Brief Overview of Ῥήγιον (Strong’s G4484: Rhēgion)

Strong’s G4484: A proper noun referring to Rhegium, an important maritime city in southern Italy (modern Reggio Calabria). Located at the southern tip of Italy’s “toe,” it served as a crucial stopping point on Paul’s journey to Rome, marking a significant waypoint in the spread of the gospel westward.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥήγιον represents more than just a geographical location; it symbolizes a strategic point in the early church’s mission to reach the western Roman Empire. Located at the narrowest point of the Strait of Messina, this port city facilitated the gospel’s movement from East to West. Early church tradition suggests that this stopover contributed to the establishment of Christianity in Italy. Today, Rhegium’s mention in Acts reminds us of Christianity’s historical progression from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth and the strategic importance of urban centers in gospel expansion.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Ῥήγιον, Rhēgion, /ray-ghee-on/
• Detailed pronunciation: RAY-ghee-on (with emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (neuter)

Etymology:

• Possibly from ῥήγνυμι (to break)
• Related to ancient belief that Sicily broke away from Italy at this point
• Name reflects geographical formation of the strait

D – Defining Meanings

• The city of Rhegium in southern Italy
• A major maritime waypoint between Greece and Rome
• A strategic port city in Paul’s journey

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a place name.

Translation Options:

• “Rhegium” – traditional English transliteration
• “Reggio” – modern Italian name
• “Reggio Calabria” – full modern name

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ῥήγνυμι (rhēgnymi) /rayg-noo-mee/ – to break or tear apart, possibly related to city’s name
  See G4486
• λιμήν (limēn) /lee-mane/ – harbor, port
  See G3040

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a proper noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular only (as a place name)
• Gender: Neuter
• Indeclinable (remains unchanged in different cases)

Being a proper noun referring to a location, Ῥήγιον remains unchanged regardless of its grammatical function.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies Ῥήγιον as the important port city in southern Italy. Thayer’s notes its strategic location on Paul’s journey. LSJ provides historical context about the city’s Greek origins. Vine’s emphasizes its role in maritime travel. Strong’s connects it to the concept of breaking through. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its significance in ancient Mediterranean trade.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“From there we made a circuit and arrived at [Ῥήγιον] Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.” Acts 28:13

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥήγιον marks a significant point in the advancement of the gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire. Its mention in Acts demonstrates how God used established trade routes and cities to spread the good news of King Jesus. This reminder of Paul’s journey encourages us that the gospel continues to advance through strategic locations and divine appointments.

D – Did You Know?

1. Rhegium was originally a Greek colony, making it culturally significant for Greek-speaking missionaries.
2. The city’s strategic position made it a crucial rest stop for ships waiting for favorable winds through the strait.
3. Ancient tradition suggests Paul’s brief stay contributed to the establishment of one of Italy’s earliest Christian communities.

Strong’s G4484: A proper noun referring to Rhegium, an important maritime city in southern Italy (modern Reggio Calabria). Located at the southern tip of Italy’s “toe,” it served as a crucial stopping point on Paul’s journey to Rome, marking a significant waypoint in the spread of the gospel westward.

Part of speech: Proper Noun (neuter)

Tags: Rhegium, Paul’s journey, Acts, Mediterranean, Italy, maritime travel, missions, gospel spread, Roman Empire, strategic cities, ancient ports, Christian expansion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​