### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Aígyptos**, represented by `{{G125}}`, is the term for the land of **Egypt**. It appears **24 times** across **22 unique verses** in the Bible. While it refers to a specific geographical location, **Egypt** plays a multifaceted role in the biblical narrative as a place of refuge, bondage, and divine deliverance, and as a powerful spiritual symbol.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G125}}` is central to several key events. It is the nation where the patriarchs, facing famine, sought **sustenance** [[Acts 7:11-12]] and where their descendants **multiplied** [[Acts 7:17]] but also endured **affliction** [[Acts 7:34]]. The exodus from **Egypt** is a foundational event, where God led the people of Israel out with a "high **arm**" [[Acts 13:17]] and "shewed **wonders** and **signs**" [[Acts 7:36]]. Later, **Egypt** served as a place of refuge for the young **child** Jesus, who was taken there to **flee** from Herod [[Matthew 2:13]], fulfilling the prophecy, "Out of **Egypt** have I called my **son**" [[Matthew 2:15]]. Spiritually, it is used alongside **Sodom** to describe the corrupt "great **city**" where the Lord was crucified [[Revelation 11:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the significance of **Egypt**:
* `{{G5328}}` **Pharaṓ** (Pharaoh): As the **king** of **Egypt**, this figure is crucial to the biblical narrative. Joseph found **favour** and was made **governor** by **Pharaoh** [[Acts 7:10]], while Moses confronted him, leading to Israel's deliverance.
* `{{G1806}}` **exágō** (to lead forth): This verb describes the divine act of deliverance, as God **brought** the Israelites **out** of the land of **Egypt** ([[Acts 7:36]], [[Acts 13:17]]).
* `{{G3940}}` **paroikía** (sojourning, as strangers): This term characterizes the Israelites' experience as they **dwelt as strangers** in the land of **Egypt** before God exalted them [[Acts 13:17]].
* `{{G3042}}` **limós** (dearth, famine): A great **dearth** over all the land of **Egypt** and **Chanaan** is what initially drove the patriarchs there for help [[Acts 7:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G125}}` is significant, representing several recurring themes in Scripture.
* **Bondage and Affliction:** **Egypt** is consistently portrayed as a place of hardship and oppression. God saw the **affliction** of His people in **Egypt** and heard their **groaning** [[Acts 7:34]].
* **Divine Deliverance and Salvation:** The exodus from **Egypt** is a primary Old Testament example of God's power to **save** His people [[Jude 1:5]]. This deliverance was accomplished through **wonders** and **signs** [[Acts 7:36]] and serves as a precursor to spiritual salvation in **Christ**.
* **A Place of both Refuge and Testing:** While **Egypt** provided a temporary safe haven for Jesus from Herod [[Matthew 2:14]], it was also the place where Israel's fathers' **hearts** turned back in rebellion [[Acts 7:39]], and where some who were saved out of the land later were destroyed because they **believed not** [[Jude 1:5]].
* **Symbol of Worldly Corruption:** In prophetic language, **Egypt** is used as a metaphor for a place of spiritual decay and opposition to God, equated with **Sodom** [[Revelation 11:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G125}}` signifies far more than the historical nation of **Egypt**. It is a crucial setting in redemptive history, representing the pains of worldly bondage, the power of God's deliverance, and a place of providential refuge. From the story of Joseph and the exodus of Israel to the infancy of Jesus and its symbolic use in Revelation, **Egypt** serves as a powerful biblical archetype for trial, salvation, and the spiritual condition of the world.
TRV