The name Niger appears only once in the Bible, as either the surname or the epithet of Simeon of Antioch (Acts 13:1). In the first century AD, the Levant and southern Anatolia (modern Turkey, where Antioch was situated) was a thoroughly international affair (Acts 2:9-11), and it's without doubt that black Africans were then as common as now.
Jewish communities had been common all over the Nile area from the time of David on, so it would not at all be a striking coincidence to find a black man named Simeon in Antioch. However, if there was a cultural stereotype about black people (which is probable) it was most likely based on the vast wealth of ancient African nations. But perhaps Simeon was not dubbed The Negro because of his skin tone, but rather because he owned half the town.
The name Niger literally means Black, but it signifies distinction and opulence. It may even have originated as epithet for the god Pluto, whose personal name means Rich Guy.
The Meaning of Niger in Latin
The Latin word niger did not only describe a striking physical feature (the word "negro", albeit somewhat politically incorrect in some cultures, is on an exact par with descriptive words like "red-head" or "big guy") but also described a glum mood, a sullen character or bad luck. More importantly: it personified death.
Niger was quite a common Roman surname ("cognomen") and so was widely found. Also, in eastern regions there were frequently found people named Niger, possibly from the Latin word. In terms of why a family might originally get the moniker, could be a range of reasons. Niger means not just black in Latin, but any dark color. It could potentially refer to wide variety of complexions.
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For example, Spaniards may have been considered "dark" to Romans in the early republic when surnames were being invented. The Romans did describe, for example, Ethiopians as black (niger), for example, the literary character Memnon is described that way. However, in the Roman world Niger did not carry an African connotation, and the many Niger families in Rome seemed to largely be considered no differently than any other families who were of Italic stock.
Furthermore, it should be noted that black has nothing to do with darkness (as all colors all equally dark, which is easily demonstrated by turning the light off). In fact, a white object is white because it reflects light of all wavelengths. A black object is black because it absorbs light of most wavelengths. In other words: since in the Bible light equals enlightenment and knowledge, white is the color of arrogance and unwillingness to be instructed, whereas black is the color of receptivity and openness.
Famous Figures Named Niger
Niger was a fairly common name in the Latin world.
- Sextius Niger was a Roman medical author from the time of Caesar Augustus (and thus a contemporary of Paul and Simeon Niger), who wrote on pharmacology (the effects of drugs and poisons).
- Another famous Niger is Pescennius Niger, who in 193 AD claimed Rome's imperial throne after the murder of emperor Pertinax and the auctioning off of the imperial title. Unfortunately for Pescennius Niger, a man named Septimus Severus did so too, and Severus had control over more legions than did Pescennius Niger.
| Name | Occupation/Role | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Simeon Niger | Biblical Figure | 1st Century AD |
| Sextius Niger | Roman Medical Author | Time of Caesar Augustus |
| Pescennius Niger | Claimant to Roman Imperial Throne | 193 AD |
NAMES OF GOD IN THE BIBLE AND THEIR MEANING....
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