Brief Overview of Πάταρα (Strong’s G3959: Patara)

Strong’s G3959: A maritime city of Lycia in Asia Minor, significant as a major seaport in ancient Mediterranean trade routes. Located at the mouth of the Xanthus River, it served as an important stop on Paul’s missionary journeys and was known for its oracle of Apollo.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πάταρα was a prominent seaport city in Lycia, southwestern Asia Minor. Its significance in the New Testament lies in its role as a maritime hub during Paul’s missionary journeys. The city represented the intersection of commerce, culture, and Christian mission in the first century. For the early church, it symbolized the strategic use of established trade routes for gospel advancement. Today, it reminds us how God uses existing infrastructure and networks for His kingdom purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Πάταρα, Patara, [pa-TA-ra]
• Detailed pronunciation: puh-TAH-rah
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (Neuter Plural)

Etymology:

• Believed to be named after Patarus, son of Apollo
• Indigenous Lycian origin
• Hellenized form of local name

D – Defining Meanings

• Principal seaport of Lycia
• City sacred to Apollo
• Commercial hub of ancient Mediterranean

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a proper noun

Translation Options:

• Patara – Direct transliteration, most common
• Patara of Lycia – Contextual clarification
• Port of Patara – Functional description

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Μύρα [Myra, MEE-rah] – another Lycian port city
• Λυκία [Lykia, loo-KEE-ah] – the region containing Patara
• λιμήν [limēn, lee-MAIN] – general word for harbor

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Proper Noun
• Neuter Plural form
• Third Declension
• Always appears as Πάταρα
• Indeclinable in New Testament usage
• Cross-references: Παταρεύς (inhabitant of Patara)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its maritime importance. Thayer’s notes its connection to Apollo worship. LSJ details its historical significance. Strong’s highlights its role in Paul’s journey. All lexicons agree on its importance as a major Mediterranean port city and cultural center.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara [Πάταρα].” (Acts 21:1)

Additional References:
No other biblical references

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πάταρα represents God’s strategic use of existing networks for gospel spread. Just as Paul utilized this bustling port city for ministry, the good news of Jesus continues to flow through contemporary channels of commerce and communication, reaching new territories and peoples.

D – Did You Know?

1. Patara had one of the three main temples of Apollo in the ancient world
2. The city possessed a rare winter harbor, making it crucial for year-round shipping
3. It was home to one of the earliest known lighthouse structures

Strong’s G3959: A maritime city of Lycia in Asia Minor, significant as a major seaport in ancient Mediterranean trade routes. Located at the mouth of the Xanthus River, it served as an important stop on Paul’s missionary journeys and was known for its oracle of Apollo.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: #BiblicalPlaces #AncientCities #PaulJourneys #MissionaryTravel #Mediterranean #Lycia #AncientPorts #ApolloWorship #Acts #MaritimeHistory #ApostolicAge​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​