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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for uncovering the rich historical and cultural contexts of the Scriptures. The Greek word Κεγχρεαί (Kegchreai) is particularly significant as it refers to a geographical location mentioned in the New Testament. Knowing about Κεγχρεαί helps readers better understand the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and the spread of early Christianity throughout the Greco-Roman world. This ancient port city provides insight into both New Testament interpretation and the broader ancient Greek and Roman cultures, serving as a backdrop for the early church’s expansion and interaction with diverse populations.

Necessary Information

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The Greek word is Κεγχρεαί, transliterated as Kegchreai and pronounced [KENG-khreh-ai]. This proper noun refers to a place name, specifically a port city in ancient Greece.

The etymology of Κεγχρεαί is uncertain, but it is likely derived from a local name or term that predates classical Greek usage. The word does not have a direct root in classical Greek language, indicating its unique status as a place name.

Κεγχρεαί is a feminine noun in the plural form and follows the first declension pattern in Greek grammar. The noun is treated as a geographical name, so it does not change form to indicate different cases in the same way regular nouns do, but its use in sentences depends on the surrounding syntax.

The F.O.G Word Choice is coming soon.

Defining Meanings

The primary meaning of Κεγχρεαί is the name of a port city located on the eastern coast of the Isthmus of Corinth, about 7 miles (11 km) from the city of Corinth.

The second meaning relates to its function as a significant commercial and strategic location in ancient Greece. Κεγχρεαί served as one of the two harbors of Corinth, facing the Aegean Sea, making it an essential hub for trade and travel between the Eastern Mediterranean and mainland Greece.

The third meaning involves its role in the New Testament narrative, where Κεγχρεαί is mentioned as the place where Paul, during his second missionary journey, had his hair cut off because of a vow he had taken (Acts 18:18).

Exploring Similar Words

Κόρινθος (Korinthos) [KOH-rin-thos]: Refers to the city of Corinth, which was closely related to Κεγχρεαί as it served as Corinth’s eastern port. Corinth was a major urban center of ancient Greece, known for its wealth, culture, and early Christian community.

Πειραιεύς (Peiraieus) [pee-rah-YEFS]: Refers to the port of Athens, which, like Κεγχρεαί, served as a major harbor for trade and military purposes. However, it is located on the western coast of the Attica region, facing the Saronic Gulf, not the Aegean Sea like Κεγχρεαί.

Συρακούσαι (Syrakousai) [soo-rah-KOO-sai]: Refers to Syracuse, another important ancient port city located in Sicily. While Κεγχρεαί was a significant port on the Greek mainland, Syracuse played a similar role in the Western Mediterranean.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun and a feminine plural noun, Κεγχρεαί does not conform strictly to the typical declension patterns of ordinary nouns. However, it follows the general rules of first declension in Greek grammar:

Because it is a place name, its form remains consistent in usage, but understanding its case endings helps in recognizing its function in different syntactic contexts.

For a detailed guide on Greek nouns and their declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Κεγχρεαί is noted in biblical lexicons for its historical and geographical significance. As one of the two harbors of Corinth, Κεγχρεαί was a key location in the ancient world, especially during the Roman period when the city of Corinth was a major administrative center. In the New Testament, its mention in Acts 18:18 highlights its role as a setting for Paul’s missionary activities. The act of Paul shaving his head in Κεγχρεαί is often associated with the completion of a Nazirite vow, showing a blend of Jewish tradition within a Hellenistic context. This location also demonstrates the strategic choices Paul made in navigating the Roman world to spread the Gospel, using major ports like Κεγχρεαί to move between different regions and reach diverse communities.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

In Acts 18:18, it states, “Paul, having stayed many days longer, took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae [Κεγχρεαῖς] he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.” This scripture highlights the role of Κεγχρεαί as a significant port for Paul’s travel and ministry activities. The mention of the vow indicates a period of religious observance, which was culturally and spiritually important to Paul’s mission.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

Κεγχρεαί is more than just a place name in the New Testament; it represents a critical geographical and cultural intersection where early Christianity spread across the Roman world. The port of Κεγχρεαί served as a launching point for Paul’s missionary efforts and as a symbol of how the early church navigated the complexities of a multicultural and multi-religious world. By understanding its historical and biblical significance, readers gain insight into the practical and theological dimensions of early Christian missions and the strategic use of key locations in spreading the Gospel.

Did You Know?

Κεγχρεαί was not only a port but also a center for various mystery religions in the ancient world, reflecting the religious diversity of the region.

The Apostle Paul mentions Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae (Romans 16:1), indicating the existence of an early Christian community there.

Κεγχρεαί served as a gateway between the Greek mainland and Asia Minor, facilitating cultural and commercial exchanges in the ancient world.