
The name became significant in Jewish history through the Herodian dynasty, representing the complex relationship between Roman authority and Jewish governance in the first century CE.
Biblical Usage
Herod Agrippa II appears in the book of Acts as a key figure in Paul’s legal proceedings. As the last Herodian king, he possessed considerable knowledge of Jewish customs and laws, making him a uniquely qualified audience for Paul’s defense.
Key Passages:
Cultural Insights
Agrippa II held a unique position as both a Roman-appointed king and a nominal adherent to Judaism. His rule marked the end of the Herodian dynasty and coincided with the Jewish revolt against Rome in 66 CE. Despite his Jewish heritage, he sided with Rome during the revolt, exemplifying the complex political dynamics of the time.
Theological Significance
The encounters between Paul and Agrippa II demonstrate God’s sovereignty in bringing the gospel before rulers and authorities. Paul’s bold testimony before Agrippa shows how the Messiah’s message penetrated the highest levels of society, fulfilling Jesus’s words in Acts 9:15.
This interaction also highlights how knowledge of Scripture without faith is insufficient, as Agrippa, despite his familiarity with Jewish prophecies, stopped short of embracing the Messiah.
Personal Application
Agrippa’s response to Paul’s testimony—”Almost you persuade me to become a Christian”—serves as a powerful reminder that intellectual understanding must be accompanied by heart transformation. His story challenges us to move beyond mere knowledge to genuine faith and full commitment to the Messiah.
Related Words
- βασιλεύς (basileus) – king – See G935
- Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs) – Herod – See G2264
- ἡγεμών (hēgemōn) – governor – See G2232
Did you Know?
- Agrippa II was the last Herodian ruler and survived the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE
- He was only 17 years old when his father died
- He had the right to appoint the Jewish High Priest, showing his significant influence in Jewish religious affairs
Remember This
“From palace to prison court, God’s message reaches every heart—even kings must decide what to do with Jesus.”
