### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Dekápolis**, represented by `{{G1179}}`, identifies a specific geographical area known as the **ten-city region**. Derived from the words for "ten" and "city," it refers to a district in Syria. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, highlighting its role as a distinct region within the landscape of Jesus' ministry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1179}}` is mentioned as a place from which great **multitudes of people** `{{G3793}}` came to follow **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` [[Matthew 4:25]]. It is also described as a region Jesus passed through while traveling from the coasts of **Tyre** `{{G5184}}` and **Sidon** `{{G4605}}` to the **sea** `{{G2281}}` of **Galilee** `{{G1056}}` [[Mark 7:31]]. Furthermore, it was in **Decapolis** that the man healed by Jesus began to publish the great things done for him, causing all to marvel [[Mark 5:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related geographical terms help to place **Decapolis** within the wider context of Jesus' travels and influence:
* `{{G1056}}` **Galilaía** (Galilee): This is a region of Palestine frequently mentioned with **Decapolis**. People from both areas formed the great multitudes that followed Jesus [[Matthew 4:25]].
* `{{G2414}}` **Hierosólyma** (Jerusalem): The capitol of Palestine, it is listed alongside **Decapolis** as a place from which followers came [[Matthew 4:25]].
* `{{G2449}}` **Ioudaía** (Judæa): This region of Palestine is also named as a source of the crowds that followed Jesus, showing the wide reach of his ministry [[Matthew 4:25]].
* `{{G2446}}` **Iordánēs** (Jordan): A river of Palestine, people from beyond the **Jordan** were part of the same crowds that came from **Decapolis** [[Matthew 4:25]].
* `{{G5184}}` **Týros** (Tyre) and `{{G4605}}` **Sidṓn** (Sidon): Jesus departed from these places in Palestine before passing through the midst of **Decapolis** [[Mark 7:31]].
### Theological Significance
The geographical significance of `{{G1179}}` is evident in its function within the Gospel accounts.
* **Source of Followers:** The region was a notable source of people who were drawn to Jesus' ministry, demonstrating that his fame extended across distinct districts [[Matthew 4:25]].
* **Center for Testimony:** **Decapolis** served as the setting where the news of Jesus' miraculous works was actively proclaimed, indicating its importance as a place of witness [[Mark 5:20]].
* **Key Transit Region:** Its location was strategic in Jesus' ministry travels, connecting the coastal areas of **Tyre** and **Sidon** with the region of the **sea** of **Galilee** [[Mark 7:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1179}}` is more than just a place name on a map. As the "ten-city region," **Decapolis** is portrayed as an area responsive to the ministry of **Jesus** `{{G2424}}`. Though mentioned infrequently, its appearances mark it as a significant region that contributed to the multitudes following Christ and served as a territory where testimony of His power was spread.
TRV