Nazóraios (3480 in Strong's Concordance) is a noun in Ancient Greek that refers to an inhabitant from Nazareth. In most cases it simply states the Messiah would be born a Nazarene or that Jesus was a Nazarene.
There are two instances throughout the New Testament when being a Nazarene is used in a derogatory sense. In each case, the meaning seems to differ slightly. The first is by Nathanael of Cana, the son of Tolmai, when he asks if anything good ever came from Nazareth (John 1:46). The second is by Ananais, the Jewish high priest, when he refers to the Apostle Paul as the ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes (Acts 24:5).
The first insult seems to be directed primarily at the city, but the Bible never reveals why Nathanael made such a statement. Our best guesses are that the town was small and unremarkable, although others take it to much further ends. It is important not to become sidetracked by this minor detail, because the major detail is that Jesus Christ was prophesied to come from there and the claim of the gospel is that he did.
In the second instance, the insult seems to be directed at Paul as ringleader of the 'sect of the Nazerene,' who differ in their theological beliefs. Some take this example of being called a sect and run away with it; they say if you are not called a cult, persecuted for your beliefs, then you're not a true Christian. This line of thinking is clearly a stretch. However it is worth refuting this train of thought on the ground that our word, cult, is not the biblical term in question. Hairesis references any personal beliefs which Paul, and those who followed him, all held.
We see this clearly outlined throughout the narrative of Acts. Paul eventually clarifies that his 'sect,' as they called it, was part of Judaism. They worshipped the God of their fathers and believed everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets (Acts 24:14). The aspect of Paul's belief which earned him the title of 'ringleader of sect of the Nazarene' was his preaching to Gentiles that they could be grafted into God's true vine and be saved (Acts 26:21-23). This differs significantly from the reason most churches are called cults.
Related Terms
The following terms are often used in connection with Nazóraios:
Saddoukaios - a sect of Judaism
Pharisaios - a sect of Judaism
Areopagus - a Greek governing council
Nazarénos - a city in Galilee
Nazara - a native from Nazarene
Nazir - one who is consecrated
Nazar - to consecrate
Usage
Nazóraios is used 13 times across 13 verses. Below is a list of all references to Nazóraios in the New Testament.
And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Matthew 2:23 ESV
And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
Matthew 26:71 ESV
They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
Luke 18:37 ESV
They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.
John 18:5 ESV
So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
John 18:7 ESV
Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”
John 19:19 ESV
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—
Acts 2:22 ESV
But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
Acts 3:6 ESV
let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well.
Acts 4:10 ESV
for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”
Acts 6:14 ESV
And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’
Acts 22:8 ESV
For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
Acts 24:5 ESV
I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts 26:9 ESV
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