Brief Overview of Κιλικία (Strong’s G2791: Kilikia)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies can provide a deeper comprehension of historical, cultural, and theological contexts. The word Κιλικία (Kilikia), or “Cilicia” in English, is a significant geographical term that appears in the New Testament. Cilicia was an important Roman province in Asia Minor, known today as a region in modern-day Turkey. Mentioned in Acts 6:9, Κιλικία is notable for its relevance to the Apostle Paul, who was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia. This connection makes the term crucial for understanding Paul’s background and his role in spreading early Christianity.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Κιλικία, transliterated as Kilikia [kee-lee-KEE-ah].

Etymology: The etymology of Κιλικία is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from the ancient Anatolian region or the people known as the “Cilicians.” The exact origin of the name remains unclear, but it is associated with ancient regional and cultural identifiers.

Part of Speech: Κιλικία is a proper noun, specifically a feminine singular noun, used to denote a geographical location. It follows the first declension pattern in Greek grammar, typical for feminine nouns.

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Defining Meanings

The primary meaning of Κιλικία is “Cilicia,” referring to a historical region and Roman province located in southeastern Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The area was known for its strategic coastal location, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between the East and West.

Cilicia also held significance in the context of the early Christian church. It was the birthplace of Paul the Apostle and played a role in his missionary journeys. Understanding the geographical and cultural backdrop of Cilicia helps in comprehending the spread of Christianity in the Mediterranean world.

Exploring Similar Words

Another related term is Συρία (Syria) [sy-REE-ah], which also denotes a geographical region bordering Cilicia. While both were Roman provinces, Syria was located further to the south and east of Cilicia and was known for its unique blend of Hellenistic and Semitic cultures.

The word Ἀσια (Asia) [AH-see-ah] refers to the Roman province of Asia, also in Asia Minor. Unlike Cilicia, which was more rugged and mountainous, Asia was known for its fertile valleys and more developed cities. Both regions were key areas for early Christian evangelism.

A similar term is Παμφυλία (Pamphylia) [pam-fy-LEE-ah], another region in Asia Minor. While Cilicia and Pamphylia were adjacent regions, Cilicia was more strategically important due to its trade routes and the city of Tarsus.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Κιλικία is a feminine noun. It appears in various cases, such as nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative, depending on its grammatical role in a sentence. For example:

• Nominative Singular: Κιλικία (Cilicia)
• Genitive Singular: Κιλικίας (of Cilicia)
• Dative Singular: Κιλικίᾳ (to Cilicia)
• Accusative Singular: Κιλικίαν (Cilicia)

Declension: Κιλικία follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns in Greek. Here is its declension:

For a more comprehensive understanding of Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Κιλικία is consistently recognized across lexicons as the historical region of Cilicia, significant for its role in the Roman Empire and early Christian history. In the New Testament context, it is closely linked to Paul the Apostle, whose birthplace, Tarsus, was a major city in Cilicia. This connection emphasizes Cilicia’s importance in the narrative of early Christian evangelism and the spread of the Gospel. Cilicia’s mention in various contexts, including Jewish synagogues and Paul’s missionary routes, highlights its diverse cultural and religious environment. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Acts 6:9: “But some of those who were from the synagogue of the Freedmen (including Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia [Κιλικίας] and Asia) stood up and argued with Stephen.”

Acts 15:41: “And he went through Syria and Cilicia [Κιλικίαν], strengthening the churches.”

Acts 21:39: “But Paul said, ‘I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia [Κιλικίας], a citizen of no ordinary city.'”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

Κιλικία (Cilicia) is a key geographical term in the New Testament that connects with the life and ministry of Paul the Apostle. Its strategic importance in the Roman Empire, combined with its role in the spread of early Christianity, makes understanding this term crucial for Biblical studies. The region’s diverse culture and history add depth to the New Testament narrative, particularly in understanding the early Christian church’s multicultural dynamics.

Did You Know?

Cilicia was famous for its “Cilician Gates,” a narrow pass through the Taurus Mountains that was crucial for trade and military movements.

Paul’s Roman citizenship is often associated with his birthplace, Tarsus, a major city in Cilicia, which gave him certain legal privileges and protections.

Cilicia was home to several Jewish communities, as evidenced by its mention in Acts 6:9 regarding a synagogue of the Freedmen, showing the cultural and religious diversity of the region.