Ἀβιληνή – Pronunciation Guide: ah-bil-ay-NAY

Basic Definition

Strong’s G9: A small territory in Syria located northwest of Damascus, named after its capital city Abila. The region was historically significant during the early ministry of John the Baptist and the emergence of the Messianic age.

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Word Study

• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (Feminine)
• Language Origin: Likely Aramaic/Hebrew root with Greek suffix
• Root Meaning: Possibly from Hebrew “abel” meaning “meadow” or “stream”

Morphology:

• Ἀβιληνή (nominative) – the Abilene region
• Ἀβιληνῆς (genitive) – of Abilene
• Ἀβιληνῇ (dative) – to/in Abilene

Word Origin & History

Abilene derived its name from the ancient city of Abila, which served as its capital. The city itself was situated approximately 18 miles northwest of Damascus, in a fertile valley that provided strategic access to important trade routes between the Mediterranean coast and the interior regions of Syria.

The territory gained prominence during the Hellenistic period and continued to be significant through the Roman era, when it was governed by various tetrarchs, including Lysanias, who is specifically mentioned in Luke 3:1.

Biblical Usage

Ἀβιληνή appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Luke 3:1, where it serves as a geographical and chronological marker for the beginning of John the Baptist’s ministry. Luke’s precise historical detail demonstrates his commitment to anchoring the gospel narrative within verifiable historical contexts.

Key Passages:

• Luke 3:1 – “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar…while Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene”

Cultural Insights

The mention of Abilene alongside other territories and their rulers reflects the complex political landscape of first-century Judea and surrounding regions. The territory’s strategic location along major trade routes made it economically significant, while its fertile valleys supported agricultural development.

Theological Significance

Luke’s inclusion of Abilene in his precise historical introduction serves multiple theological purposes. It demonstrates God’s sovereignty over political boundaries and human governance, showing how He orchestrated circumstances across various territories to prepare for His Son’s ministry.

The mention of this Gentile territory alongside Jewish regions also foreshadows the universal scope of the gospel message, pointing to God’s plan to include all nations in His redemptive purposes through the Messiah.

Personal Application

The detailed historical context reminds us that our faith is grounded in real historical events and places. Just as God worked through specific geographical locations and political situations to accomplish His purposes then, He continues to work through our particular circumstances today to advance His kingdom purposes.

Related Words

• τετρααρχέω (tetraarcheo) – to be a tetrarch – See G5075
• ἡγεμονεύω (hegemoneuō) – to govern – See G2230
• Συρία (Syria) – Syria – See G4947

Did you Know?

• Archaeological excavations at Abila have revealed evidence of continuous settlement from the Hellenistic through Byzantine periods
• The region was known for its wine production and extensive cave systems
• Modern scholars have confirmed Luke’s accuracy regarding Lysanias’s rule through archaeological discoveries

Remember This

Every geographical detail in Scripture serves God’s greater purpose in revealing His redemptive plan through the Messiah Jesus.

Part of speech: Proper Noun (Feminine)