Pronunciation Guide: AH-zoh-tohs

Basic Definition

Strong’s G108: Ἄζωτος (Azotos) was the Greek name for the ancient Philistine city of Ashdod, located on the Mediterranean coast. It served as a significant commercial center and was one of the five principal cities of the Philistines. In the New Testament, it appears as a destination in Philip’s evangelistic journey, marking the northern point of his ministry after his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch.

Etymology and Morphology

• Proper Noun
• Hebrew origin (אַשְׁדּוֹד, Ashdod)
• Used in historical narrative contexts
• Appears in both Septuagint and New Testament
• Geographic and cultural significance in biblical history

Ἄζωτος Morphology:

• Ἄζωτος (nominative singular) – Azotus/Ashdod
• Ἀζώτου (genitive singular) – of Azotus
• Ἀζώτῳ (dative singular) – in/at Azotus
• Ἄζωτον (accusative singular) – to Azotus

Origin & History

The Greek Ἄζωτος represents the Hellenized form of the Hebrew אַשְׁדּוֹד (Ashdod). The city’s history stretches back to the Bronze Age, and it was one of the oldest and most important Philistine settlements. Greek historians, including Herodotus, mentioned the city in their works, noting its strategic importance along the Mediterranean coast.

The name transformation from Ashdod to Ἄζωτος reflects the Hellenistic influence on the region following Alexander the Great’s conquests. This linguistic evolution demonstrates the city’s importance throughout multiple cultural periods, from Philistine to Persian to Greek and Roman times.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A major Philistine city on the Mediterranean coast
• A strategic point along the ancient coastal highway
• A cultural crossroads between Egyptian and Mesopotamian influences

Ἄζωτος Translation Options:

• “Azotus” – Traditional Greek-based translation used in some English versions
• “Ashdod” – Modern translation reflecting Hebrew origin, preferred in contemporary versions
• “Azotos” – Direct transliteration of the Greek, used in academic contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, Ἄζωτος appears in Acts 8:40 as part of Philip’s ministry journey. The city’s mention demonstrates the Gospel’s spread beyond Jerusalem and into historically Gentile territories. The Septuagint uses Ἄζωτος numerous times, particularly in historical narratives involving Philistine-Israelite relations.

Notable appearances include:

• “Philip found himself at Ἄζωτος [Azotus], and passing through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.” Acts 8:40

Cultural Insights

Ἄζωτος held significant strategic importance as one of the five principal cities of the Philistine pentapolis, along with Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. Its location on the Mediterranean coast made it a crucial commercial hub and military stronghold throughout ancient times.

The city’s historical significance is particularly evident in its role as a worship center for Dagon, the Philistine deity. This religious heritage makes Philip’s evangelistic work there especially meaningful, as it represents the Gospel’s triumph over ancient pagan traditions.

Theological Significance

The appearance of Ἄζωτος in Acts carries profound theological significance. Its transformation from a Philistine stronghold and center of pagan worship to a point along the Gospel’s expansion illustrates God’s sovereign plan to redeem all nations. The city that once housed the temple of Dagon became a gateway for the message of Jesus the Messiah.

This geographical and spiritual transformation powerfully demonstrates how God often uses historically significant locations to showcase His redemptive purposes. The same city that once represented opposition to God’s people became a witness to His grace and the universality of His salvation.

Personal Application

The story of Ἄζωτος reminds us that no place is beyond God’s redemptive reach. Just as this ancient Philistine city became a point of Gospel advancement, God can transform any location or situation for His glory. This encourages us to see every place, regardless of its history or current spiritual condition, as a potential site for God’s redemptive work.

Related Words

• πόλις (polis) – city, with similar urban significance See G4172
• Γάζα (Gaza) – another Philistine city, sharing historical context See G1048
• Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma) – Jerusalem, contrasting spiritual significance See G2414
• Καισάρεια (Kaisareia) – Caesarea, connected in Philip’s journey See G2542

Did you Know?

• Archaeological excavations have revealed that Ἄζωτος was one of the largest cities in the ancient Levant, with continuous occupation from the Bronze Age through the Roman period, demonstrating its enduring importance as a regional center.
• The city’s strategic location made it a key target during military campaigns, and it was captured by nearly every major empire that controlled the region, including Assyrians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.
• Modern Ashdod, built near the ancient site of Ἄζωτος, is now one of Israel’s largest ports, continuing the city’s historical role as a major Mediterranean commercial center.

Remember This

From Philistine stronghold to Gospel gateway, Ἄζωτος stands as a testament to God’s power to transform any place into a beacon of His grace and truth.