Pronunciation Guide: ah-drah-meet-tay-NOS

Basic Definition

Strong’s G98: An adjective meaning “of Adramyttium,” referring to something or someone from the ancient seaport city of Adramyttium located in Mysia, Asia Minor (modern-day western Turkey). This city was an important maritime trade center during the Roman period, particularly known for its well-protected harbor and strategic location along major trade routes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Origin: Greek
• Usage Context: Historical narrative
• Primary Usage: In Acts to describe a ship’s origin
• Derived from: The place name Ἀδραμύττιον (Adramyttion)

Ἀδραμυττηνός Morphology:

• Ἀδραμυττηνός (nominative singular masculine) – of Adramyttium
• Ἀδραμυττηνή (nominative singular feminine) – of Adramyttium
• Ἀδραμυττηνόν (nominative singular neuter) – of Adramyttium

Origin & History

The term derives from the ancient city of Adramyttium, founded during the Hellenistic period. The city’s name itself likely has Phoenician origins, though its exact etymology remains debated among scholars. The suffix “-ηνός” (-enos) is a common Greek adjectival ending denoting origin or belonging, similar to the English “-ian” or “-ite.”

Adramyttium was mentioned by several ancient authors, including Strabo in his “Geography” (13.1.51), where he describes it as a notable city with an important harbor. The city maintained its significance through the Roman period as both a commercial port and an administrative center.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Of or belonging to Adramyttium
• Originating from the port city of Adramyttium
• Associated with Adramyttian commerce or shipping

Translation Options:

• “Adramyttian” – Most precise English equivalent, though less common
• “of Adramyttium” – Clearest translation for modern readers
• “from Adramyttium” – Natural in narrative contexts

Biblical Usage of Ἀδραμυττηνός

The term appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 27:2, where Luke describes the ship that would begin Paul’s journey to Rome. The specific identification of the ship as Adramyttian provides important historical context about ancient Mediterranean shipping routes and commercial networks. This detail demonstrates Luke’s attention to historical accuracy and his knowledge of maritime travel.

• “And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium [Ἀδραμυττηνός], which was about to sail to the places along the coast of Asia, we put to sea” Acts 27:2

Cultural Insights into Ἀδραμυττηνός

Adramyttium was strategically located near the mouth of the Caicus River, making it an ideal port for ships traveling between Rome and the wealthy provinces of Asia Minor. The city was particularly important in the grain trade, as ships would collect agricultural products from the fertile valleys of Mysia for transport throughout the Mediterranean.

The mention of an Adramyttian ship in Acts reveals the complex commercial networks that facilitated both trade and travel in the first-century Roman Empire. These maritime routes were crucial for the spread of the gospel throughout the Mediterranean world.

Theological Significance of Ἀδραμυττηνός

While primarily a geographical reference, the use of Ἀδραμυττηνός in Acts demonstrates God’s sovereignty in using established trade routes and commercial systems for His divine purposes. The Adramyttian ship became an instrument in God’s plan to fulfill His promise that Paul would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11).

The detailed account of Paul’s journey, beginning with this ship, illustrates how God works through ordinary means – even commercial shipping routes – to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. This reminds us that God’s providence often operates through seemingly mundane circumstances.

Personal Application

The mention of this specific ship reminds us that God works through the details of our lives, even using ordinary commercial and social structures to advance His kingdom. Just as He used an Adramyttian trading vessel to begin Paul’s journey to Rome, He can use our daily circumstances – our jobs, relationships, and regular activities – as vehicles for His divine purpose.

Related to Ἀδραμυττηνός

• Μυσία (Mysia) [moo-SEE-ah] – The region where Adramyttium was located, emphasizing geographical context. See G3465
• Ἀσιανός (Asianos) [ah-see-ah-NOS] – Belonging to Asia, broader regional term. See G773
• Τρωγύλλιον (Trogyllion) [tro-GOOL-lee-on] – Another coastal city in the region. See G5175

Did you Know?

• Archaeological excavations at Adramyttium have revealed evidence of a sophisticated harbor system with multiple basins and breakwaters, confirming its importance as a maritime center in antiquity.
• The city of Adramyttium was granted the right to mint its own coins during the Roman period, indicating its significant economic status. Some of these coins feature ships, highlighting the city’s maritime identity.
• Modern-day Edremit, Turkey, preserves the ancient name of Adramyttium and continues to be an important regional center, though the coastline has changed significantly due to silting over the centuries.

Remember This

Ἀδραμυττηνός stands as a testament to how God uses established human systems and structures – even commercial shipping routes – to advance His kingdom purposes and fulfill His promises.