### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Κνίδος (Knídos), `{{G2834}}`, is a proper noun referring to a prominent city and peninsula located in ancient Caria, in southwestern Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Its base definition indicates it is "probably of foreign origin," which is common for geographical place names. Semantically, Κνίδος holds no abstract or metaphorical meaning; it strictly denotes a specific, identifiable geographical location known for its strategic maritime position. It served as an important port and a significant point of navigation in the ancient Mediterranean world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Κνίδος appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 27:7]]: "When for a good many days we had sailed slowly and with difficulty, and had arrived with trouble off Cnidus, because the wind did not permit us to go further, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone."
This single occurrence is found within the narrative of Paul's perilous sea journey as a prisoner en route to Rome. The ship, having sailed slowly and with difficulty from Myra, encountered strong head winds that prevented it from making a direct course past Cnidus. The mention of Cnidus here serves as a precise geographical marker, indicating a critical juncture in their voyage where the prevailing winds forced a change in their intended route. Instead of continuing westward, they were compelled to sail southward, seeking the lee of Crete. This detail underscores the historical accuracy and meticulousness of Luke's account, providing a realistic depiction of the challenges and navigational realities of ancient maritime travel. It highlights the vulnerability of ancient ships to weather conditions and the necessity of adapting routes due to natural forces.
### Related Words & Concepts
As Κνίδος is a proper noun for a specific location, direct semantic "related words" are limited. However, its biblical usage connects it to several broader concepts and themes:
* **Ancient Geography and Navigation:** The mention of Cnidus, alongside other locations like Myra, Salmone, Crete, and Fair Havens, grounds the narrative of Acts in the verifiable geography of the Roman world. It illustrates the practicalities and perils of sea travel in antiquity, including dependence on winds and the search for safe harbors or sheltered passages.
* **Divine Providence and Human Struggle:** The difficulty encountered off Cnidus, forcing a change of course, subtly illustrates the interplay between human effort and natural obstacles, all within the overarching framework of divine providence. While the wind hindered their direct path, it ultimately led them to a different, albeit still dangerous, route that was part of God's plan for Paul to reach Rome.
* **Historical Veracity:** The precise geographical details, including the mention of Cnidus, contribute to the historical credibility of the book of Acts. Luke, as the author, demonstrates an intimate knowledge of the region and the realities of travel, reinforcing the authenticity of the narrative.
* **Itinerary of Paul's Journeys:** Cnidus is a waypoint in Paul's final journey to Rome, placing it in conceptual proximity to other cities and regions traversed during his missionary endeavors and imprisonment, such as Ephesus, Philippi, Jerusalem, and Rome itself.
### Theological Significance
While Κνίδος is merely a geographical reference, its inclusion in the biblical narrative carries subtle but significant theological implications:
* **God's Sovereignty in Adversity:** The inability to proceed past Cnidus due to adverse winds demonstrates the reality of natural forces and human limitations. Yet, within the broader narrative of Acts, these obstacles do not thwart God's ultimate purpose. Paul *will* reach Rome, fulfilling the divine commission [[Acts 23:11]]. The detour past Cnidus, though challenging, is part of the divinely orchestrated journey, illustrating that God's plan unfolds even through difficult and unexpected circumstances.
* **Authenticity of the Gospel Narrative:** The meticulous inclusion of such specific and verifiable geographical details like Cnidus lends weight to the historical truthfulness of the New Testament. If the physical setting and events are accurately depicted, it bolsters confidence in the veracity of the spiritual and theological claims presented. God's saving acts are not mythical but are rooted in real history, real places, and real human experiences.
* **The Mission's Unstoppable Progress:** Despite setbacks, detours, and dangers at sea, the journey to spread the Gospel continues. The mention of Cnidus, though a point of difficulty, ultimately serves to highlight the relentless forward movement of the apostolic mission, guided by God's hand, towards its divinely appointed destination in Rome.
### Summary
Κνίδος (Knídos), `{{G2834}}`, is a proper noun referring to an important ancient city and port in Asia Minor. Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Acts 27:7]], marks a critical geographical point during Paul's arduous sea journey to Rome, where strong winds forced the ship to alter its course. This detail underscores the historical accuracy of Luke's account, depicting the practical challenges of ancient maritime travel. Theologically, the mention of Cnidus subtly illustrates God's sovereignty over natural forces, guiding Paul's path even through adversity, and reinforcing the historical authenticity of the biblical narrative as the Gospel inexorably advances towards its God-ordained destination.
TRV