### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Γάζα (Gáza), Strong's number `{{G1048}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew עַזָּה (Azzah) `{{H5804}}`. Its core meaning is purely geographical, referring to the ancient city of Gaza, a prominent city in the region of Palestine. The Hebrew root from which עַזָּה derives suggests "strong" or "fortified," a fitting description for a city that historically served as a strategic stronghold and major trade hub. Semantically, Γάζα functions as a proper noun, denoting a specific, historically significant location rather than an abstract concept or action. Its semantic range is therefore limited to this particular geopolitical entity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, Γάζα (Gáza) appears exclusively in the book of Acts. The most significant occurrence is found in [[Acts 8:26]], where an angel of the Lord instructs Philip: "Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." The text then adds the crucial descriptive phrase, "This is a desert road" (αὕτη ἐστὶν ἔρημος). This detail is highly significant; it may indicate that the specific segment of the road leading to Gaza was uninhabited or that the road passed through a desolate, wilderness region. This setting provides a backdrop for the divinely orchestrated encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, highlighting an act of God's providence in an unexpected location.
Gaza itself has a rich Old Testament history, frequently mentioned as one of the five principal cities of the Philistines (e.g., [[Joshua 13:3]], [[1 Samuel 6:17]]). It was a city often in conflict with Israel, and its historical significance as a powerful, often adversarial, city underscores the breadth of the Gospel's reach in the New Testament narrative. In Acts, Gaza serves not as a center of missionary activity itself, but as a divinely appointed waypoint leading to a pivotal moment in the expansion of the early church.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a transliteration, Γάζα (Gáza) is directly related to its Hebrew progenitor, עַזָּה (Azzah) `{{H5804}}`. This connection firmly grounds the New Testament reference in the broader biblical narrative of the land of Canaan/Palestine. Contextually, Γάζα is often associated with other Philistine cities in Old Testament accounts, such as Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, painting a picture of the geopolitical landscape of the region. The term ἔρημος (erēmos) `{{G2048}}`, meaning "desert" or "desolate," is a key related concept in [[Acts 8:26]], as it describes the nature of the road to Gaza, adding a layer of symbolic or practical significance to the setting of Philip's encounter. Furthermore, the concept of "road" or "way" (ὁδός, hodós) `{{G3598}}` is inherently linked, as Gaza is presented as a destination along a specific route.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Γάζα (Gáza) in the New Testament is primarily derived from its context in [[Acts 8]]. It represents a divinely appointed destination that facilitates a crucial step in the expansion of the Gospel. The instruction to Philip to go to the road leading to Gaza underscores God's active involvement in directing the early missionary efforts. This is not a random journey but one guided by an angelic messenger, demonstrating the sovereign will of God in extending His salvation.
The encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza is profoundly significant. It marks one of the earliest instances of the Gospel reaching a high-ranking Gentile from a distant land (Ethiopia), thereby demonstrating the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, transcending ethnic and geographical boundaries. The "desert road" (ἔρημος) detail can be interpreted metaphorically as God working in unexpected, seemingly barren, or isolated places, revealing His grace to individuals who might otherwise be overlooked. It highlights that God's mission is not confined to populous centers but extends to the margins, reaching those whom He has prepared. The journey to Gaza, therefore, symbolizes the Spirit-led expansion of the church beyond its initial Jewish confines, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
### Summary
The word Γάζα (Gáza) `{{G1048}}`, a transliteration of the Hebrew עַזָּה `{{H5804}}`, denotes the ancient Philistine city of Gaza. While a simple geographical proper noun, its single New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 8:26]] holds profound theological weight. It serves as the divinely appointed destination for Philip, leading to his pivotal encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. This event, occurring on a "desert road" (ἔρημος), symbolizes the Spirit-led expansion of the Gospel beyond Jewish borders to the Gentiles, demonstrating God's sovereign direction in reaching individuals from all nations and in unexpected places. Γάζα thus functions as a critical geographical marker in the narrative of the early church's missionary outreach, underscoring the universal and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan.
TRV