Brief Overview of Σπανία (Strong’s G4681: Spania)

Strong’s G4681: A proper noun referring to Spain, the westernmost region of the known Roman world in the first century. In Paul’s epistles, it represents his missionary vision to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth, symbolizing the furthest reach of his planned evangelistic efforts.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σπανία represents more than just a geographical location in the New Testament. In Paul’s missionary strategy, it symbolized the westernmost frontier of the known world, embodying his commitment to spread the Gospel “to the ends of the earth.” The apostle’s intention to reach Spain demonstrated the universal scope of the Gospel message and his understanding of the Messiah’s command to make disciples of all nations. The early church saw this aspiration as a model for missionary zeal and global evangelism. Today, Σπανία continues to remind us of our calling to take the Gospel to the furthest corners of the world.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σπανία, Spania, /spaˈni.a/
• Pronunciation Guide: “spah-NEE-ah”
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• From Latin “Hispania”
• Root: Possibly Phoenician “span” meaning “hidden”
• Greek adaptation of the Latin name

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Spain (geographical region)
• Secondary meaning: Western limit of the Roman Empire
• Cultural meaning: Symbol of the furthest reach of missionary activity

Translation Options:

• Spain – Modern geographical equivalent
• Hispania – Historical Roman term
• Iberia – Alternative classical name

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Ἰταλία (Italia) /i.taˈli.a/ – Italy, another significant Roman region – See G2482
• Ἀχαΐα (Achaia) /a.khaˈi.a/ – Roman province of Greece – See G882
• Μακεδονία (Macedonia) /ma.ke.doˈni.a/ – Northern Greece region – See G3109

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

As a proper noun, it appears in these forms:

• Nominative: Σπανία (Spania)
• Accusative: Σπανίαν (Spanian)
• Genitive: Σπανίας (Spanias)
• Dative: Σπανίᾳ (Spania)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes Σπανία’s significance in Paul’s missionary plans. Thayer’s emphasizes its role as the western limit of Paul’s intended mission field. LSJ provides historical context for Greek understanding of the region. Vine’s highlights its importance in demonstrating the scope of early Christian mission. Moulton and Milligan discuss contemporary references to Spain in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Romans 15:24: “whenever I journey to Spain [Σπανία], I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.”

Additional References:
Romans 15:28

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σπανία represents the far-reaching vision of the Gospel’s spread. Paul’s desire to reach Spain demonstrates that the message of King Jesus knows no geographical bounds. This reminds us that the Gospel is for all peoples, to the very ends of the earth, fulfilling the Messiah’s great commission.

D – Did You Know?

• Whether Paul actually reached Spain remains historically debated
• Spain was known for its silver mines and valuable natural resources
• Early Christian traditions claim the apostle James evangelized Spain

Strong’s G4681: A proper noun denoting Spain, representing the westernmost extent of Paul’s planned missionary journey. Its mention in Romans symbolizes the universal scope of Gospel proclamation and the early church’s commitment to reaching the ends of the earth with the message of salvation.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Spain, missions, Paul, Romans, evangelism, geography, missionary journeys, western civilization, Roman Empire, Great Commission​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​