G9

Ἀβιληνή (Abilene):
The Greek word “Ἀβιληνή” (Abilene) refers to a geographical region located in the vicinity of Mount Hermon, near Damascus. It is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the governance during the time of John the Baptist and Jesus’ early ministry. Abilene was under the jurisdiction of a tetrarch named Lysanias.

Detailed Overview Incorporating Other Concordances

Ἀβιληνή (Abilene):

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1. Strong’s Concordance:

• Meaning: According to Strong’s Concordance (G9), “Ἀβιληνή” is a region of Syria, situated near Mount Hermon and Damascus. It is historically significant for its mention in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 3:1), which places the ministry of John the Baptist within the broader political landscape of the time. Abilene was ruled by a tetrarch named Lysanias during the period of Jesus’ early ministry.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Meaning: Thayer’s Lexicon provides additional details about “Ἀβιληνή,” describing it as a district located in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. Thayer’s emphasizes the historical and political context of Abilene, noting its governance by Lysanias. The lexicon also highlights its mention in the New Testament, underscoring its relevance to the chronology of John the Baptist’s ministry.

1. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:

• Meaning: Vine’s Dictionary discusses “Ἀβιληνή” as a geographical term used in the New Testament. It elaborates on the region’s location near Damascus and its historical governance by Lysanias. Vine’s emphasizes that Abilene’s mention in Luke 3:1 helps to situate the biblical narrative within a specific historical framework, providing context for the events described in the Gospels.

1. Louw-Nida Greek-English Lexicon:

• Meaning: The Louw-Nida Lexicon categorizes “Ἀβιληνή” under geographical terms and highlights its significance in the New Testament. It defines Abilene as a district in the vicinity of Mount Hermon, ruled by Lysanias. The lexicon notes that the region’s mention in the Gospel of Luke serves to anchor the narrative in a historical and political setting, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the period.

1. Moulton-Milligan Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament:

• Meaning: Moulton-Milligan discusses “Ἀβιληνή” as a term referring to a specific region in Syria. This vocabulary highlights the historical governance of the region by Lysanias and its proximity to significant locations such as Mount Hermon and Damascus. Moulton-Milligan underscores the importance of geographical references like Abilene in providing context for the New Testament narrative, particularly in the Gospel of Luke.

Summary:
“Ἀβιληνή” (Abilene) is a region near Mount Hermon and Damascus, mentioned in the New Testament to situate the ministry of John the Baptist and the early events of Jesus’ life within a specific historical and political context. Various concordances, including Strong’s, Thayer’s, Vine’s, Louw-Nida, and Moulton-Milligan, highlight its location, governance by the tetrarch Lysanias, and its significance in providing a historical backdrop for the Gospel narratives. Abilene’s mention in Luke 3:1 helps to anchor the biblical story within the broader political landscape of the time, enriching the reader’s understanding of the period.