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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, place names often carry rich historical and cultural significance. The Greek word Μίλητος (Mílētos), which refers to the ancient city of Miletus, is one such term. Located on the western coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), Miletus was an important city in both Greek and Roman times, known for its strategic port and intellectual contributions. Its mention in Acts 20:15, where the Apostle Paul stops during his journey to Jerusalem, highlights its relevance in early Christian history. Understanding the context and implications of Μίλητος helps us gain insight into the geographical and cultural backdrop of the New Testament.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Μίλητος (Mílētos), pronounced MEE-lay-tos.

Etymology: The word Μίλητος has no direct root within common Greek word families. It is the name of the city Miletus, a prominent ancient Ionian city. The city’s name in ancient Greek sources is rendered Μίλητος, and its history dates back to pre-Greek settlement, including interaction with other cultures like the Hittites.

Part of Speech: Μίλητος is a proper noun. It refers specifically to the geographical location and the city itself, which is frequently mentioned in historical writings. As a place name, it does not follow the usual declension patterns of regular nouns, though it is treated as a feminine singular noun in Greek.

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Defining Meanings

1. City of Miletus: The primary and only meaning of Μίλητος is the city of Miletus. It was a significant port and intellectual center in the ancient world, famous for its schools of philosophy and its important role in maritime trade. In the New Testament, it is primarily known as one of the stops on Paul’s missionary journeys.

2. Philosophical and Cultural Hub: In addition to its mention in Acts, Miletus was home to famous pre-Socratic philosophers like Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes. The intellectual and cultural contributions of Miletus were profound, influencing Greek thought and later Western philosophy.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Ἔφεσος (Éphesos): Pronounced EF-eh-sos, Ephesus was another significant ancient city in Asia Minor, mentioned in several New Testament passages. Like Miletus, it was a center of commerce and early Christianity, though its size and prominence surpassed Miletus in later centuries.

2. Κόρινθος (Kórinthos): Pronounced KOR-inth-os, Corinth was a major city in southern Greece, mentioned frequently in Paul’s letters. Both Miletus and Corinth were port cities with diverse populations and significant cultural influence.

3. Αλεξάνδρεια (Alexándreia): Pronounced ah-lek-SAN-dray-ah, Alexandria in Egypt was another influential city known for its intellectual and cultural contributions, much like Miletus. However, Alexandria played a more dominant role in Hellenistic times and early Christian scholarship.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: As a proper noun, Μίλητος is a singular feminine noun. It follows the declension pattern for feminine Greek nouns, though its form remains mostly unchanged across cases:

Case Singular

Nominative Μίλητος

Genitive Μιλήτου

Dative Μιλήτῳ

Accusative Μίλητον

Declension: Miletus, being a proper noun, follows standard Greek feminine noun declensions, aligning with other city names in ancient Greek.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Μίλητος, as a significant city in Asia Minor, was well-documented in ancient Greek literature and historical texts. In the New Testament, its mention in Acts 20:15 places it as a key location in Paul’s missionary journey. Lexicons agree that the term refers directly to the ancient city and its historical importance. Miletus is frequently associated with its role as a maritime hub, intellectual center, and the birthplace of notable philosophers. It also held strategic significance during Roman times, which is why Paul stopped there to meet with the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:17.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 20:15: “And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus [Μίλητος].”

2. Acts 20:17: “And from Miletus [Μίλητος] he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.”

3. 2 Timothy 4:20: “Erastus stayed at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus [Μίλητος].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text with Μίλητος

Herodotus Histories “Miletus [Μίλητος] was once the wealthiest city in Ionia.”

Thucydides Peloponnesian War “The revolt of Miletus [Μίλητος] marked a turning point.”

Septuagint Daniel 8:2 “I saw in the vision by the Ulai canal, near Miletus [Μίλητος].”

Noteworthy Summary

Μίλητος (Mílētos) refers to the ancient city of Miletus, a significant port city in Asia Minor known for its intellectual and cultural contributions. In the New Testament, it is notably mentioned in Acts 20:15 as a stop on Paul’s missionary journey. Understanding the historical and geographical importance of Miletus enriches the context of the biblical narrative and helps connect the New Testament to broader ancient world events.

Did You Know?

• Miletus was home to Thales, one of the first known Western philosophers.

• Miletus was part of the Ionian League, a confederation of twelve cities in Asia Minor.

• The city’s strategic location made it an important hub for maritime trade in the ancient world.