Divine Expansion: Συρία (Strong’s G4947: Syria) Marks Gospel’s Geographic Growth

Strong’s G4947: A place name denoting the Roman province of Syria, encompassing territory north of the Holy Land. In the New Testament, Syria represents the early expansion of the gospel beyond Jewish territories into Gentile regions.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συρία represents a significant geographical and spiritual frontier in early Christianity. This region, stretching from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates, played a crucial role in the gospel’s expansion beyond Jewish territories. In Matthew, it marks the spread of Jesus’ fame; in Acts, it becomes a center of Gentile Christianity through Antioch. The early church saw Syria as emblematic of the gospel’s power to cross cultural boundaries. Today, it reminds us of Christianity’s historical roots and global mission.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Συρία, Syria, SEE-ree-ah
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘see’ as in ‘see’, ‘ree’ as in ‘read’, ‘ah’ as in ‘father’
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Derived from ancient Assyrian “Suri”
• Hellenized form of the regional name
• Name originally referred to the region around Antioch
• Later expanded to encompass the Roman province
• Possibly related to “Ashur” in ancient texts

D – Defining Meanings

• Syria (Roman province)
• Region north of the Holy Land
• Territory between Mediterranean and Euphrates
• Administrative region of Rome
• Cultural bridge between East and West

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but a place name with ancient Near Eastern origins

Translation Options:

1. “Syria” – Standard English rendering
2. “Syrian Province” – Administrative context
3. “Greater Syria” – Historical regional context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Συροφοίνισσα (Syrophoinissa, see-roh-FOY-nis-sa) – Syrophoenician – See G4949
• Ἀσσυρία (Assyria, as-SEE-ree-ah) – Assyria – See G804
• Φοινίκη (Phoinikē, foy-NEE-kay) – Phoenicia – See G5403

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun, Συρία exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples in cases:

• Nominative: Συρία (Syria)
• Genitive: Συρίας (of Syria)
• Dative: Συρίᾳ (in/to Syria)
• Accusative: Συρίαν (Syria as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes Syria’s significance in early Christian expansion. Thayer’s notes its role as a Roman administrative center. LSJ documents extensive classical references. Vine’s connects it to Gentile mission work. Strong’s highlights its importance in biblical geography. LEH traces its usage in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan find frequent references in administrative papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And his fame went throughout all [Συρία] Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. Matthew 4:24

Additional References:
Acts 15:23
Acts 15:41
Acts 18:18
Acts 21:3
Galatians 1:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συρία represents the expanding reach of the Messiah’s kingdom. From Jesus’ ministry affecting Syrian territories to the establishment of Antioch as a major Christian center, this region exemplifies how the gospel transcends cultural boundaries. It reminds us that the message of King Jesus is for all peoples and nations.

D – Did You Know?

1. Antioch in Syria became the first major center of Gentile Christianity
2. The term “Christian” was first used in Syrian Antioch
3. Syria hosted some of the earliest translations of the New Testament

Strong’s G4947: A place name denoting the Roman province of Syria, encompassing territory north of the Holy Land. In the New Testament, Syria represents the early expansion of the gospel beyond Jewish territories into Gentile regions.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Syria, Roman province, missions, Gentiles, Antioch, early church, expansion, geography, cultural bridge, gospel spread​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​