Brief Overview of Πέργη (Strong’s G4011: Perge)
Strong’s G4011: An important city of Pamphylia in Asia Minor, Perge served as a significant waypoint in Paul’s first missionary journey. Located inland from the Mediterranean coast, it was renowned for its Temple of Artemis and played a crucial role in early Christian mission work.
U- Unveiling the Word
Πέργη represents more than just a geographical location in the New Testament; it marks a pivotal point in Paul’s missionary journeys and the spread of the gospel. As a major city in Pamphylia, it symbolizes the gospel’s movement beyond Jewish territories into Gentile lands. The city’s significance as a center of pagan worship, particularly of Artemis, creates a powerful backdrop for understanding the challenges and triumphs of early Christian mission work. Its mention in Acts highlights the strategic nature of early Christian evangelism, targeting influential urban centers. Today, Πέργη reminds us of the importance of bringing the gospel to cultural and religious centers, regardless of established opposing beliefs.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: Πέργη, Perge, [PER-gay]
- Detailed pronunciation: PEHR-gay (stress on first syllable)
- Part of Speech: Proper Noun
Etymology:
- Possibly derived from pre-Greek language of Asia Minor
- Related to Luwian “parga” meaning “high place” or “elevation”
- No clear Greek etymological components identified
D – Defining Meanings
- Capital city of Pamphylia
- Major cultural center in Asia Minor
- Site of significant early Christian missionary activity
For compound words: Not a compound word, but its etymology suggests connections to ancient Anatolian languages.
Translation Options:
- Perga – Latin form, commonly used in academic contexts
- Perge – Direct transliteration, preserving Greek form
- Pergē – Scholarly transliteration with macron
E – Exploring Similar Words
- Πέργαμος [Pergamos, PER-gah-mos] – different city, similar root meaning of elevation
- πύργος [pyrgos, PEER-gos] – tower, possibly sharing ancient root meaning
- περγαῖος [pergaios, per-GAI-os] – adjective meaning “of Perge”
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Features as Proper Noun:
- Case: Varies (Nominative: Πέργη, Genitive: Πέργης)
- Number: Singular
- Gender: Feminine
- Declension: First declension
The word follows standard Greek nominal morphology for feminine proper nouns. In English contexts, it remains largely unchanged except in possessive forms.
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes Πέργη’s importance as a missionary station in Acts. Thayer’s notes its significance in Pamphylia. LSJ provides detailed geographical context. Vine’s connects it to early Christian expansion. Strong’s emphasizes its role in Paul’s journeys. Moulton and Milligan note its frequent appearance in administrative documents.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to [Perge] in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.” (Acts 13:13)
Additional References:
Acts 14:25
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Strabo: Geography | “The city of [Perge] stands preeminent among Pamphylian cities” |
| Arrian: Anabasis | “Alexander marched to [Perge], where no resistance was offered” |
| Dionysius: Description of Greece | “[Perge] boasts a magnificent temple of Artemis” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Πέργη stands as a testament to the strategic nature of early Christian mission work. Its position as a major city where Paul preached demonstrates how the gospel penetrated significant cultural centers. The city’s transformation from a center of Artemis worship to a point of Christian witness reveals how the message of King Jesus can impact and transform even the most established religious strongholds.
D – Did You Know?
- Perge was one of the most prosperous cities in ancient Pamphylia
- The city featured a unique water channel system running through its main street
- It was the birthplace of mathematician Apollonius of Perga
Strong’s G4011: Major city of Pamphylia in Asia Minor, significant in Paul’s first missionary journey. Notable for its Temple of Artemis and strategic location inland from the Mediterranean coast. Important archaeological site revealing Hellenistic and Roman urban planning, exemplifying early Christian missionary strategy.
Part of speech: Proper Noun
Tags: #PaulsMissionary #ActsOfApostles #AncientCities #AsiaMinor #Pamphylia #BiblicalGeography #EarlyChurch #MissionaryJourneys #HellenisticCulture #ChristianHistory
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
