Brief Overview of Σαμοθρᾴκη (Strong’s G4543: Samothrakē)

Strong’s G4543: An island in the northern Aegean Sea, named by combining Samos (“height”) and Thrace (the adjacent mainland region). Significant in Paul’s missionary journeys as a stopping point between Troas and Neapolis, marking the gospel’s entry into Europe.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term Σαμοθρᾴκη appears in Acts 16:11 as a waypoint in Paul’s second missionary journey. This strategic island location marks a crucial transition in the spread of the gospel from Asia to Europe. While historically known for its pagan mystery cults, it becomes part of the divine route carrying Christianity westward. Early church writers saw symbolic significance in this crossing point between continents. Today, Σαμοθρᾴκη reminds us how God uses geographical locations in His plan to spread the gospel globally.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σαμοθρᾴκη, Samothrakē, /sam-oth-rah’-kay/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sam” (like ‘sam’), “oth” (like ‘oath’), “rah” (like ‘raw’), “kay” (like ‘kay’)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Compound of Σάμος (Samos) – height
• And Θρᾴκη (Thrace) – adjacent region
• Combined meaning: Thracian Samos
• No additional suffixes

D – Defining Meanings

• Island of Samothrace
• Aegean island
• Northern Greek island
• Thracian height

For compound words:
Combines Σάμος (height/elevation) with Θρᾴκη (Thrace) to distinguish it from other places named Samos

Translation Options:

• “Samothrace” – traditional transliteration
• “Samothracian Isle” – descriptive translation
• “Thracian Samos” – literal meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Τρῳάς (Trōas) /tro-as’/ – Troas See G5174 – nearby port
• Νεάπολις (Neapolis) /neh-ap’-ol-is/ – Neapolis See G3496 – next destination
• Μακεδονία (Makedonia) /mak-ed-on-ee’-ah/ – Macedonia See G3109 – nearby region

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:

• No direct derivatives
• Related form: Σαμόθρᾳξ (Samothracian)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its geographical significance. Thayer’s notes its strategic location. LSJ provides historical background. Vine’s highlights its role in Acts. Strong’s explains its compound etymology. LEH documents Hellenistic usage. Moulton and Milligan show its common appearance in travel accounts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

So putting out to sea from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and on the day following to Neapolis (Acts 16:11)

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word Σαμοθρᾴκη marks a pivotal point in the expansion of King Jesus’s kingdom. This island waypoint represents the gospel’s crossing from Asia to Europe, demonstrating how God uses specific places in His plan for global evangelization. This proclaims the good news that God’s salvation strategically advances to reach all nations.

D – Did You Know?

1. Samothrace was famous for its mystery religion and sanctuary of the Great Gods.
2. The island’s peak is one of the highest in the Aegean, visible from far away.
3. Archaeological evidence shows early Christian presence following Paul’s journey.

Strong’s G4543: An island in the northern Aegean Sea, named by combining Samos (“height”) and Thrace (the adjacent mainland region). Significant in Paul’s missionary journeys as a stopping point between Troas and Neapolis, marking the gospel’s entry into Europe.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Samothrace, Paul’s journeys, Acts, missionary travel, geographical locations, Europe, Asia Minor, sea routes, gospel expansion, islands​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​