Bible Dictionary
Damaris
Damaris was an Athenian woman who believed Paul’s message at the Areopagus. Scripture does not establish that she was the wife of Dionysius, though later tradition proposed this.
Definition
Damaris was an Athenian woman who became a Christian through Paul’s preaching.
Biblical Usage
She is named among those who believed Paul’s message at Athens (Acts 17:34). Scripture does not say that she was the wife of Dionysius the Areopagite.
Historical Background
Some later interpreters supposed a marital relationship with Dionysius because the two are mentioned together, but the supplied material regards that conclusion as probably erroneous.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A heifer, an Athenian woman converted to Christianity under the preaching of Paul (Acts 17:34). Some have supposed that she may have been the wife of Dionysius the Areopagite.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(a heifer), an Athenian woman converted to Christianity by St. Paul’s preaching. (Acts 17:34) (A.D 48.) Chrysostom and others held her to have been the wife of Dionysius the Areopagite.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>dam'-a-ris (Damaris, possibly a corruption of damalis, "a heifer"): The name of a female Christian of Athens, converted by Paul's preaching (Ac 17:34). The fact that she is mentioned in this passage together with Dionysius the Areopagite has led some, most probably in error, to regard her as his wife. The singling out of her name with that of Dionysius may indicate some personal or social distinction. Compare Ac 17:12.</p>