Category:Nazarene

Naz`a*rene", n. Etym: [l. Nazarenus, gr.

1. A native or inhabitant of Nazareth; -- a term of contempt applied to Christ and the early Christians.

2. (eccl. Hist.)

Defn: one of a sect of judaizing Christians in the first and second centuries, who observed the laws of Moses, and held to certain heresies.

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---excerpt from the Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Nazarene - This epithet (Gr. Nazaraios ) is applied to Christ only once (Matthew 2:23). In all other cases the word is rendered "of Nazareth" (Mark 1:24; Mark 10:47; Mark 14:67, etc.). When this Greek designation was at first applied to our Lord, it was meant simply to denote the place of his residence. In course of time the word became a term of reproach. Thus the word "Nazarene" carries with it an allusion to those prophecies which speak of Christ as "despised of men" (Isaiah 53:3). Some, however, think that in this name there is an allusion to the Hebrew netser, which signifies a branch or sprout. It is so applied to the Messiah (Isaiah 11:1), i.e., he whom the prophets called the Netse, the "Branch." The followers of Christ were called "the sect of Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5). All over Palestine and Syria this name is still given to Christians. (See NAZARETH.)