### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κώμη (kōmē) `{{G2968}}` refers to a "village," "hamlet," or "small town." Its etymological connection to the verb κεῖμαι (keimai) – "to lie," "to be laid," or "to be situated" – suggests a settlement that is "laid down" or established, implying a fixed, albeit modest, dwelling place. Semantically, κώμη occupies a position between an isolated dwelling or farmstead and a fortified, administratively significant city (πόλις `{{G4172}}`). It denotes a cluster of habitations, typically rural in character, lacking the extensive infrastructure, civic administration, or defensive walls associated with a major urban center. Its primary distinction from πόλις is its smaller size, lesser political importance, and often more agricultural or pastoral orientation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κώμη appears frequently in the Gospels, serving as a significant backdrop for the ministry of Jesus and His disciples. Its occurrences illuminate the geographical scope and social reach of the nascent Christian movement:
* **Itinerant Ministry:** κώμη often highlights the extensive, mobile nature of Jesus' ministry. He is depicted "going about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom" [[Matthew 9:35]]. Similarly, the disciples are sent out to proclaim the good news "through every village" [[Luke 9:6]]. This demonstrates a deliberate outreach beyond established religious and political centers to the common populace.
* **Places of Healing and Teaching:** Many miracles and teachings of Jesus took place within villages. For instance, Jesus "went around among the villages teaching" [[Mark 6:6]], and He healed a blind man outside a village in Bethsaida [[Mark 8:23]]. The journey to Emmaus after the resurrection leads two disciples to a κώμη [[Luke 24:13]]. These contexts underscore that divine power and truth were manifested in humble, everyday settings.
* **Rejection and Instruction:** Not all villages received Jesus and His message warmly. Jesus instructed His disciples that if they were not received in a κώμη, they should "shake off the dust from your feet" as a testimony against them [[Matthew 10:14]], [[Mark 6:11]], [[Luke 9:5]]. This illustrates the reality of human resistance to the Gospel, but also the divine imperative to continue the mission despite opposition.
* **Contrast with Cities:** The term κώμη is frequently juxtaposed with πόλις (city) `{{G4172}}`, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Jesus' ministry that encompassed both urban and rural areas [[Luke 13:22]]. This distinction highlights the breadth of the Kingdom's reach, extending to all strata of society and geographical locations.
### Related Words & Concepts
* πόλις (polis) `{{G4172}}`: City. The most direct contrast to κώμη, signifying a larger, more significant urban center with greater political, economic, and social infrastructure.
* ἀγρός (agros) `{{G68}}`: Field, countryside. While κώμη is a settlement, it is often situated within the ἀγρός, drawing its livelihood from agricultural pursuits.
* οἰκία (oikia) `{{G3614}}`: House, dwelling. A κώμη is fundamentally a collection of οἰκία, forming a community.
* περίχωρος (perichoros) `{{G4066}}`: Surrounding region, countryside. Villages are integral components of these broader regions, often serving as local centers for the surrounding agricultural lands.
* **Itinerancy:** The concept of moving "through" or "around" villages is central to the narrative of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing its dynamic and expansive nature.
* **Common People:** κώμη often represents the dwelling places of the common people, distinct from the elite or religious authorities often concentrated in cities.
### Theological Significance
The consistent appearance of κώμη in the New Testament carries profound theological implications:
* **Accessibility of the Kingdom:** The frequent focus on villages demonstrates that the Kingdom of God was not exclusive to the religious elite or the urban centers of power. Instead, it was brought directly to the humble, often overlooked, rural populations, emphasizing its universal accessibility and democratic nature.
* **Inclusivity of Ministry:** Jesus' willingness to minister in κώμη underscores His divine compassion and commitment to reaching all people, regardless of their social standing or geographical location. It highlights God's care for the marginalized and the ordinary.
* **Divine Humility:** The Son of God, who could have chosen to operate solely within the grand theaters of Jerusalem or Rome, chose to spend significant time in the inconspicuous villages, mirroring the humble circumstances of His birth and life. This reflects a divine humility that seeks out humanity in its common, everyday existence.
* **The "Everyday" as Sacred Space:** By performing miracles and proclaiming the Gospel in κώμη, Jesus sanctified these ordinary settings, transforming them into places where divine power intersected with human reality. This teaches that any place where God's presence is acknowledged can become a locus of sacred encounter.
* **Breadth of the Great Commission:** The early instruction to the disciples to go "through every village" foreshadows the global reach of the Great Commission, illustrating that the Gospel is intended for "every creature" [[Mark 16:15]] and "all nations" [[Matthew 28:19]], beginning with the most immediate and humble communities.
### Summary
The Greek term κώμη (kōmē) `{{G2968}}` denotes a "village" or "hamlet," a settlement smaller and less significant than a city (πόλις `{{G4172}}`). Rooted in κεῖμαι (keimai), suggesting a place "laid down" or established, κώμη in the New Testament primarily serves as the setting for Jesus' itinerant ministry. Its frequent mention in the Gospels highlights the expansive and inclusive nature of His mission, reaching beyond major urban centers to the common people residing in rural areas. The theological significance of κώμη lies in its demonstration of the Kingdom of God's accessibility to all, the divine humility of Christ who ministered in humble settings, and the sacred potential of ordinary places when touched by God's presence. Despite instances of rejection, the consistent engagement with κώμη underscores the perseverance of the Gospel message and its universal intent to bring salvation to every segment of society.
TRV