Brief Overview of Πόντος (Strong’s G4195: Pontos)

Strong’s G4195: A proper noun referring to Pontus, the region along the southern coast of the Black Sea in Asia Minor. Important in early Christianity as home to a significant Jewish diaspora and early Christian communities. Mentioned in contexts showing the geographic spread of the gospel.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πόντος originally meant “sea” but became the name for the coastal region along the Black Sea’s southern shore. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts demonstrating the widespread nature of early Christianity, particularly at Pentecost and in Peter’s first epistle. The region played a crucial role in early Christian expansion, hosting significant Jewish diaspora communities that became bridges for gospel proclamation. Early church fathers, including Gregory Thaumaturgus, emerged from this region, demonstrating its importance in Christian development.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Πόντος, Pontos, PON-tos
• Detailed pronunciation: PAWN-toss (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• From πόντος (pontos) – sea
• Originally referred to the Black Sea (“Pontus Euxinus”)
• Became the name of the Roman province along its shore

D – Defining Meanings

• The region of Pontus
• Roman province in northern Asia Minor
• (Originally) The sea

Translation Options:

• “Pontus” – standard geographical designation
• “The Pontic region” – broader geographical reference
• “Black Sea province” – descriptive modern equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Ποντικός (Pontikos, pon-tee-KOS) – person from Pontus – See G4193
• Πόντιος (Pontios, PON-tee-os) – of the sea/Pontian – See G4194
• Βιθυνία (Bithunia, bee-THOO-nee-ah) – neighboring region – See G978

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine
• Number: Singular only (as place name)
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: Πόντος
• Genitive: Πόντου
• Dative: Πόντῳ
• Accusative: Πόντον

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: Ποντικός
• Related forms: Ποντικῶς (in the Pontic manner)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its significance for Jewish diaspora and early Christianity. Thayer’s notes its strategic location for trade and cultural exchange. LSJ documents its evolution from sea to region name. Vine’s highlights its role in early Christian expansion. Strong’s connects it to maritime terminology. LEH notes its absence in Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan cite commercial documents showing regional trade.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 2:9: “Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in [Πόντος] Pontus, and Asia.”

Additional References:
1 Peter 1:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πόντος represents the geographic reach of the gospel in the first century. Its presence at Pentecost and in Peter’s epistle shows how Christianity spread beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries. The region’s significance reminds us that God’s message of salvation is for all peoples, transcending geographical, cultural, and social barriers through Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Pontus was known for its production of fish sauce (garum) used throughout the Roman Empire.
2. The region produced several important early Christian writers and theologians.
3. Archaeological evidence shows synagogues in Pontus dating to the first century.

Strong’s G4195: A proper noun referring to Pontus, the region along the southern coast of the Black Sea in Asia Minor. Important in early Christianity as home to a significant Jewish diaspora and early Christian communities. Mentioned in contexts showing the geographic spread of the gospel.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Pontus, geography, Asia Minor, early church, Jewish diaspora, Pentecost, Peter’s epistles, Roman provinces, Black Sea, mission field​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​