Brief Overview of Ῥόδος (Strong’s G4499: Rhodos)

Strong’s G4499: A feminine proper noun referring to Rhodes, a significant Mediterranean island located off the southwest coast of Asia Minor. In Acts, it appears as a stopover on Paul’s journey to Jerusalem, marking an important point in the spread of the gospel through major Hellenistic cultural centers.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥόδος represents more than just a geographical location; it symbolizes the intersection of Hellenistic culture with early Christian mission. As one of the most prominent cultural and commercial centers of the ancient world, Rhodes played a significant role in the spread of the gospel. Early church writers often referenced Rhodes as an example of Christianity’s engagement with Greek culture and maritime trade routes. Today, it reminds us of how God uses established cultural centers for His kingdom purposes.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Ῥόδος, Rhodos, /hro-dos/
• Detailed pronunciation: HROH-dos (with emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Possibly from ῥόδον (rose)
• Associated with the abundance of roses on the island
• Ancient name preserved from pre-Greek times
• Connected to Phoenician maritime tradition

D – Defining Meanings

• The island of Rhodes
• A major Mediterranean port city
• An important Hellenistic cultural center

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a simple place name.

Translation Options:

• “Rhodes” – standard English rendering
• “Rhodos” – transliteration of Greek
• “Rodos” – modern Greek form

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Κῶς (Kōs) /koce/ – another island visited by Paul
  See G2972
• Πάτμος (Patmos) /pat-mos/ – island of John’s revelation
  See G3963

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a proper noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular only (as a place name)
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Second declension

Being a proper noun, Ῥόδος typically remains unchanged in different contexts.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its importance as a maritime center. Thayer’s notes its strategic location. LSJ provides extensive historical background. Vine’s connects it to Paul’s journeys. Strong’s relates it to rose cultivation. Moulton and Milligan document its significance in commercial papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to [Ῥόδος] Rhodes, and from there to Patara.” Acts 21:1

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Pindar: Olympian Odes	“The island of [Ῥόδος] Rhodes arose from the sea at Apollo’s command.”
Strabo: Geography	“[Ῥόδος] Rhodes stands as a beacon of learning and commerce.”
Diodorus Siculus: Library	“The people of [Ῥόδος] Rhodes excelled in maritime pursuits.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥόδος stands as a testimony to God’s strategic use of cultural centers in spreading the gospel. Its presence in Acts proclaims the good news that King Jesus’s message transcends cultural boundaries, using established networks for His kingdom’s advancement. This reminds us that God often works through existing cultural and commercial centers to accomplish His purposes.

D – Did You Know?

1. The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stood when Paul visited.
2. Rhodes was a major center of rhetoric and philosophy in the ancient world.
3. Early Christian tradition suggests that Paul established a Christian community there during his brief visit.

Strong’s G4499: A feminine proper noun referring to Rhodes, a significant Mediterranean island located off the southwest coast of Asia Minor. In Acts, it appears as a stopover on Paul’s journey to Jerusalem, marking an important point in the spread of the gospel through major Hellenistic cultural centers.

Part of speech: Proper Noun (feminine)

Tags: Rhodes, Paul’s journeys, Acts, Mediterranean, missions, cultural center, maritime trade, Hellenistic culture, gospel spread, ancient ports, missionary journey​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​