Brief Overview of Νέα πόλις (Strong’s G3496: Nea Polis)

Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words enriches our interpretation of Scripture, especially in their historical and cultural contexts. The phrase Νέα πόλις (Nea Polis) is significant as it refers to a specific location mentioned in Acts 16:11. Translated as “New City,” it is the name of a port in the ancient world. Understanding this term offers insights into both New Testament travel narratives and the significance of cities in ancient Greco-Roman culture. The term gives us an understanding of how early Christian movements interacted with prominent urban centers, which were hubs of culture, commerce, and communication.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: Νέα πόλις (Nea Polis), pronounced NEH-ah POH-lees.

Etymology: The word Νέα (Nea) comes from the root word νέος (neos), meaning “new.” Πόλις (polis) means “city,” derived from the root meaning “community” or “citizenship.” Combined, Nea Polis directly translates to “New City.”

Part of Speech: Nea Polis is a proper noun, specifically a feminine noun in the nominative singular form, used to describe a city.

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Defining Meanings

1. New City: The most direct and literal translation of Nea Polis is “New City.” In Acts 16:11, it is used to describe a geographic location—a port city—visited by the Apostle Paul and his companions on their missionary journey. It refers specifically to the city of Neapolis, a key harbor in Macedonia (modern-day Kavala, Greece).

2. Cultural Hub: In the context of ancient Greek and Roman societies, cities like Nea Polis were not merely places of residence but centers of governance, commerce, and cultural exchange. Understanding Nea Polis in this light sheds light on the importance of cities in the spread of the Gospel.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Πόλις (Polis) [pronunciation: POH-lees]: Refers to any city or urban area. While Nea Polis specifies a new or recently established city, polis on its own could describe any established city.

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2. Μητρόπολις (Metropolis) [pronunciation: meh-TROH-po-lees]: Means “mother city,” typically referring to a large, important city or capital. It differs from Nea Polis in that it emphasizes the city’s prominence or central role rather than its “new” status.

3. Χώρα (Chora) [pronunciation: KHOH-rah]: Refers to the countryside or rural area. In contrast to polis, which indicates urban life, chora refers to regions outside of city centers.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Nea Polis is a feminine noun, and like most Greek place names, it follows typical declension patterns. In the context of Acts 16:11, it appears in the nominative case as the subject of the sentence.

Declension: As a second declension feminine noun, Nea Polis can be declined in various cases, as shown in the table below:

Case Singular

Nominative Νέα πόλις

Genitive Νέας πόλεως

Dative Νέᾳ πόλει

Accusative Νέαν πόλιν

Studying Lexicon Insights

The phrase Nea Polis in Greek lexicons consistently refers to a “new city” or “recently established urban area.” In Acts 16:11, it represents Neapolis, a city integral to Paul’s missionary journeys. Lexicons often highlight the significance of cities in the spread of Christianity, as urban centers like Nea Polis provided a critical base for communication and trade. In classical contexts, Nea Polis is a name frequently given to newly established settlements.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 16:11 – “So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis [Νέα πόλις].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English text with Νέα πόλις in parentheses

Herodotus Histories “They established a colony in Neapolis (Νέα πόλις).”

Septuagint Joshua 19:13 “And from there it passed along to Neapolis (Νέα πόλις).”

Strabo Geographica “Neapolis (Νέα πόλις) became a thriving center of trade.”

Noteworthy Summary

The phrase Nea Polis (Νέα πόλις), meaning “New City,” is a proper noun referring to a specific port city visited by Paul in Acts 16:11. This city, known as Neapolis in ancient Macedonia, served as a significant harbor that facilitated travel and trade. By understanding the term Nea Polis, we gain insight into the role of cities in the early spread of Christianity and the movement of the Apostle Paul. The term also reflects the importance of urban centers in the ancient world as places of cultural and economic significance.

Did You Know?

1. Nea Polis was likely the gateway for Paul to enter Macedonia, leading to his first European convert, Lydia, in Philippi.

2. The ancient city of Neapolis, mentioned in Acts 16:11, is modern-day Kavala in Greece, still an important port city today.

3. Cities named Nea Polis were common in ancient Greece, often established as new colonies or settlements by expanding city-states.