Strong’s G4565: A fertile coastal plain between Joppa and Mount Carmel in ancient Palestine, known for its natural beauty and agricultural abundance. In Acts, it represents a region where the gospel spread effectively, demonstrating the expanding reach of early Christianity beyond Jerusalem.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σάρων, the Greek form of Hebrew Sharon, represents more than just a geographical location. In Acts 9:35, it appears in the context of widespread conversion following Peter’s miracle at Lydda. Historically known for its beauty and fertility, in Scripture it becomes a symbol of spiritual fruitfulness. The early church saw in the mass conversion of this region a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies about Sharon’s restoration. Today, it reminds us how the gospel transforms entire communities and regions.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σάρων, Saron, /sar’-ohn/
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘sar’ as in ‘sardine’, ‘ohn’ as in ‘own’
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Greek form of Hebrew שָׁרוֹן (Sharon)
• Root meaning “plain” or “level ground”
• Possibly related to Hebrew ישר (yashar) meaning “straight” or “level”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Coastal plain in Palestine
• Geographic meaning: Region between Joppa and Carmel
• Biblical meaning: Area of gospel expansion

Translation Options:

• Sharon – Traditional English rendering
• Saron – Greek transliteration
• Plain of Sharon – Descriptive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Λύδδα (Ludda) /lood’-dah/ – Nearby city mentioned in same context. See G3069
• Ἰόππη (Joppe) /ee-op’-pay/ – Coastal city near Sharon. See G2445

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a proper noun:

• Case: Indeclinable
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: None (remains unchanged)

As a place name transliterated from Hebrew, it maintains its form regardless of grammatical function.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies Σάρων as the fertile coastal plain. Thayer’s emphasizes its geographical significance. LSJ notes its appearance in classical geography. Vine’s connects it to Old Testament references. Strong’s links it to its meaning of level ground. Moulton and Milligan document its use in geographical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 9:35: “And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron [Σάρωνα] saw him, and turned to the Lord.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σάρων illustrates how the gospel transforms entire regions. Just as this plain was known for its natural fertility, it became spiritually fruitful through the spread of the gospel. This reminds us that the good news of Jesus Christ has the power to transform not just individuals but whole communities, bringing spiritual life where it spreads.

D – Did You Know?

1. The region was famous for its roses in ancient times
2. It served as a major route for travelers between Egypt and Mesopotamia
3. The name appears in several Old Testament prophecies about restoration

Strong’s G4565: The fertile coastal plain between Joppa and Carmel, significant in Acts as a region of widespread gospel acceptance. Known for natural beauty and agricultural abundance, it became symbolic of spiritual fruitfulness in early Christian expansion.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: biblical-places, acts, gospel-spread, peter-ministry, coastal-plain, palestine, early-church, regional-conversion, biblical-geography, mission-fields​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​