Brief Overview of Σιδώνιος (Strong’s G4606: Sidōnios)

Strong’s G4606: An adjective meaning “Sidonian” or “inhabitant of Sidon.” Used to identify people from the ancient Phoenician city of Sidon, it appears in contexts involving commercial and political relationships between different peoples in the biblical narrative.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σιδώνιος represents both geographical and cultural identity, designating people connected to the ancient city of Sidon. Its appearance in Acts 12:20 highlights the economic and political relationships between different regions and peoples. Early church writers saw in such designations evidence of God’s work among various nations. Today, it reminds us that the gospel transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σιδώνιος, Sidōnios, see-DOH-nee-os
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on second syllable: ‘see’ as in see, ‘DOH’ as in doe, ‘nee’ as in knee, ‘os’ as in dose
• Part of Speech: Adjective/Substantive

Etymology:

• From Σιδών (Sidon) – city name
• -ιος (-ios): Adjectival suffix indicating belonging or origin

D – Defining Meanings

• Sidonian person
• Of Sidonian origin
• Relating to Sidon

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a derived adjective

Translation Options:

• “Sidonian” – Standard translation
• “People of Sidon” – More explanatory
• “Sidonians” – When used as plural noun

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Τύριος (Turios, TOO-ree-os) – Tyrian See G5183
• Φοίνιξ (Phoinix, FOY-nix) – Phoenician See G5404
• Συροφοινίκισσα (Surophoinikissa, soo-ro-foy-NEE-kis-sa) – Syrophoenician See G4949

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: 2nd/1st

Examples:
Masculine: Σιδώνιος (nom), Σιδωνίου (gen)
Feminine: Σιδωνία (nom), Σιδωνίας (gen)
Plural: Σιδώνιοι (nom), Σιδωνίων (gen)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use as an ethnic designation. Thayer’s notes its connection to commerce. LSJ documents its historical usage. Vine’s highlights its cultural significance. Strong’s connects it to geographical identity. Moulton-Milligan provides evidence from commercial documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.” Acts 12:20

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σιδώνιος reminds us that God’s plan includes people from all nations and backgrounds. Its use in Acts shows how political and economic relationships could serve divine purposes. The term points to Christ’s ministry beyond Jewish boundaries and the universal scope of His salvation.

D – Did You Know?

1. Sidonians were renowned for their craftsmanship in ancient times.
2. The term appears frequently in ancient trade documents.
3. Early Christians used this designation when discussing mission work to Phoenicia.

Strong’s G4606: An adjective meaning “Sidonian” or “inhabitant of Sidon.” Used to identify people from the ancient Phoenician city of Sidon, it appears in contexts involving commercial and political relationships between different peoples in the biblical narrative.

Part of speech: Adjective/Substantive

Tags: Sidonians, ethnic identity, Phoenicia, ancient peoples, Acts, commerce, cultural identity, Gentiles, biblical ethnography, ancient trade, cultural relationships, missions​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​