neuter of an adjective from a name of uncertain derivation; (the) Illyrican (shore), i.e. (as a name itself) Illyricum, a region of Europe:--Illyricum.
Transliteration:Illyrikón
Pronunciation:il-loo-ree-kon'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G2437 (Ἰλλυρικόν, *Illyrikón*) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical designation. As indicated by its base definition, it is the neuter form of an adjective that originally meant "Illyrian" or "Illyrican," referring to something pertaining to Illyria. Over time, this adjectival form came to function as a substantive, denoting the region itself: Illyricum. This ancient region of Europe was located along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, encompassing parts of modern-day Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Its derivation is noted as uncertain, but its meaning is consistently tied to this specific geographical territory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2437 (Illyrikón) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. In [[Romans 15:19]], Paul states: "so that from Jerusalem and all around as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ." This statement serves as a concise summary of the extensive geographical scope of Paul's missionary endeavors up to that point.
The context of this verse is Paul's explanation of his apostolic calling to the Gentiles and his ambition to preach the gospel where Christ had not yet been named ([[Romans 15:20]]). The mention of Illyricum signifies the westernmost boundary of his evangelistic reach within the Roman Empire, extending from the spiritual heartland of Jerusalem through Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Achaia, all the way to the Adriatic coast. It underscores the immense distances covered and the numerous communities established or visited by Paul and his companions. This single reference provides a crucial geographical marker for understanding the breadth of the early Christian mission.
### Related Words & Concepts
While G2437 itself is a unique geographical proper noun, it is conceptually linked to several broader themes and other biblical terms:
* **Geographical Scope of Mission:** The mention of Illyricum connects to other place names frequently cited in the Pauline epistles and the Book of Acts, such as Jerusalem, Judea, Syria, Cilicia, Asia, Macedonia, Achaia, and ultimately Rome. These locations collectively illustrate the rapid and widespread expansion of the early church.
* **Apostolic Ministry:** The word is inextricably tied to the person and ministry of the Apostle Paul, particularly his role as the "apostle to the Gentiles" ([[Romans 11:13]]). It highlights his commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission ([[Matthew 28:19-20]]) by traversing vast distances to proclaim the gospel.
* **The Power of the Spirit:** Paul attributes his success in evangelism, including reaching regions like Illyricum, to "the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God" ([[Romans 15:19]]). This links the geographical expansion to divine enablement.
* **"Ends of the Earth":** While Illyricum was not literally the "ends of the earth" from a global perspective, from a Jerusalem-centric viewpoint and within the context of the Roman Empire, it represented a significant frontier for the spread of the gospel, echoing the prophetic vision of God's salvation reaching "to the end of the earth" ([[Isaiah 49:6]]; cf. [[Acts 1:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The lone mention of G2437 (Illyrikón) in [[Romans 15:19]] carries profound theological significance, despite its purely geographical nature.
Firstly, it serves as a powerful testament to the *universality* of the gospel message. Paul's mission to Illyricum, a region inhabited primarily by Gentiles, demonstrates that God's salvation in Christ is not confined to one people or one land but is intended for all nations. This aligns with the broader theme of Romans, which emphasizes the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in God's saving plan.
Secondly, it underscores the *dynamic and expansive nature* of the early Christian mission. The church was not stagnant but actively engaged in spreading the good news, driven by apostolic zeal and the power of the Holy Spirit. Illyricum stands as a concrete example of the gospel breaking through geographical and cultural barriers.
Thirdly, it highlights the *faithfulness of God* in fulfilling His promises. The reach of the gospel to distant lands, as exemplified by Illyricum, is a tangible manifestation of Old Testament prophecies regarding the worldwide spread of God's glory and salvation (e.g., [[Psalm 98:3]], [[Isaiah 49:6]]).
Finally, it portrays Paul's *dedication and diligence* in his calling. Reaching Illyricum involved arduous travel, significant risk, and tireless labor, emphasizing the cost and commitment involved in faithful gospel proclamation.
### Summary
G2437 (Ἰλλυρικόν, *Illyrikón*) refers to the ancient region of Illyricum, located along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament is in [[Romans 15:19]], where the Apostle Paul declares that he has "fully preached the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem and all around as far as Illyricum." This geographical reference is crucial for understanding the vast scope of Paul's missionary journeys and the extensive reach of the early Christian message. Theologically, the mention of Illyricum underscores the universal nature of the gospel, the dynamic expansion of the early church through the power of the Holy Spirit, the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for all nations, and Paul's unwavering commitment to his apostolic mission. It stands as a powerful marker of the gospel's advance to the farthest known reaches of the Roman world from a Jerusalem-centric perspective.
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