Sacred Journey: ταβέρναι (Strong’s G4999: tabernai) Marks Gospel’s Roman Path

Strong’s G4999: A plural noun borrowed from Latin “tabernae,” meaning “shops” or “taverns,” ταβέρναι refers to “Three Taverns,” a rest stop on the Appian Way where Roman believers met Paul. This location symbolizes the gospel’s progression into the heart of the Empire.

U- Unveiling the Word

ταβέρναι represents a significant cultural and historical intersection where the gospel message met Roman civilization. This borrowed Latin term marks a specific location on the Appian Way where Paul encountered Roman believers during his journey to Rome. In its New Testament context, it symbolizes both the practical reality of Roman infrastructure and the spiritual reality of faith spreading throughout the Empire. The early church remembered this location as a testament to how the gospel utilized Roman roads and rest stops to reach the Empire’s heart. Today, it reminds us how God uses existing cultural structures to advance His kingdom, transforming ordinary meeting places into sacred spaces of fellowship and encouragement.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ταβέρναι, tabernai, /ta-BER-nigh/
• Phonetic Guide: “ta” as in “father,” “ber” as in “bear,” “nigh” as in “high”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine Plural)

Etymology:

• Borrowed from Latin “tabernae” (shops, taverns)
• Greek plural ending -αι (-ai) adapted from Latin plural -ae

D – Defining Meanings

• Taverns, shops
• Rest stops
• Commercial establishments

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but a direct borrowing from Latin

Translation Options:

• Taverns – traditional translation preserving historical context
• Rest stops – emphasizes travel context
• Shops – highlights commercial aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πανδοχεῖον (pandocheion) /pan-do-KEE-on/ – “inn” – more specific to lodging
  See G3829
• καταγώγιον (katagōgion) /ka-ta-GO-gee-on/ – “lodging place”
  See G2646

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Varies (Nominative, Genitive, etc.)
• Number: Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

As a borrowed word, it follows Greek first declension patterns for plural nouns. In English, it remains “Taverns” or “Three Taverns” as a proper place name.

• Cross-references: None in biblical Greek, as this is a unique borrowing

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies ταβέρναι as a specific location on the Appian Way, noting its significance as a meeting point for Roman Christians and Paul. Thayer’s explains its Latin origin and its adaptation into Greek usage, highlighting its role in Roman travel infrastructure. LSJ documents similar Latin borrowings in Greek, showing how such terms entered common usage. Vine’s emphasizes its historical context in Acts, connecting it to the spread of early Christianity. Strong’s notes its unique appearance in Scripture, while Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of similar Latin borrowings in other Greek documents, demonstrating the cultural interchange of the period.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 28:15: “And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and [ταβέρναι] Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ταβέρναι beautifully illustrates how God uses ordinary places for extraordinary purposes. This simple rest stop became a landmark of encouragement where Paul experienced the reality of Christian fellowship in the Empire’s heart. The good news of King Jesus shines through this location, showing how He transforms common meeting places into sacred spaces of fellowship and hope. It reminds us that God’s work often happens in everyday locations where believers gather to encourage one another.

D – Did You Know?

1. The Three Taverns was located about 33 miles from Rome on the Appian Way.
2. It served as both a rest stop and a mail station in the Roman postal system.
3. Archaeological evidence suggests it was a significant commercial center for travelers.

Strong’s G4999: A plural noun borrowed from Latin “tabernae,” meaning “shops” or “taverns,” ταβέρναι refers to “Three Taverns,” a rest stop on the Appian Way where Roman believers met Paul. This location symbolizes the gospel’s progression into the heart of the Empire.

Part of speech: Noun (Feminine Plural)

Tags: Roman Empire, Appian Way, Paul’s journey, Christian fellowship, travel routes, gospel spread, Roman culture, missionary journeys, church history, cultural intersection​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​