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Unveiling the Word
In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words is crucial for grasping the full meaning of the Scriptures. One such word is Λασαία (Lasia), which appears in Acts 27:8. This word refers to a specific location on the island of Crete, significant in the context of Paul’s journey to Rome. Studying this term helps in understanding the geographical and cultural context of the New Testament and gives insight into the setting of the early Christian missionary activities. Λασαία (Lasia) illustrates the importance of knowing ancient place names and their implications for interpreting Biblical narratives.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: Λασαία (Lasia) [pronunciation: lah-SAH-yah].
Etymology: The word Λασαία does not have a known etymological root in classical Greek. It is a proper noun that designates a specific geographical location, a town or area on the southern coast of Crete.
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Part of Speech: Noun, proper noun. As a proper noun, Λασαία is a place name and does not change form or have declension in the same way common nouns do. It refers specifically to the location mentioned in Acts 27:8.
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Defining Meanings
1. Lasia (Proper Noun – Place Name): The primary meaning of Λασαία (Lasia) is a place name. It is identified as a city or region on the southern coast of Crete, near which Paul and his companions passed during his journey to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27:8). The city’s exact location is debated, but it is thought to be near Fair Havens, another port mentioned in the same passage.
Exploring Similar Words
1. Κρήτη (Krētē) [pronunciation: KRAY-tay]: This word refers to the island of Crete itself. While Krētē denotes the broader geographical entity, Lasia is a specific locale on Crete.
2. Φοίνιξ (Phoinix) [pronunciation: FEE-niks]: Another place on Crete mentioned in the New Testament. Phoinix is a harbor where Paul intended to winter, but it differs from Lasia in location and strategic importance.
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3. Καλόλιμνος (Kalolimnos) [pronunciation: ka-lo-LEEM-nos]: Refers to a different location and port used in ancient Greek navigation, highlighting different harbor characteristics and safety aspects from those of Lasia.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Noun Morphology: As a proper noun, Lasia is indeclinable and does not undergo changes for case, number, or gender in the way common nouns do. The name remains the same in different contexts within the Greek text.
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Studying Lexicon Insights
Lasia is mentioned briefly in the lexicons as a geographical reference point crucial to the context of Paul’s voyage described in Acts 27. The town or region of Lasia serves to anchor the narrative geographically, showing the challenges of ancient navigation along Crete’s southern coast. The lexical entries underline its role in the broader narrative of Paul’s travels, providing a backdrop for understanding the perils of sea travel in the ancient Mediterranean world.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
Acts 27:8: “And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The Fair Havens, nigh whereunto was the city of Lasia.”
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Strabo | Geography | “On the island of Crete, near the city of (Lasia) ([Λασαία]).” |
| Ptolemy | Geographia | “A harbor by the name of (Lasia) ([Λασαία]) is recorded.” |
| Septuagint | None available | No occurrences of Lasia in the Septuagint texts. |
Noteworthy Summary
The Greek word Λασαία (Lasia), as a specific place name in the New Testament, provides critical geographical context to Paul’s journey in Acts 27. While not heavily detailed in the text, its inclusion underscores the navigational routes and dangers faced by ancient mariners, including the Apostle Paul. Understanding such place names enhances our comprehension of the physical, historical, and narrative settings in which early Christian events unfolded.
Did You Know?
- Lasia is only mentioned once in the entire Bible, highlighting the specificity of Paul’s journey in Acts.
- The city of Lasia is thought to have been a minor port, overshadowed by other more significant harbors on Crete like Phoinix.
- The geographical location of Lasia is still debated by scholars, with no definitive archaeological evidence pinpointing its exact location to this day.
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