### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Krētē**, represented by `{{G2914}}`, is the name for **Crete**, an island in the Mediterranean. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used exclusively as a geographical marker, situating key events in the ministry of the apostle Paul and his associates.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2914}}` is mentioned in two primary contexts. First, it is identified as a location for early church administration, where Paul **left** `{{G2641}}` Titus to **set in order** `{{G1930}}` the things that were **wanting** `{{G3007}}` and to **ordain** `{{G2525}}` **elders** `{{G4245}}` in every city [[Titus 1:5]]. Second, it features prominently during Paul's perilous voyage to Rome. The ship **sailed under** `{{G5284}}` **Crete** to avoid contrary winds [[Acts 27:7]] and later **sailed** `{{G3881}}` **close by** `{{G788}}` its coast [[Acts 27:13]]. Paul later lamented the decision to leave **Crete**, which resulted in significant **harm** `{{G5196}}` and **loss** `{{G2209}}` [[Acts 27:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide geographic and contextual detail for **Crete**:
* `{{G5405}}` **Phoînix** (Phœnix, a place in Crete): This was a specific **haven** `{{G3040}}` of **Crete** that the crew hoped to **attain** `{{G2658}}` in order to **winter** `{{G3914}}` there safely [[Acts 27:12]].
* `{{G4534}}` **Salmṓnē** (Salmone, a place in Crete): A landmark on **Crete** that Paul's ship **sailed under** `{{G5284}}` when facing difficult winds [[Acts 27:7]].
* `{{G3040}}` **limḗn** (a harbor): The search for a commodious **haven** in **Crete** is a central point of the travel narrative, with **Phenice** `{{G5405}}` being the desired destination [[Acts 27:12]].
* `{{G3914}}` **paracheimázō** (to winter near): The primary motivation for seeking a better harbor on **Crete** was the need to **winter** there, as the current location was **not commodious** `{{G428}}` [[Acts 27:12]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G2914}}` is primarily geographical and historical, grounding biblical events in real-world locations.
* **Center for Church Organization:** Paul's instruction for Titus to appoint **elders** `{{G4245}}` in every **city** `{{G4172}}` on **Crete** establishes it as an important field for the growth and structuring of the early church [[Titus 1:5]].
* **Navigational Waypoint:** During the voyage to Rome, **Crete** acts as a crucial landmark. The ship's path is dictated by its relationship to the island, whether sailing **close by** `{{G788}}` it or seeking shelter in one of its havens [[Acts 27:13]].
* **A Point of Critical Decision:** The counsel of Paul not to depart from **Crete** was overruled, leading to a disastrous storm. The island thus becomes the backdrop for a lesson on wisdom and consequence, as ignoring the apostolic advice led directly to **harm** `{{G5196}}` and **loss** `{{G2209}}` [[Acts 27:21]].
### Summary
In summary, **Krētē** `{{G2914}}` is more than a simple geographical name in Scripture. It serves as the setting for foundational apostolic work in establishing church leadership and as a pivotal location in the dramatic narrative of Paul's sea journey. The references to **Crete** anchor these accounts, providing a tangible sense of place for both administrative duties and life-threatening challenges.
TRV