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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies, such as Ἰόππη (Ioppē), is crucial for interpreting New Testament texts accurately and gaining insight into ancient Greek and Jewish culture. Ἰόππη refers to the ancient port city of Joppa (modern-day Jaffa), which holds significant historical and cultural importance. Its mention in the New Testament is vital for understanding the geographical and social context of early Christian evangelism and the spread of the Gospel.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἰόππη, transliterated as Ioppē [ee-OP-pay].
- Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew word יָפוֹ (Yāfō), which refers to the ancient port city of Joppa.
- Part of Speech: Proper noun (feminine).
- Grammatical Details: First declension; singular; nominative case in the instances it is used in the New Testament.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- The city of Joppa, a port city on the Mediterranean coast of ancient Israel.
- A significant location in both Old and New Testament narratives.
Similar Words: Ἱερουσαλήμ (Hierousalēm) [hee-er-oo-sah-LAME], meaning “Jerusalem,” is another proper noun referring to a city with great historical and religious significance. While both words are place names with deep historical roots in Jewish and Christian contexts, Ἱερουσαλήμ refers to the spiritual and political capital of Israel, while Ἰόππη specifically denotes the port city known for its strategic location.
Further Insights: Ἰόππη is a proper noun that does not decline in the typical sense of verbs or adjectives, but it does follow the first declension pattern for feminine nouns in Greek. The form Ἰόππῃ (dative) is used in Acts 9:43 when referring to staying “in Joppa.” This morphological behavior is important when studying Koine Greek grammar.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Notes that Ἰόππη is the Greek name for the city of Joppa, which was a significant port on the coast of Judea. It appears in key New Testament passages involving Peter’s ministry, emphasizing the city’s strategic and cultural importance in early Christian history.
Thayers: Describes Ἰόππη as a Phoenician city, famous for its port, mentioned in the New Testament as the place where Peter raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead. Thayer’s also notes its historical connection to ancient Israel and its role as a trade center.
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Vines: Highlights Ἰόππη as a city located on the Mediterranean coast, known for its involvement in maritime activities. Vine’s also emphasizes its biblical significance in Peter’s vision and subsequent ministry to the Gentiles.
LSJ: Provides an overview of Ἰόππη as an ancient city with roots in Phoenician and Hebrew cultures. It mentions its prominence as a port city and its inclusion in various classical and biblical texts.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists Ἰόππη (G2445) as the Greek form of Joppa, a city in ancient Israel. It is noted for its biblical occurrences, especially in Acts, where it serves as a key location for the spread of Christianity.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 9:36: “Now in Joppa [Ἰόππῃ] there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek means Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.”
- Acts 9:43: “And Peter stayed many days in Joppa [Ἰόππῃ] with a tanner named Simon.”
- Acts 10:5: “Now dispatch some men to Joppa [Ἰόππην] and send for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Strabo | Geographica | “Joppa (Ἰόππη), they say, is situated on a high hill overlooking the sea.” |
| Josephus | Antiquities of the Jews | “From Joppa (Ἰόππη) he went to Caesarea and remained there.” |
| Septuagint | 2 Chronicles 2:16 | “And we will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon and bring it to you by sea to Joppa (Ἰόππη).” |
Summary of Ἰόππη (G2445)
The Greek word Ἰόππη (Ioppē) refers to the ancient city of Joppa, a key port city on the Mediterranean coast of Israel. As a proper noun in the New Testament, Ἰόππη holds significance in the narrative of early Christian expansion and evangelism, particularly in the ministry of Peter. Its etymological roots in Hebrew and its appearances in both the Old and New Testaments underscore its historical and theological importance. The word provides insight into the geographical and cultural context of early Christian writings and its role in bridging Jewish and Gentile communities.
Did You Know?
- Joppa is one of the oldest port cities in the world and was historically significant for maritime trade in the ancient Near East.
- The city is famous for the biblical story of Jonah, who attempted to flee from God’s command by setting sail from Joppa.
- In Acts 9, Peter raises a woman named Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead in Joppa, marking a significant miracle in the early Church’s history.
Understanding Ἰόππη provides valuable context to biblical narratives, enhancing comprehension of the socio-political and religious landscape of ancient Israel and the early Christian Church.
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