### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb `{{G1566}}` (ekeîse) is derived from `{{G1563}}` (ekeî), meaning "there" or "at that place." The suffix -σε indicates motion towards a place. Therefore, the core meaning of `{{G1566}}` is "thither," "to that place," or "there" in the sense of movement towards a specific location. It functions as a directional adverb, specifying the destination of an action or journey. Unlike `{{G1563}}`, which denotes a static position, `{{G1566}}` inherently implies movement from one point to another, with the target being the "that place" indicated. Its semantic range is quite narrow and precise, focusing exclusively on this directional aspect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G1566}}` appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 21:3]]**: "And when we had sighted Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre; for there (ἐκεῖσε) the ship was to unload its cargo."
* In this sole occurrence, `{{G1566}}` clearly indicates the destination of Paul and his companions' sea journey. The ship was headed "to Tyre" (ἐκεῖσε) specifically for the purpose of unloading its cargo. The context is a travel narrative, detailing the specific route taken by the apostle Paul on his third missionary journey as he makes his way back to Jerusalem. The word emphasizes the precise geographical target of their voyage, underscoring the purposeful nature of their travel. It is not merely that the ship *was* at Tyre, but that it was *going to* Tyre.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G1566}}` is part of a family of related Greek words that specify location and direction:
* `{{G1563}}` (ekeî): The root word, meaning "there" (at that place), indicating a static position. `{{G1566}}` adds the directional "to" component to this base.
* `{{G1564}}` (ekeíthen): Meaning "from that place" or "thence," indicating motion *away from* a location.
* `{{G1565}}` (ekeînos): A demonstrative pronoun, meaning "that" or "that one," referring to something distant in space or time.
* More broadly, `{{G1566}}` relates to other adverbs and prepositions of motion and place, such as `{{G1519}}` (eis - into, to) and `{{G4314}}` (pros - toward), though `{{G1566}}` functions as a single adverbial unit expressing "to that place." The concept of purposeful travel, mission, and divine guidance in geographical movement is also a related theological concept, particularly in the Book of Acts.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence in [[Acts 21:3]], `{{G1566}}` does not carry a profound or independent theological weight. Its significance is primarily contextual and contributes to the broader theological narrative of the Book of Acts. In Acts, every step of the apostles' journeys, even seemingly minor details like a ship's destination, is part of God's sovereign plan for the spread of the Gospel. The use of `{{G1566}}` underscores:
* **Purposeful Movement:** It highlights the deliberate and directed nature of the early Christian mission. The apostles were not wandering aimlessly but were guided by the Holy Spirit to specific locations (ἐκεῖσε) for evangelism, teaching, and church planting.
* **Concrete Reality of Mission:** The Gospel was not an abstract concept but was carried by real people to real, geographical places. The precise directional nature of `{{G1566}}` emphasizes the tangible and incarnational aspect of the early church's outreach.
* **Divine Providence:** While the word itself is neutral, its placement within the divinely inspired narrative of Acts implicitly points to God's guiding hand in directing the paths of His servants, ensuring they reach the intended destinations for His purposes.
### Summary
`{{G1566}}` (ekeîse) is a precise Greek adverb meaning "thither" or "to that place," indicating motion towards a specific location. Derived from `{{G1563}}` (ekeî, "there"), it uniquely emphasizes the directional aspect of movement. Its sole New Testament occurrence is in [[Acts 21:3]], where it describes the ship's destination to Tyre. While not a word of deep theological import in isolation, its presence in Acts contributes to the narrative of purposeful, divinely guided geographical movement in the early Christian mission, highlighting the concrete and directed nature of the apostles' evangelistic endeavors.
TRV