Brief Overview of Ἀντιόχεια (Strong’s G490)

The Greek term Ἀντιόχεια (Antiochia) refers to several ancient cities named after the Seleucid king Antiochus. The most prominent of these cities include:

1. Antioch in Syria: A major city in the Roman province of Syria, known for its significant role in early Christian history, including being the place where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians.
2. Antioch in Pisidia: Located in the region of Pisidia in Asia Minor, it was an important city visited by Paul during his missionary journeys.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines Ἀντιόχεια as “Antioch,” referring to several cities named after the Seleucid kings. It specifically mentions Antioch in Syria and Antioch in Pisidia. The entry highlights their historical and geographical significance.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG provides a detailed account of the term, emphasizing Antioch in Syria as a major city with significant historical importance in the context of early Christianity. It also notes Antioch in Pisidia as a city visited by Paul, reinforcing its significance in the New Testament.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ gives a broad description of Antioch as a city name, mentioning Antioch in both Syria and Pisidia. The lexicon includes historical references and the significance of these cities in the ancient world.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s outlines the term Ἀντιόχεια as referring to various cities named Antioch. It highlights the importance of Antioch in Syria, particularly in early Christian history, and briefly mentions Antioch in Pisidia.

In summary, Ἀντιόχεια (Antiochia) refers to several ancient cities named after Antiochus. The most notable include Antioch in Syria, known for its early Christian significance, and Antioch in Pisidia, significant in Paul’s missionary journeys. Strong’s, BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s all provide insights into the historical and geographical importance of these cities.