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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for grasping the depth and context of scriptural narratives. The Greek word Ἰλλυρικόν (Illyrikon) is particularly significant as it refers to a specific geographical region mentioned in the New Testament. This term is relevant for understanding the spread of early Christianity and the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul, who referenced his evangelistic work reaching as far as Illyricum. Additionally, Ἰλλυρικόν helps us gain insight into the cultural and political landscape of the Roman Empire during the first century.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἰλλυρικόν, transliterated as Illyrikon [il-loo-ree-KON].
- Etymology: Derived from the name “Illyria,” a region in the northwest part of the Balkan Peninsula. The term “Illyricum” was used in Roman times to refer to this province.
- Part of Speech: Noun, neuter.
- Grammatical Details: Typically used in the genitive case in New Testament contexts, indicating a region or direction.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Refers to the Roman province of Illyricum.
- A geographical region encompassing parts of modern-day Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
Similar Words: Μακεδονία (Makedonia) [mah-ke-do-NEE-ah], which refers to the region of Macedonia. While both Ἰλλυρικόν and Μακεδονία denote geographical areas under Roman control, Macedonia is located to the east of Illyricum, and the two regions were distinct in their cultural and political administration.
Further Insights: The word Ἰλλυρικόν is a neuter noun that remains unchanged in form when used in different cases. It is mainly found in the genitive form in the New Testament to describe the extent of Paul’s missionary work. Below is a simple declension chart for reference:
| Case | Singular (Neuter) |
|---|---|
| Nominative | Ἰλλυρικόν |
| Genitive | Ἰλλυρικοῦ |
| Dative | Ἰλλυρικῷ |
| Accusative | Ἰλλυρικόν |
| Vocative | Ἰλλυρικόν |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines Ἰλλυρικόν as the Roman province of Illyricum, explaining its significance as a boundary reached by Paul during his missionary journeys (Romans 15:19).
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Thayers: Describes Ἰλλυρικόν as a region extending from the Adriatic Sea eastward, where Paul carried the Gospel. It highlights the importance of the region in Paul’s ministry and the spread of early Christianity.
Vines: Emphasizes Ἰλλυρικόν as a geographical reference indicating the limit of Paul’s mission work as stated in Romans 15:19, where he mentions preaching the Gospel from Jerusalem “even unto Illyricum.”
LSJ: Notes that Ἰλλυρικόν is a proper noun used to denote the Roman province of Illyricum, which had significant cultural and political influence in the ancient world.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines Ἰλλυρικόν (G2437) as “Illyricum,” a region of Europe. It specifically points out its appearance in Romans 15:19 and the historical context of Paul’s missionary journey.
Related Scripture References
- Romans 15:19: “In the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as [Ἰλλυρικόν] I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Strabo | Geography | “Illyricum (Ἰλλυρικόν) stretches along the Adriatic coast.” |
| Ptolemy | Geographia | “The people of Illyricum (Ἰλλυρικόν) are known for their seafaring and trade along the Adriatic.” |
| Septuagint | 1 Maccabees 8:2 | “The fame of the Romans spread, and they conquered regions as far as Illyricum (Ἰλλυρικόν).” |
Summary of Ἰλλυρικόν (G2437)
The Greek word Ἰλλυρικόν (Illyrikon) refers to the Roman province of Illyricum, a significant geographical region in the context of the New Testament and early Christian history. Its mention in Romans 15:19 highlights the extent of Paul’s missionary efforts, indicating the vast reach of the early Christian message. Understanding this term provides valuable insight into the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and the cultural, political, and geographical boundaries encountered by early Christian missionaries. Classical references to Illyricum further underscore its importance in the ancient world as a center of trade, seafaring, and Roman military campaigns.
Did You Know?
- Illyricum was strategically significant for the Roman Empire, serving as a military frontier and trade route between East and West.
- The Apostle Paul’s reference to Ἰλλυρικόν in Romans 15:19 is the only mention of the region in the New Testament.
- In classical texts, Illyricum is often associated with its seafaring people and the region’s involvement in various Roman military campaigns.
Understanding Ἰλλυρικόν deepens our grasp of the geographical scope of early Christianity and the Apostle Paul’s evangelistic strategy across diverse and challenging terrains of the Roman Empire.
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