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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding the significance of place names like Μιτυλήνη (Mitulēnē) offers valuable insight into the geographical and cultural context of the New Testament. Μιτυλήνη, mentioned in Acts 20:14, is the chief city of the island of Lesbos, located in the northeastern Aegean Sea. This location plays an important role in the missionary journeys of Paul, and understanding its historical and geographical significance helps readers appreciate the dynamics of early Christian travel and ministry. The city was an important hub for trade, culture, and politics, which made it a notable place for early Christian evangelism and outreach.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Μιτυλήνη (Mitulēnē)

Transliteration: mit-oo-lay-nay

Pronunciation: /mit-oo-lay-nay/

Etymology: The word Μιτυλήνη is a proper noun and the name of the capital city of the island of Lesbos. It is believed to be derived from a pre-Hellenic substrate language, indicating its ancient origins. The etymology of the name does not have a clear link to common Greek root words but is tied to the long history of the region, which was already inhabited in the early Bronze Age.

Part of Speech: Proper noun. It is used to designate the city of Mitylene, a significant urban center in the ancient world, particularly in the context of Hellenistic and Roman-era geography.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. A Major City in Ancient Lesbos: Μιτυλήνη primarily refers to the capital city on the island of Lesbos. The city was known for its prosperity, strategic location, and vibrant cultural life. It was a major center of trade and culture during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

2. A Stop on Paul’s Missionary Journey: In the New Testament, Μιτυλήνη is significant as a location visited by Paul during his third missionary journey, as recounted in Acts 20:14. It was a key stopping point on his way to Miletus.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Λέσβος (Lesbos) [les-bos]: Refers to the island on which Μιτυλήνη is located. Lesbos was an important cultural and political hub in the ancient world.

2. Σάμος (Samos) [sa-mos]: Another island in the Aegean Sea mentioned in Acts 20, which, like Mitylene, was a significant stop on Paul’s missionary travels.

3. Μίλητος (Miletos) [mi-le-tos]: A coastal city near Mitylene, also mentioned in Acts 20 as Paul’s destination after Mitylene.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

Μιτυλήνη is a feminine proper noun. Its case endings change based on the syntactic role it plays in a sentence, like other Greek nouns. The singular forms of Μιτυλήνη include:

• Nominative: Μιτυλήνη

• Genitive: Μιτυλήνης

• Dative: Μιτυλήνῃ

• Accusative: Μιτυλήνην

Declension Table (Singular Forms):

Case Singular

Nominative Μιτυλήνη

Genitive Μιτυλήνης

Dative Μιτυλήνῃ

Accusative Μιτυλήνην

For more on Greek grammar, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

According to various lexicons, Μιτυλήνη was a wealthy and influential city, known for its significance in trade and culture. It had strong connections to both the Hellenistic and Roman worlds, which made it an ideal place for Paul to visit during his missionary journey. The city’s strategic location along maritime routes made it a natural stopping point for travelers in the ancient world, and it was a place where ideas, goods, and beliefs could be exchanged. The mention of Μιτυλήνη in Acts 20:14 highlights its importance in the spread of early Christianity throughout the Mediterranean.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 20:14 – “And when he met with us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene [Μιτυλήνη].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Example Text

Herodotus Histories “Mitylene was renowned for its splendid harbors and strong walls.”

Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian War “The revolt of Mitylene marked a turning point in the war.”

Septuagint Jeremiah 36:14 (LXX) “The men of Mitylene came to the king of Babylon.”

Noteworthy Summary

Μιτυλήνη, the chief city of Lesbos, played a crucial role in the missionary journeys of Paul as described in Acts 20:14. The city was known for its rich history, strategic location, and its significance in both Hellenistic and Roman times. Understanding Μιτυλήνη in its geographical and historical context helps us better grasp the travel routes of early missionaries and the cities that became centers for the spread of the Gospel.

Did You Know?

1. Μιτυλήνη was the birthplace of the famous Greek poet Sappho, known for her lyric poetry.

2. The city had two harbors, making it a critical maritime hub during antiquity.

3. In 428 BC, Mitylene famously revolted against Athens during the Peloponnesian War, which led to severe repercussions from the Athenians.