Bible Dictionary
Grecian
A Grecian, or Hellenist, was a Jew of foreign birth or background who spoke Greek rather than the Hebrew or Aramaic commonly spoken in Palestine. Such Jews formed a distinct group in the early church.
Definition
A Grecian, or Hellenist, was a Jew by birth or religion who spoke Greek. The term especially described foreign Jews and proselytes, in contrast with Jews in Palestine who spoke Hebrew or Aramaic.
Biblical Usage
The term identifies a distinct Greek-speaking Jewish group in the early Christian community and in contrast with Hebrew-speaking Jews.
Historical Background
Greek-speaking Jews commonly came from foreign countries and differed linguistically from Jews who used the vernacular of Palestine. They formed a recognized social and religious group.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The term Grecian, or Hellenist, denotes a Jew by birth or religion who spoke Greek. It is used chiefly of foreign Jews and proselytes in contrast with the Hebrews speaking the vernacular Hebrew or Aramaean.—Bible Dictionary of Tract Society .