Brief Overview of Σελεύκεια (Strong’s G4581: Seleukeia)

Strong’s G4581: An important port city near Antioch in Syria, named after Seleucus I Nicator. It served as a significant departure point for Paul’s first missionary journey, representing the strategic importance of urban centers in the early spread of Christianity.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σελεύκεια was a prominent seaport city of ancient Syria, founded by and named after Seleucus I Nicator. Its appearance in Acts 13:4 marks a pivotal moment in early Christian mission history as the departure point for Paul’s first missionary journey. The city’s strategic location and significance in maritime trade made it an ideal launching point for spreading the gospel westward. Early church writers noted how God used established trade routes and urban centers to facilitate the gospel’s spread. Today, it reminds us of the importance of strategic urban centers in mission work.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σελεύκεια, Seleukeia, seh-LOO-kay-ah
• Detailed pronunciation: Σελεύκεια is pronounced with stress on third syllable: ‘seh’ as in set, ‘LOO’ as in loop, ‘kay’ as in kay, ‘ah’ as in father
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• From Σέλευκος (Seleucus), name of the founder
• -εια (-eia): Common suffix for place names in Greek

D – Defining Meanings

• Port city of Syria
• Strategic maritime center
• Named for Seleucus I Nicator

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a proper noun derived from a personal name

Translation Options:

• “Seleucia” – Standard English transliteration
• “Seleukeia” – More precise Greek transliteration
• “Port Seleucia” – Functional translation indicating its nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Ἀντιόχεια (Antiocheia, an-tee-OH-kay-ah) – Antioch See G490
• Λαοδίκεια (Laodikeia, lah-oh-DIH-kay-ah) – Laodicea See G2993
• Καισάρεια (Kaisareia, kai-SAR-ay-ah) – Caesarea See G2542

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular only (as a place name)
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st

Examples:
Nominative: Σελεύκεια
Genitive: Σελευκείας
Dative: Σελευκείᾳ
Accusative: Σελεύκειαν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies Σελεύκεια as the port city of Syrian Antioch. Thayer’s emphasizes its role in early Christian missions. LSJ provides historical context about its founding and development. Vine’s notes its strategic location for maritime trade. Strong’s connects it to its founder Seleucus. Moulton-Milligan documents its appearance in commercial papyri showing its importance in Mediterranean trade.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.” Acts 13:4

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σελεύκεια represents God’s strategic use of established urban centers and trade routes for the spread of the gospel. As Paul’s departure point for his first missionary journey, it reminds us how the Lord uses human infrastructure and commerce to advance His kingdom. Today, it encourages us to consider strategic locations and networks in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Seleucia was known as “Seleucia by the Sea” to distinguish it from other cities of the same name.
2. The harbor was artificially constructed with sophisticated engineering for its time.
3. Archaeological evidence shows early Christian presence in the city continued well into the Byzantine period.

Strong’s G4581: An important port city near Antioch in Syria, named after Seleucus I Nicator. It served as a significant departure point for Paul’s first missionary journey, representing the strategic importance of urban centers in the early spread of Christianity.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Seleucia, port cities, Paul’s missions, missionary journeys, Acts of the Apostles, ancient cities, biblical places, early church, maritime trade, Syria, biblical geography, Christian expansion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​