### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Ἰτουραΐα (Itouraḯa)**, represented by `{{G2484}}`, is the name for **Ituræa**, a region of Palestine. Derived from the Hebrew origin Jetur, it is a specific geographical term. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, marking its use as a precise historical reference rather than a common term.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical appearance of `{{G2484}}` occurs in [[Luke 3:1]]. In this verse, the author establishes a detailed historical timeline for the beginning of John the Baptist's ministry. **Ituraea** is mentioned as part of the territory ruled by Philip the tetrarch, who also governed the region of Trachonitis. This mention serves to firmly place the events of the gospel within the known political and geographical framework of the Roman Empire during the reign of Tiberius Caesar.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other regional names are mentioned in the same context, defining the political landscape of the time:
* `{{G2449}}` **Ioudaía**: This term refers to **the Judæan land (i.e. Judæa), a region of Palestine**. At the time, it was under the governorship of Pontius Pilate [[Luke 3:1]] and was a key area for the early church's witness [[Acts 1:8]].
* `{{G1056}}` **Galilaía**: This is **Galilæa (i.e. the heathen circle), a region of Palestine**. It was the tetrarchy of Herod [[Luke 3:1]] and the primary location of Jesus's ministry [[Matthew 4:23]].
* `{{G5139}}` **Trachōnîtis**: Defined as a **rough district; Trachonitis, a region of Syria**, it was joined with Ituraea under the rule of Philip [[Luke 3:1]].
* `{{G9}}` **Abilēnḗ**: Meaning **Abilene, a region of Syria**, it was the tetrarchy of Lysanias, mentioned alongside the other regions to provide a comprehensive political map [[Luke 3:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G2484}}` is found not in theological symbolism but in its contribution to the historical reliability of the biblical text.
* **Historical Grounding:** The inclusion of **Ituraea** alongside specific rulers like Philip and world leaders like Tiberius Caesar anchors the Gospel narrative in a verifiable, concrete moment in history.
* **Political Context:** Its mention as a tetrarchy highlights the fragmented political state of Palestine under Roman authority. This context is crucial for understanding the interactions between Jesus, John the Baptist, and the various local rulers like Herod and Philip.
* **Geographical Precision:** By naming distinct regions like Ituraea, Judaea, and Galilee, the text provides a clear and precise map of the world in which these pivotal events unfolded.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2484}}` is a specific place name whose value lies in its single, strategic use. While not a word with deep theological layers on its own, its presence in [[Luke 3:1]] is a deliberate act of historical documentation. It serves to authenticate the biblical account by locking it into the political and geographical reality of its time, demonstrating that the events of the Gospel are rooted in actual history.
TRV