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Dekápolis (pronounced deh-KA-poh-lis, Δεκάπολις) is a Greek term that means “Ten Cities.” It is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical and political region in the ancient Near East.

Dekápolis is derived from two Greek words: δέκα (déka), meaning “ten,” and πόλις (pólis), meaning “city.” As a feminine noun, Dekápolis signifies a league of ten cities in the region of Decapolis, which was a group of cities with a shared Greek or Hellenistic culture. The term is used to denote the collective region where these cities were located, which was significant in the context of Roman administration and influence during the New Testament period.

Scripture References

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1. Matthew 4:25: “And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis (Δεκάπολις), and from Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan.” This verse mentions the region of Dekápolis as part of the extensive area from which people came to follow Jesus.
2. Mark 5:20: “And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis (Δεκάπολις) how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.” Here, Dekápolis refers to the area where the healed demoniac spread the news of Jesus’ miracle.
3. Mark 7:31: “Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis (Δεκάπολις).” This verse describes Jesus traveling through the Decapolis region.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich) defines Dekápolis as the “Ten Cities,” referring to a league of ten Hellenistic cities located in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, specifically in the region of Syria and Transjordan. BDAG provides context on its role as a political and cultural entity during the Roman period.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes Dekápolis similarly, noting that it was a league of ten cities that were known for their Greek culture and Roman influence. Thayer’s emphasizes the significance of these cities in terms of their political and economic status.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary concurs with BDAG and Thayer’s, explaining that Dekápolis refers to a group of ten cities known for their Greek culture, situated in a region of strategic importance in the Roman Empire.

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) provides a definition consistent with BDAG, noting that Dekápolis denotes a coalition of ten cities in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. It highlights the historical and geographical significance of the term.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Josephus’ “Jewish War”: In this historical work, Dekápolis is mentioned as a region of ten cities that played a role in the political and cultural landscape of the Eastern Roman Empire. Josephus details its interactions with neighboring regions and its significance during the Jewish-Roman conflicts.
2. Pliny the Elder’s “Natural History”: Pliny references Dekápolis when discussing the geography of the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. His account provides insights into the importance of these cities in trade and administration.
3. Strabo’s “Geography”: Strabo includes Dekápolis in his description of the geographical and cultural landscape of the eastern Mediterranean. His work provides a detailed account of the cities’ locations and their significance in the broader context of the Roman Empire.

Summary

Dekápolis (pronounced deh-KA-poh-lis, Δεκάπολις) is a Greek term meaning “Ten Cities,” referring to a coalition of ten cities in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Derived from δέκα (ten) and πόλις (city), it signifies a region known for its Greek and Roman cultural influence.

In biblical texts, Dekápolis is mentioned in contexts related to Jesus’ ministry, highlighting the region’s importance in the spread of His message. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, Vine’s, and LSJ describe Dekápolis as a notable political and cultural entity.

Classical Greek literature provides historical and geographical insights into Dekápolis, illustrating its role in the Roman Empire’s administration and cultural life. The term denotes a significant region that contributed to the historical and cultural landscape of the eastern Mediterranean.