### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Damaskós**, represented by `{{G1154}}`, refers to **Damascus**, a city of Syria. It appears **15 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is almost exclusively associated with the pivotal events of Saul's conversion and the beginning of his ministry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Damascus** `{{G1154}}` is the destination for Saul's initial mission of persecution. He desired letters to the synagogues in **Damascus** to find followers of the way and bring them bound to Jerusalem ([[Acts 9:2]], [[Acts 22:5]]). However, as he journeyed near **Damascus**, a light from heaven suddenly shone around him [[Acts 9:3]]. Blinded by the light's glory, Saul was led by the hand into **Damascus** ([[Acts 9:8]], [[Acts 22:11]]). It is in this city that the Lord appeared in a vision to a disciple named Ananias [[Acts 9:10]] and sent him to Saul. After this encounter, Saul spent certain days with the disciples at **Damascus** [[Acts 9:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events surrounding Damascus:
* `{{G1153}}` **Damaskēnós** (a Damascene): This word specifically denotes an inhabitant of Damascus. It is used when the governor under King Aretas kept the city of the **Damascenes** with a garrison, seeking to apprehend Paul [[2 Corinthians 11:32]].
* `{{G2419}}` **Hierousalḗm** (Jerusalem): This city serves as the point of origin for Saul's persecution. He went from the high priest with authority to bring believers from Damascus bound unto **Jerusalem** for punishment [[Acts 22:5]].
* `{{G4172}}` **pólis** (city): This general term for a town is used to describe Damascus when the governor under Aretas kept the **city** of the Damascenes with a garrison [[2 Corinthians 11:32]].
* `{{G4864}}` **synagōgḗ** (synagogue): These Jewish meeting places were the specific targets of Saul's mission, as he received letters to the **synagogues** in Damascus to find and arrest believers [[Acts 9:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of **Damascus** `{{G1154}}` in the narrative is significant.
* **Site of Divine Intervention:** The journey to **Damascus** is the setting for Saul's life-altering encounter with Jesus Christ. The Lord speaks to him on the road, telling him to arise and go into **Damascus**, where he will be told what to do [[Acts 22:10]].
* **From Persecution to Proclamation:** Saul came to **Damascus** to punish believers [[Acts 22:5]]. After his conversion, it became the first city where he preached boldly in the name of Jesus [[Acts 9:27]] and confounded the Jews who dwelt there, proving that Jesus is the Christ [[Acts 9:22]].
* **A Starting Point of Apostolic Ministry:** **Damascus** is the location where Paul's ministry begins. After a period in Arabia, he returned again to **Damascus** [[Galatians 1:17]]. Later, when recounting his work, he describes showing the light first to those in **Damascus**, then to Jerusalem and the Gentiles [[Acts 26:20]].
### Summary
In summary, **Damascus** `{{G1154}}` is far more than a geographical setting in scripture. It is the backdrop for the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus, marking a crucial turning point in redemptive history. It represents the place where a chief persecutor was transformed into a powerful apostle, where he first received sight, was strengthened, and began boldly preaching the very faith he had sought to destroy.
TRV