Sacred Journey: Τρωγύλλιον (Strong’s G5175: Trogyllion) Marks Gospel’s Path

Strong’s G5175: A neuter proper noun naming a promontory and town near Samos in Asia Minor. Trogyllion served as a stopping point on Paul’s third missionary journey, marking another location in the expanding reach of the early church.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek name Τρωγύλλιον (Trogyllion) refers to both a promontory and small town on the western coast of Asia Minor, near the island of Samos. In the New Testament, it appears as a stopping point during Paul’s third missionary journey, demonstrating the detailed historical accuracy of Luke’s account. The location’s mention helps trace the careful progression of the gospel’s spread through strategic maritime routes. The early church fathers referenced Τρωγύλλιον when discussing the geographical expansion of Christianity. Today, this place name reminds believers of the gospel’s methodical advancement through established trade routes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Τρωγύλλιον, Trogyllion, tro-GOOL-lee-on
• Detailed pronunciation: Τρω (tro) + γύλ (GOOL) + λι (lee) + ον (on)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Root: Possibly from τρώγω (trogo) meaning “to gnaw/erode”
• Suffix: -ιον (-ion) forming place name
• Basic meaning: “eroded headland”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “Trogyllion promontory”
• Harbor town
• Maritime landmark
• Coastal station

For compound words: Not applicable as Τρωγύλλιον is a proper name

Translation Options:

1. “Trogyllium” – Traditional transliteration
2. “Cape Trogyllium” – Geographical context
3. “Trogyllion Point” – Modern equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

Σάμος (Samos) [SAH-mos] – nearby island – See G4544
Μίλητος (Miletos) [MEE-lay-tos] – nearby city – See G3399
λιμήν (limen) [lee-MANE] – harbor – See G3040

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

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

• Nominative: Τρωγύλλιον
• Genitive: Τρωγυλλίου
• Dative: Τρωγυλλίῳ
• Accusative: Τρωγύλλιον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide insight into Τρωγύλλιον’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its role as a navigational landmark. Thayer’s lexicon details its geographical features and maritime importance. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek maritime literature. Vine’s notes its historical context in Acts. Strong’s confirms its basic location while LEH adds context about similar coastal landmarks. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its appearance in travel and shipping documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day we came to [Τρωγύλλιον].” Acts 20:15

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The name Τρωγύλλιον marks another point in the gospel’s methodical spread across the ancient world. Its mention in Acts demonstrates both the historical accuracy of Luke’s account and the strategic use of maritime routes in early Christian missions. Through Τρωγύλλιον, we see how God used established trade routes and stopping points to facilitate the spread of the good news, reminding us that He often works through ordinary means to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

D – Did You Know?

1. Τρωγύλλιον provided safe harbor during dangerous weather
2. The site was visible from both Samos and the mainland
3. Ancient pilgrims often stopped here en route to Ephesus

Strong’s G5175: A neuter proper noun naming a promontory and town near Samos in Asia Minor. Trogyllion served as a stopping point on Paul’s third missionary journey, marking another location in the expanding reach of the early church.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: places, geography, missions, Paul’s journeys, maritime, Asia Minor, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, church history, travel, navigation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​