Brief Overview of Σαμάρεια (Strong’s G4540: Samareia)

Strong’s G4540: From Hebrew שֹׁמְרוֹן (Shomron), the region and city between Judea and Galilee. A culturally and religiously significant area in New Testament times, representing both historical division and gospel inclusion, as demonstrated through Jesus’s intentional ministry there.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term Σαμάρεια appears in Luke 17:11 identifying the region Jesus traversed between Galilee and Jerusalem. This location carried deep historical and theological significance, representing centuries of religious and ethnic tension. Jesus’s intentional ministry there, including healing and teaching, demonstrated the gospel’s power to break down cultural barriers. Early church writers saw in Samaria a model of gospel expansion beyond traditional boundaries. Today, Σαμάρεια reminds us that Christ’s kingdom transcends cultural and religious divisions.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σαμάρεια, Samareia, /sam-ar’-i-ah/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sam” (like ‘sam’), “ar” (like ‘are’), “i” (like ‘ee’), “ah” (like ‘ah’)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• From Hebrew שֹׁמְרוֹן (Shomron)
• Root meaning: watch-mountain
• No Greek prefixes or suffixes
• Hellenized form of Hebrew name

D – Defining Meanings

• Region of Samaria
• City of Samaria
• Samaritan territory
• Central Palestinian region

For compound words:
Not a compound word – it’s a transliteration of a Hebrew place name

Translation Options:

• “Samaria” – traditional transliteration
• “The Samaritan Region” – geographical clarification
• “Central Palestine” – modern geographical reference

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Ἰουδαία (Ioudaia) /ee-oo-dah’-yah/ – Judea See G2449 – neighboring region
• Γαλιλαία (Galilaia) /gal-il-ah’-yah/ – Galilee See G1056 – northern region
• Συχάρ (Sychar) /soo-khar’/ – Sychar See G4965 – Samaritan city

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a proper noun:

• Indeclinable
• No case changes
• No number changes
• No gender variations

The geographical name remains unchanged in Greek text.

Cross-references:

• Related noun: Σαμαρείτης (Samaritan)
• Related adjective: Σαμαρειτικός (Samaritan)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its geographical and cultural significance. Thayer’s details its historical background. LSJ provides classical references. Vine’s highlights its spiritual significance. Strong’s connects it to Hebrew origins. LEH documents Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. (Luke 17:11)

Additional References:
John 4:4
John 4:5
John 4:7
Acts 1:8
Acts 8:1
Acts 8:5
Acts 8:9
Acts 8:14
Acts 15:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word Σαμάρεια represents both historical division and gospel reconciliation. King Jesus deliberately ministered there, making it central to His mission of breaking down barriers. This proclaims the good news that Christ’s kingdom transcends ethnic, cultural, and religious boundaries, offering salvation to all who believe.

D – Did You Know?

1. Samaria was avoided by most Jews, who would travel around rather than through it.
2. The region became one of the first mission fields outside Judea.
3. Archaeological evidence shows continuous habitation from biblical times.

Strong’s G4540: From Hebrew שֹׁמְרוֹן (Shomron), the region and city between Judea and Galilee. A culturally and religiously significant area in New Testament times, representing both historical division and gospel inclusion, as demonstrated through Jesus’s intentional ministry there.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Samaria, geography, mission field, cultural barriers, Luke’s Gospel, Acts, evangelism, Jewish-Samaritan relations, gospel expansion, reconciliation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​