### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Kenchreaí**, represented by `{{G2747}}`, identifies **Cenchrea**, a port of Corinth. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. This location is significant not just as a geographical point but as a center for the early church's activity and ministry outreach.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2747}}` is a key setting for apostolic movements and church life. The Apostle Paul `{{G3972}}` is recorded as having shorn his head in **Cenchrea** due to a vow `{{G2171}}` before he sailed for Syria `{{G4947}}` with Priscilla and Aquila [[Acts 18:18]]. The city was also home to an established church `{{G1577}}`, as Paul commends Phebe `{{G5402}}`, a servant `{{G1249}}` of the church which is at **Cenchrea**, to the believers in Rome [[Romans 16:1]]. The letter to the Romans itself was sent by Phebe from the nearby city of Corinthus `{{G2882}}` [[Romans 16:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the importance of Cenchrea:
* `{{G2882}}` **Kórinthos** (Corinthus): This major city in Greece relied on **Cenchrea** as its eastern port. The letter to the Romans was written from Corinthus `{{G2882}}` and sent by Phebe of the Cenchrean church [[Romans 16:27]].
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (church): This word, meaning a religious congregation, confirms that **Cenchrea** was home to an organized community of believers, not just a passing stop for missionaries [[Romans 16:1]].
* `{{G5402}}` **Phoíbē** (Phebe): A Christian woman from **Cenchrea** who was a servant `{{G1249}}` in the church and was commended by Paul for her role [[Romans 16:1]].
* `{{G1602}}` **ekpléō** (to depart by ship): This verb describes Paul's action of sailing from **Cenchrea**, underscoring the city's role as a port and its importance for travel in the ancient world [[Acts 18:18]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G2747}}` is tied to its role in the expansion of the early church.
* **A Hub for Ministry:** As a port city for Corinth `{{G2882}}`, **Cenchrea** was a strategic location that connected different regions, facilitating the travel of apostles and the delivery of important letters, such as Paul's epistle to the Romans `{{G4514}}` carried by Phebe [[Romans 16:27]].
* **A Place of Personal Devotion:** The city was a site of personal spiritual significance for Paul, who fulfilled a vow `{{G2171}}` there before continuing his journey [[Acts 18:18]].
* **Home to an Active Church:** The explicit mention of a church `{{G1577}}` and its servant `{{G1249}}`, Phebe, shows that **Cenchrea** hosted a vibrant and contributing community of faith [[Romans 16:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2747}}` represents more than just a place name. **Cenchrea** was a vital port city that served as a backdrop for key moments in the apostolic era. It was a place of departure for missionary work, the home of a respected church community, and a site of personal importance to the Apostle Paul, demonstrating the reach and establishment of the early Christian faith in major hubs of the Roman world.
TRV