Ancient Gateway: Τύρος (Strong’s G5184: Tyros) Reveals Kingdom’s Global Mission

Strong’s G5184: The Greek name for Tyre, a major Phoenician port city known for its maritime trade, wealth, and strategic importance. In biblical context, it represents both judgment on pride and the expansion of God’s kingdom beyond Israel’s borders.

U – Unveiling the Word

Τύρος represents more than just a geographical location; it embodies the intersection of divine purpose and human commerce. As one of the most important trading centers of the ancient world, Tyre symbolized both worldly wealth and the potential for gospel expansion. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of both judgment and redemption, showing how God’s message transcends cultural and economic boundaries. The early church saw Tyre’s strategic importance, using its established trade routes for spreading the gospel. Today, it reminds us how God uses major cultural and economic centers for His kingdom purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Τύρος, Tyros, /ˈty.ros/
• Pronunciation: TOO-ros
• Part of Speech: Noun (Proper)

Etymology:

• Root: Τύρ- (Tyr-) from Phoenician “ṣūr” meaning “rock”
• Suffix: -ος (-os) Greek nominative ending
• Function: Forms a proper noun naming the city

D – Defining Meanings

• The city of Tyre
• The region surrounding Tyre
• The commercial empire of Tyre

For compound words: Not applicable as Τύρος is not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Tyre” – Standard English translation
• “Tyrus” – Classical form
• “Sur” – Semitic form reflecting original meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Σιδών (Sidōn, /siˈdoːn/) – sister city of Tyre See G4605
• Φοινίκη (Phoinikē, /foiˈni.keː/) – the region containing Tyre See G5403
• Χαναάν (Chanaan, /χaˈna.an/) – the broader region See G5477

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Second

Examples:

• Nominative: Τύρος
• Genitive: Τύρου
• Dative: Τύρῳ
• Accusative: Τύρον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide rich historical and cultural context for Τύρος. BDAG emphasizes its significance in both Old and New Testament narratives. Thayer’s highlights its commercial prominence and prophetic significance. LSJ documents its extensive presence in classical literature as a symbol of maritime power. Vine’s notes its role in biblical prophecy and fulfillment. Strong’s connects it to its Semitic origins. Moulton and Milligan demonstrate its frequent appearance in commercial documents. Together, these sources paint a picture of a city that stood at the crossroads of commerce and divine purpose.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 11:21: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre [Τύρος] and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”

Additional References:
Matthew 11:22, Matthew 15:21, Mark 3:8, Mark 7:24, Luke 6:17, Luke 10:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Τύρος symbolizes both the challenge and opportunity of reaching the nations with the gospel. Once a symbol of worldly pride and commerce, it became a gateway for spreading the good news. The Messiah’s ministry extended to its region, demonstrating that His salvation was for all peoples. Today, this ancient city reminds us that God’s kingdom transcends national boundaries and uses the world’s networks for His divine purpose. The good news of King Jesus continues to spread through modern “Tyres” – centers of commerce and culture.

D – Did You Know?

1. Tyre was actually two cities – one on the mainland and one on an island
2. Alexander the Great built a causeway to capture the island city, fulfilling prophecy
3. The city’s purple dye industry gave us the word “Phoenician” (from Greek for purple)

Strong’s G5184: A major Phoenician port city representing the intersection of divine purpose and human commerce. In Scripture, it appears both as an object of judgment and a gateway for gospel expansion, exemplifying God’s sovereignty over nations.

Part of speech: Noun (Proper)

Tags: Tyre, ancient cities, maritime trade, prophecy fulfillment, divine judgment, gospel expansion, Mediterranean, Phoenicia, biblical geography, missions, commerce, cultural centers​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​