### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Idoumaía**, represented by `{{G2401}}`, is derived from a Hebrew origin and refers to **Idumæa** (i.e. Edom), a region East and South of Palestine. This term is highly specific, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the biblical text. Its sole function is to identify a particular geographical location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{G2401}}` is in [[Mark 3:8]], where it is listed as one of the regions from which people came to see Jesus. The verse describes a "great multitude" who gathered after hearing about the "great things he did." **Idumæa** is mentioned as a point of origin for this crowd, alongside Jerusalem, the area beyond the Jordan, Tyre, and Sidon, illustrating the broad reach of Jesus's fame early in his ministry [[Mark 3:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{G2401}}` in scripture places it among several other key locations, highlighting a regional gathering:
* `{{G2414}}` **Hierosólyma**: This word refers to **Jerusalem**, the capitol of Palestine, from which people also came [[Mark 3:8]].
* `{{G2446}}` **Iordánēs**: This is the name for the **Jordan**, a river of Palestine. The crowd included people from "beyond Jordan" [[Mark 3:8]].
* `{{G5184}}` **Týros**: Meaning **Tyre**, a place in Palestine, it is mentioned as another origin point for the multitude [[Mark 3:8]].
* `{{G4605}}` **Sidṓn**: Referring to **Sidon**, a place in Palestine, it is listed together with Tyre as a coastal area from which people traveled [[Mark 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2401}}` is found not in the word itself, but in its inclusion in the list found in [[Mark 3:8]].
* **Widespread Fame:** The presence of people from **Idumæa** shows that news of Jesus's ministry had spread significantly, reaching beyond the core Jewish territories.
* **Diverse Gathering:** The multitude was composed of people from various regions, including the religious center of **Jerusalem** `{{G2414}}`, the lands beyond the **Jordan** `{{G2446}}`, and the coastal cities of **Tyre** `{{G5184}}` and **Sidon** `{{G4605}}`, in addition to **Idumæa**.
* **Magnetic Ministry:** This gathering illustrates the powerful draw of Jesus's works, as a "great multitude" was compelled to seek him out after they "had heard what great things he did" [[Mark 3:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2401}}` **Idoumaía** is a specific geographical name with a very limited scriptural presence. Its importance comes from its single appearance, where it serves as a key piece of evidence demonstrating the extensive and diverse appeal of Jesus's ministry. The inclusion of **Idumæa** alongside other prominent locations highlights that people from a wide array of regions were drawn to him.
TRV