from ἱερός and πόλις; holy city; Hierapolis, a place in Asia Minor:--Hierapolis.
Transliteration:Hierápolis
Pronunciation:hee-er-ap'-ol-is
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Ἱεράπολις (Hierápolis), Strong's number `{{G2404}}`, is a compound word derived from two distinct Greek roots: ἱερός (hieros), meaning "holy" or "sacred," and πόλις (polis), meaning "city." Thus, its literal and foundational meaning is "Holy City." This etymology immediately suggests a place with significant religious or cultic importance in the ancient world. Hierapolis was a prominent city located in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey), specifically in the region of Phrygia. Its name likely reflected the presence of numerous temples, sacred springs, or a particular devotion to deities such as Cybele or Apollo, alongside its famous hot springs and travertine terraces, which were considered sacred. The semantic range is therefore quite narrow, referring specifically to this particular geographical location, though its name carries the broader connotation of sacrality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Ἱεράπολις (Hierápolis) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians:
* [[Colossians 4:13]]: "For I bear him witness that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis."
In this sole occurrence, Hierapolis is mentioned alongside two other cities, Laodicea and Colossae, indicating a geographical cluster of early Christian communities. This verse is part of Paul's concluding remarks, where he sends greetings and updates. Epaphras, a faithful minister of Christ and evidently a native of Colossae (cf. [[Colossians 1:7]], [[Colossians 4:12]]), is commended for his fervent labor and deep concern for the believers in these three cities. This suggests that Epaphras had a significant role in evangelizing or nurturing the churches in this region. The inclusion of Hierapolis underscores the spread of the Gospel beyond major metropolitan centers to specific, interconnected urban areas in Asia Minor. It also highlights the network of early Christian fellowship and the pastoral care extended to these emerging congregations. The mention is purely geographical, serving to identify a specific community of believers known to Paul and Epaphras.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological components of Ἱεράπολις provide direct links to other significant biblical concepts. The root ἱερός (hieros), found in words like ἱερεύς (hiereus, "priest" `{{G2409}}`) or ἱερόν (hieron, "temple" `{{G2411}}`), points to the broader concept of "holiness" or "sacredness" in the biblical worldview. While Hierapolis was a "holy city" in a pagan sense, the New Testament redefines true holiness as belonging to God and being set apart for His purposes, often in contrast to pagan notions.
The second component, πόλις (polis, "city" `{{G4172}}`), connects Hierapolis to the wider phenomenon of urban centers as crucial hubs for the early spread of the Gospel. Cities like Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, and Rome were vital for the establishment and growth of the nascent Christian movement. Hierapolis, though perhaps smaller than some of these, represents one of many such urban environments where the Good News took root.
Furthermore, its close association in [[Colossians 4:13]] with Laodicea `{{G2993}}` and Colossae `{{G2857}}` is significant. These three cities were geographically proximate in the Lycus River valley. Colossae was a less prominent city, while Laodicea was a wealthy and influential administrative center. The mention of all three together suggests a regional network of churches that shared common concerns and perhaps even personnel, like Epaphras. This highlights the early church's interconnectedness and the regional scope of apostolic and pastoral oversight.
### Theological Significance
The single mention of Hierapolis, while brief, carries several layers of theological significance. Firstly, it testifies to the expansive reach of the Gospel message. The fact that a "holy city" in a pagan sense, dedicated to various deities and known for its healing springs, became home to a community of believers underscores the universal call of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives in diverse cultural and religious contexts. The Gospel transcended existing religious systems and established new communities centered on Christ.
Secondly, Epaphras's "great zeal" for the believers in Hierapolis, alongside those in Laodicea and Colossae, exemplifies the profound pastoral care and intercessory prayer that characterized the early Christian leadership. This highlights the importance of mutual concern and spiritual support among geographically dispersed congregations. It demonstrates that the early church was not merely a collection of isolated groups but a network bound by shared faith and fervent prayer.
Finally, the very name "Holy City" for a place rooted in pagan worship implicitly contrasts with the true holiness that is found only in God and manifested through His people. While the city might have been deemed "holy" by its inhabitants due to pagan cults, the presence of Christian believers within its walls represented a new, authentic form of holiness—one derived from union with Christ and separation unto God. This subtly points to the transformative power of the Gospel, which establishes true spiritual realities within the midst of a world defined by earthly and often idolatrous distinctions.
### Summary
Hierapolis (Ἱεράπολις, `{{G2404}}`), meaning "Holy City," was a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its pagan cults and hot springs. Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Colossians 4:13]], where it is mentioned alongside Laodicea and Colossae as a place where Epaphras had a deep pastoral concern for the local believers. This brief reference underscores the geographical spread of the Gospel into diverse urban centers and highlights the interconnectedness of early Christian communities in Asia Minor. Theologically, Hierapolis serves as a testament to the universal reach of the Gospel, the fervent pastoral care within the early church, and the establishment of true spiritual holiness in contrast to nominal, pagan sacrality.
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