### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek phrase **Kaloì Liménes**, represented by `{{G2568}}`, translates to **Good Harbors** or **Fairhaven**. It is a combination of `{{G2570}}` **kalós**, meaning good or fair, and `{{G3040}}` **limḗn**, meaning harbor. This specific place name appears only **1 time** in **1 verse**, marking a particular location on the island of Crete in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G2568}}` marks a stop on a perilous sea voyage. The account in the book of Acts describes how, after **hardly** `{{G3433}}` passing a certain point, the travelers **came** `{{G2064}}` to a **place** `{{G5117}}` that **was** `{{G2258}}` **called** `{{G2564}}` The **fair** `{{G2570}}` **havens** `{{G2568}}`. The location is further identified as being **nigh** `{{G1451}}` to the **city** `{{G4172}}` of Lasea `{{G2996}}`, situating it as a real-world port of call during this journey [[Acts 27:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{G2568}}` is illuminated by its component parts and related words from its context:
* `{{G2570}}` **kalós**: This word for **fair** or **good** describes the quality of the harbor. It is used elsewhere to denote what is valuable or virtuous, such as the **good** shepherd who gives his life for the sheep [[John 10:11]] and the **good** works that glorify God [[Matthew 5:16]].
* `{{G3040}}` **limḗn**: This is the Greek word for **haven** or harbor. Its importance is highlighted later in the same journey when the crew debates leaving Fair Havens for another **haven** in Phenice, which they hoped would be more commodious for winter [[Acts 27:12]].
* `{{G3433}}` **mólis**: Meaning **hardly** or **scarcely**, this word emphasizes the difficulty of the voyage to reach Fair Havens [[Acts 27:8]]. It conveys a sense of struggle, also seen in the idea that the righteous are **scarcely** saved [[1 Peter 4:18]].
### Theological Significance
While a geographical term, `{{G2568}}` carries narrative and symbolic weight within its context.
* **Symbol of Temporary Refuge:** The arrival at Fair Havens after a difficult passage [[Acts 27:8]] illustrates the concept of finding a temporary place of safety amidst trials. It serves as a brief respite on a journey that would soon become even more dangerous.
* **The Difficulty of the Way:** The narrative's emphasis that this "good harbor" was reached only with great difficulty, or "**hardly**" `{{G3433}}`, draws a parallel to the spiritual life. The same word is used to note that if the righteous are **scarcely** `{{G3433}}` saved, there is no hope for the ungodly [[1 Peter 4:18]].
* **The Search for Safety:** The name itself, a "Good Harbor," reflects the universal search for security and rest from storms. The subsequent debate about whether this **haven** `{{G3040}}` was safe enough to winter in highlights a theme of human decision-making in the face of peril [[Acts 27:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **Kaloì Liménes** `{{G2568}}` is a specific geographical location, Fair Havens, mentioned once in Scripture. While its use is literal, its name—combining **kalós** `{{G2570}}` for "good" and **limḗn** `{{G3040}}` for "harbor"—and its context within a perilous journey give it symbolic significance. It represents a moment of difficult-won, temporary refuge, illustrating how even simple place names in the biblical narrative can reflect broader themes of trial, safety, and the journey of faith.
TRV