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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies as it opens doors to the rich, nuanced meanings found within the original texts. Κῶς (Kōs), a word found in Acts 21:1, is particularly significant for its role in New Testament geography and the historical backdrop it provides to Paul’s missionary journeys. This word not only enhances our comprehension of the New Testament narrative but also deepens our understanding of ancient Greek culture, especially regarding the locations significant to early Christian missions.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Κῶς, transliterated as Kōs [pronounced: Kohs].

Etymology: The name Κῶς likely derives from the same name in pre-Greek origins. There is no known root word or derivation, but the term has remained consistent in referring to the island in the Aegean Sea.

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Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Feminine. Κῶς is a second-declension feminine noun used to identify a specific location, an island in the southeastern Aegean Sea near Asia Minor. It is significant as it appears in the context of Paul’s travels in the Book of Acts.

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Defining Meanings

1. Island of Kos: The primary meaning of Κῶς is the island of Kos, one of the Dodecanese islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea. This meaning is geographical and contextual, providing insight into the locations Paul visited during his missionary journeys. The island was known in antiquity for its medical school founded by Hippocrates and its Asclepeion, a healing temple dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Ρόδος (Rhodos) [pronounced: ROH-dos]: This is another island in the Dodecanese group. Unlike Κῶς, Ρόδος (Rhodes) is more frequently mentioned in historical records due to its famous Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While both islands were significant locations in antiquity, Kos was more renowned for its medical practices.

2. Πάτμος (Patmos) [pronounced: PAT-mos]: Another island mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in Revelation 1:9. Unlike Kos, which is noted for its natural beauty and medical school, Patmos is significant in Christian tradition as the place where John received his Revelation.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Κῶς is a feminine proper noun. It is declined in the singular form since it represents a singular place. Here is the declension table for Κῶς in the Greek:

Case	Singular
Nominative	Κῶς
Genitive	Κῶ
Dative	Κῶ
Accusative	Κῶ

Declension: Κῶς follows the irregular declension pattern common with Greek place names. It remains invariable for most of its cases.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The island of Κῶς holds importance in both classical and biblical contexts. In the New Testament, particularly in Acts 21:1, Κῶς is mentioned as a stopping point for Paul and his companions on their way from Miletus to Rhodes. This reference is not merely geographical; it provides a cultural and historical context for the spread of early Christianity. The lexicons highlight that Kos was known for its intellectual and medical heritage, being the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. In classical contexts, it was also recognized for its textile industry and strategic location along maritime trade routes. The theological implications in Acts suggest that even small details like the mention of Κῶς can give us clues about the broader world in which early Christians operated and preached.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Acts 21:1: “When we had parted from them and set sail, we ran a straight course to Cos [Κῶς], and the next day to Rhodes and from there to Patara.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text with Greek Word
Strabo	Geography	“The island of Kos (Κῶς) is famous for its medical school.”
Herodotus	Histories	“The people of Kos (Κῶς) are known for their hospitality.”
Pausanias	Description of Greece	“The temple of Asclepius on Kos (Κῶς) is widely revered.”
Septuagint	Not Available	Kos (Κῶς) is not explicitly mentioned in the Septuagint texts.
Classical	Not Available	Kos (Κῶς) has limited mentions in major classical works but is notable in geographical writings.
Other	Not Available	Kos (Κῶς) is mainly referenced in relation to its medical significance.

Noteworthy Summary

Κῶς (Kōs) is a proper noun referring to an important island in the Aegean Sea. Known for its contributions to medicine, particularly through Hippocrates, and its cultural significance in the ancient world, the mention of Κῶς in the New Testament provides more than just a geographical reference. It is a window into the rich interplay between early Christian history and the broader Greco-Roman world. Understanding this word’s usage in Acts 21:1 helps bring to life the journeys of Paul and his companions, offering a glimpse into the strategic stops made during their mission work.

Did You Know?

Kos is one of the islands that hosted an important sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, and was home to a prominent medical school.
The island of Kos was a center for textile production in antiquity, famous for its fine silk garments.
Acts 21:1 is the only mention of Kos in the Bible, underscoring its role as a waypoint in Paul’s missionary travels rather than a central location of early Christian activity.