Dalmatia (pronounced dal-mah-TEE-ah, Δαλματία) is a Greek proper noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1149. The term Dalmatia refers to a region located along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, in what is now modern-day Croatia. The name is derived from the native Illyrian tribe known as the Dalmatae, who inhabited the area during ancient times.

Dalmatia in the New Testament context is primarily known as a geographical region. The region was part of the Roman province of Illyricum and was known for its rugged terrain and coastline. During the time of the Apostle Paul, Dalmatia was a significant area for early Christian missionary activity, and it is mentioned in the New Testament in relation to Paul’s travels and the work of his co-workers in spreading the Gospel.

Scripture References

1. 2 Timothy 4:10: “For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia (Δαλματίαν, Dalmatian).” This verse indicates that Titus was sent to Dalmatia, highlighting the region’s importance in the early Christian mission.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Dalmatia is identified as a region in the Roman province of Illyricum. BDAG emphasizes that Dalmatia was a notable area for Christian activity during the time of Paul, as indicated by the mention of Titus traveling there in 2 Timothy 4:10. The lexicon suggests that Dalmatia was an important region for the spread of Christianity in the western part of the Roman Empire, particularly due to its strategic location along trade routes and its proximity to other major cities.

Thayer’s Lexicon also defines Dalmatia as a region in Illyricum, noting that it was well-known in antiquity for its harsh and mountainous terrain. Thayer’s highlights that Dalmatia was significant enough to be mentioned in the New Testament, implying that the early Christian community recognized the importance of evangelizing in this area. The lexicon suggests that Titus’ mission to Dalmatia was part of a broader effort to establish and strengthen Christian communities in the Roman provinces.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader historical and geographical context for Dalmatia, describing it as a region inhabited by the Illyrian tribe of Dalmatae. LSJ notes that the area was incorporated into the Roman Empire as part of the province of Illyricum and was known for its strategic significance due to its coastal position. The lexicon also highlights that Dalmatia was mentioned in various historical records as a region that played a role in the expansion of Roman influence in the Balkans.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Dalmatia as a region mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:10, focusing on its identification as a geographical area in the Roman province of Illyricum. The concordance notes the significance of Dalmatia in the context of early Christian missionary work, particularly as a place where the Apostle Paul’s co-worker, Titus, was sent.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Dalmatia is mentioned in various ancient texts, reflecting its importance as a region during the time of the Roman Empire.

1. Strabo, the Greek geographer, refers to Dalmatia in his work “Geographica,” describing the region’s geography, its inhabitants, and its integration into the Roman Empire. Strabo highlights the rugged terrain and the strategic importance of the area for controlling the Adriatic coast.
2. Pliny the Elder mentions Dalmatia in his “Natural History,” discussing the various tribes that inhabited the region and the Roman conquest of the area. Pliny emphasizes the cultural and economic significance of Dalmatia within the broader context of the Roman Empire.
3. Ptolemy, the Greco-Roman mathematician and geographer, includes Dalmatia in his “Geography,” detailing the region’s location and its place within the administrative divisions of the Roman Empire. Ptolemy’s work provides valuable insight into how Dalmatia was viewed in terms of its geographical and political importance.

Summary

Dalmatia (pronounced dal-mah-TEE-ah, Δαλματία) is a Greek proper noun referring to a region along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, in what is now modern-day Croatia. The area was part of the Roman province of Illyricum and was known for its strategic location and rugged terrain. In the New Testament, Dalmatia is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:10 as a place where Titus traveled, highlighting its importance in early Christian missionary efforts. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the significance of Dalmatia in both geographical and historical contexts, noting its role in the spread of Christianity and its integration into the Roman Empire. In classical Greek literature, Dalmatia is frequently mentioned by authors such as Strabo, Pliny the Elder, and Ptolemy, who describe the region’s geography, inhabitants, and strategic importance. The term’s usage underscores Dalmatia‘s enduring relevance as a key region in the ancient world, particularly during the Roman period.