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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words like κώμη (kōmē) provides valuable insights into the cultural and historical context of the New Testament. The word κώμη, which appears in Matthew 9:35, is often translated as “village” and carries a significant connotation in the narrative of Jesus’ ministry. Recognizing the difference between a “city” (πόλις) and a “village” (κώμη) helps us grasp the geographical, social, and economic dynamics of ancient Judea and Galilee. It also sheds light on the spread of Jesus’ message from major urban centers to smaller rural communities, emphasizing the inclusivity of His ministry.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κώμη (kōmē) [KOH-may]

Etymology: The word κώμη derives from a possible pre-Greek or Proto-Indo-European origin, though its exact root is uncertain. It is related to the concept of a “dwelling” or “community,” often referring to a settlement smaller than a city but larger than a hamlet.

Part of Speech: Noun, feminine. In Greek grammar, κώμη is a first declension feminine noun. It typically appears in the nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative cases, reflecting its role as the subject, possessive form, indirect object, or direct object in sentences.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Village or Small Town
The primary meaning of κώμη is “village” or “small town.” In the New Testament, it is used to describe smaller settlements where Jesus and His disciples traveled to preach, heal, and perform miracles. Unlike larger cities (πόλεις), villages were more intimate and closely-knit communities, often agricultural in nature.

Meaning 2: Hamlet or Rural Settlement
κώμη can also refer to even smaller rural settlements, sometimes described as “hamlets.” These would have been very modest in size and population, often characterized by a few families living in close proximity with shared agricultural activities.

Exploring Similar Words

πόλις (polis) [POH-lis]: The word for “city” or “town” in Greek, πόλις differs from κώμη in that it refers to larger, more developed urban areas with distinct social, economic, and political structures.

ἀγρός (agros) [ah-GROS]: Meaning “field” or “farm,” ἀγρός focuses more on agricultural land rather than a residential settlement. While κώμη encompasses living areas, ἀγρός relates to the cultivation and agricultural aspect of Greek life.

κατοικία (katoikia) [ka-toi-KEE-ah]: This term means “dwelling place” or “residence” and is broader in scope. It can refer to both rural and urban residences, whereas κώμη specifically denotes a rural community or village.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns/Adjectives:

• Case, Number, Gender: As a feminine noun, κώμη follows the first declension pattern. It can appear in singular and plural forms, such as κώμη (nominative singular) or κῶμαι (nominative plural). Common cases include:
• Nominative Singular: κώμη (village)
• Genitive Singular: κώμης (of a village)
• Dative Singular: κώμῃ (to/for a village)
• Accusative Singular: κώμην (village, as a direct object)
• Declension Table:

For more information on Greek declensions and grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In lexicon studies, κώμη is consistently defined as “village” or “small town.” Lexicons highlight that the term signifies not just a geographic location but also a socio-cultural entity where communities lived closely and shared resources. In the New Testament context, κώμη is crucial for understanding the spread of Jesus’ ministry beyond major cities to the rural, often overlooked communities. In classical Greek, κώμη can also refer to parts of a larger city, denoting a specific neighborhood or ward. Theologically, the use of κώμη emphasizes the inclusivity of the gospel message.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 9:35: “Jesus was going through all the cities and the villages [κώμας], teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.”
Mark 6:6: “And He wondered at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages [κώμας] teaching.”
Luke 9:6: “Departing, they began going throughout the villages [κώμας], preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κώμη provides a fascinating glimpse into the rural landscape of ancient Judea and Galilee, where Jesus carried out much of His ministry. Understanding its meaning as “village” or “small town” helps clarify the New Testament narratives that describe the spread of His teachings and miracles from larger cities to smaller communities. The word also holds significance in classical literature, where it often symbolizes simplicity and communal living.

Did You Know?

• Did you know? In the Roman Empire, villages (κῶμαι) often had their own local councils and magistrates, distinct from larger urban centers.
• Did you know? The term κώμη is still used in modern Greek to refer to small villages or hamlets, retaining its ancient meaning.
• Did you know? The word κώμη can sometimes denote a neighborhood or district within a larger city, illustrating its flexible usage in ancient texts.