Brief Overview of Σμύρνα (Strong’s G4667: Smyrna)

Strong’s G4667: A proper noun naming an important ancient city on the western coast of Asia Minor. Named after the myrrh trade, it became a significant center of early Christianity. One of the seven churches addressed in Revelation, known for its faithfulness amid persecution and poverty.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σμύρνα represents more than just a geographical location; it embodies themes of faithfulness under persecution and spiritual wealth amid material poverty. As one of the seven churches addressed in Revelation, Smyrna received no rebuke from the Lord, only commendation for its faithfulness despite tribulation. Early church history records it as a center of Christian resistance to emperor worship, most famously exemplified by its bishop Polycarp’s martyrdom. Today, this word continues to inspire believers facing persecution, reminding them that Christ sees their faithfulness and promises the crown of life.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σμύρνα, Smyrna, /smoor’-nah/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘smoor’ as in “smoor,” ‘nah’ as in “father”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine, Proper)

Etymology:

• Related to σμύρνα (myrrh)
• From Semitic root meaning “bitter”
• City named for its major trade in myrrh
• Basic proper noun without Greek prefixes or suffixes

D – Defining Meanings

• Ancient city in Asia Minor
• Important center of early Christianity
• One of the seven churches of Revelation
• Modern Izmir, Turkey

For compound words: Not a compound word, but derives from word for myrrh (σμύρνα)

Translation Options:

• “Smyrna” – Traditional transliteration
• “Izmir” – Modern name
• “City of Myrrh” – Etymology-based translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σμύρνα (smyrna) /smoor’-nah/ – myrrh See G4666
• Ἔφεσος (Ephesos) /ef’-es-os/ – Ephesus, another of the seven churches See G2181
• Θυάτειρα (Thuateira) /thoo-at’-i-rah/ – Thyatira, another of the seven churches See G2363

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine proper noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular (as proper noun)
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Examples:

• Nominative: Σμύρνα (Smyrna)
• Genitive: Σμύρνης (of Smyrna)
• Dative: Σμύρνῃ (to/in Smyrna)
• Accusative: Σμύρναν (Smyrna as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its significance as an early Christian center. Thayer’s notes its commercial importance. LSJ provides historical context of the city’s development. Vine’s connects it to themes of persecution. Strong’s links it to myrrh trade. Moulton and Milligan document its prominence in Roman Asia. LEH notes its absence from Septuagint due to later development.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna [Σμύρνα], and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.” Revelation 1:11

Additional References:
Revelation 2:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σμύρνα powerfully illustrates Christ’s care for His persecuted church and the victory promised to those who remain faithful. This promotes the Gospel by showing that true riches lie not in material wealth but in spiritual faithfulness, and that Christ promises eternal life to those who remain faithful unto death.

D – Did You Know?

1. Smyrna was the only one of the seven cities to remain Christian majority until the 20th century.
2. The church at Smyrna was pastored by Polycarp, a disciple of John the Apostle.
3. Archaeological evidence shows the city had one of the largest Jewish populations in Asia Minor.

Strong’s G4667: A feminine proper noun naming an ancient city in Asia Minor, modern Izmir. One of seven churches addressed in Revelation, known for faithfulness amid persecution. Historically significant for early Christianity and martyrdom accounts.

Part of speech: Noun (Feminine, Proper)

Tags: smyrna, seven-churches, revelation, persecution, faithfulness, martyrdom, polycarp, asia-minor, early-church, ancient-cities, biblical-greek, new-testament, church-history​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​