Sacred Geography: Τραχωνῖτις (Strong’s G5139: Trachonitis) Witnesses Gospel’s Reach

Strong’s G5139: A proper noun referring to a rocky region southeast of Damascus, known as Trachonitis. This rough, volcanic territory was part of Philip’s tetrarchy during Jesus’ ministry, symbolizing the gospel’s reach into challenging terrain and Gentile territories.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word Τραχωνῖτις (Trachonitis) designates a specific geographical region in ancient Syria, known for its rough, volcanic terrain. The name itself reflects the area’s physical characteristics, derived from τραχύς (rough). In the New Testament, its mention in Luke’s gospel helps establish the historical context of John the Baptist’s ministry and Jesus’ early years. The region’s inclusion demonstrates God’s plan to extend His kingdom beyond Jewish territories into Gentile lands. Early church fathers often referenced Trachonitis when discussing the universal scope of the gospel message. Today, this word reminds us that God’s message reaches into every territory, regardless of its physical or spiritual challenges.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Τραχωνῖτις, Trachonitis, tra-kho-NEE-tis
• Detailed pronunciation: Τρα (tra) + χω (kho) + νῖ (NEE) + τις (tis)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τραχύς (trachus) meaning “rough”
• Suffix: -ῖτις (-itis) indicating region or territory
• Combined meaning: “rough region”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “The Trachonitis region”
• Rocky territory southeast of Damascus
• Part of Philip’s tetrarchy
• Volcanic landscape

For compound words: The word combines trachus (rough) with the regional suffix -itis to designate the rocky territory

Translation Options:

1. “Trachonitis” – Transliteration maintaining historical specificity
2. “The Rough Region” – Literal translation of meaning
3. “The Rocky Territory” – Descriptive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

Ἰτουραία (Itouraia) [ee-too-RAH-yah] – neighboring region – See G2484
Αὐρανῖτις (Auranitis) [ow-rah-NEE-tis] – adjacent territory – See G840
Βαταναία (Batanaia) [bah-tah-NAH-yah] – nearby region – See G968

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

As a proper noun, it follows standard Greek declension patterns:

• Nominative: Τραχωνῖτις
• Genitive: Τραχωνίτιδος
• Dative: Τραχωνίτιδι
• Accusative: Τραχωνῖτιν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide valuable historical and geographical context for Τραχωνῖτις. BDAG emphasizes its location and physical characteristics as a volcanic region. Thayer’s lexicon details its political status within Philip’s tetrarchy. LSJ documents its historical significance in Greco-Roman times. Vine’s connects it to the broader biblical narrative. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds context from other historical sources. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its recognition as a distinct geographical entity in administrative documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis [Τραχωνίτιδος], and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—” Luke 3:1

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Strabo: Geography	“The region of Trachonitis [Τραχωνῖτις] is full of volcanic rocks.”
Josephus: Antiquities	“Philip ruled over Trachonitis [Τραχωνῖτις] and the surrounding territories.”
Ptolemy: Geography	“Trachonitis [Τραχωνῖτις] lies between Damascus and Arabia.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word Τραχωνῖτις represents more than just a geographical location; it symbolizes the expansive reach of God’s kingdom. This rocky, challenging territory’s inclusion in Luke’s careful historical record demonstrates how the gospel message extends beyond traditional boundaries. Just as this rough region was part of God’s plan for proclamation, we see that no terrain – physical or spiritual – is too difficult for the Messiah’s kingdom to penetrate and transform.

D – Did You Know?

1. Τραχωνῖτις was known for its extensive cave networks used by bandits
2. The region’s volcanic basalt made it one of the roughest terrains in the area
3. It became an important early Christian center by the 4th century AD

Strong’s G5139: A proper noun referring to a rocky region southeast of Damascus, known as Trachonitis. This rough, volcanic territory was part of Philip’s tetrarchy during Jesus’ ministry, symbolizing the gospel’s reach into challenging terrain and Gentile territories.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: geography, region, territory, Holy Land, tetrarchy, historical context, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, Luke’s gospel, Gentile territories, Roman province​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​