### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κωμόπολις (kōmópolis, `{{G2969}}`) is a compound noun, formed from κώμη (kōmē, `{{G2968}}`), meaning "village," and πόλις (polis, `{{G4172}}`), meaning "city." Its fundamental meaning denotes a settlement that is larger than a mere village but lacks the full characteristics, particularly the defensive fortifications, of a major city. The base definition "an unwalled city" or "town" accurately captures this intermediate status. It implies a place that has grown in population and importance beyond a simple agricultural village, perhaps possessing some commercial or administrative functions, but has not yet attained the complete urban development or strategic defenses typical of ancient cities. Thus, its semantic range sits precisely between the rural and the fully urban.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κωμόπολις (kōmópolis, `{{G2969}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Mark: [[Mark 1:38]]. In this passage, following a period of intense ministry in Capernaum, where Jesus had healed many and cast out demons, He states, "Let us go into the next towns (κωμοπόλεις), that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth." The plural form, "towns," indicates Jesus' intention to broaden the scope of His ministry beyond a single significant location. Capernaum itself was a prominent town on the Sea of Galilee, but Jesus’ desire to visit κωμοπόλεις suggests a deliberate outreach to other communities of similar or slightly lesser stature. This decision highlights the itinerant nature of Jesus' early ministry and His commitment to disseminate the message of the Kingdom of God widely, not confining it to one hub but extending it to various substantial settlements throughout the region.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate κωμόπολις (kōmópolis, `{{G2969}}`), it is essential to consider its constituent parts and other related terms describing human settlements in the biblical world:
* **κώμη (kōmē, `{{G2968}}`)**: "Village." This term represents the smallest type of settlement, often agricultural and lacking significant infrastructure or administration. Jesus frequently ministered in villages, as seen in [[Mark 6:6]].
* **πόλις (polis, `{{G4172}}`)**: "City." This denotes a larger, often fortified, urban center with political, economic, and religious significance. Examples include Jerusalem ([[Matthew 2:1]]) and Nazareth, which is sometimes referred to as a πόλις ([[Matthew 2:23]]) despite its relatively small size, perhaps indicating its status as a recognized town.
* The compound κωμόπολις thus occupies the middle ground, representing a "village-city" or "town." It is a settlement that has outgrown the simplicity of a κώμη but has not reached the full scale, fortifications, or administrative complexity of a πόλις. This distinction underscores the nuanced understanding of ancient demographics present in the biblical text. Other related concepts include χώρα (chōra, `{{G5561}}`), referring to a "region" or "countryside," which would encompass various types of settlements.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of κωμόπολις in [[Mark 1:38]] carries profound theological weight regarding the scope and intentionality of Jesus' ministry. By choosing to preach in the "towns" (κωμοπόλεις), Jesus demonstrates a deliberate strategy to spread the Gospel beyond established centers and into the intermediate communities. This action underscores the universal nature of His call and the breadth of His compassion, extending salvation and healing not only to the metropolises but also to the substantial, yet perhaps less prominent, settlements. It emphasizes that no place, regardless of its size or perceived significance, was deemed too small or too remote for the divine message. Jesus' itinerancy through these κωμοπόλεις highlights the active and pervasive nature of the Kingdom of God, breaking into all spheres of human habitation. The implication is that the Gospel is for all people, in all types of communities, from the smallest village to the largest city, with the "town" representing a crucial intermediate point for widespread dissemination of the good news.
### Summary
κωμόπολις (kōmópolis, `{{G2969}}`) is a Greek compound noun meaning an "unwalled city" or "town," effectively bridging the semantic gap between a small village (`{{G2968}}`) and a large, fortified city (`{{G4172}}`). Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Mark 1:38]] is highly significant, revealing Jesus' strategic decision to expand His preaching ministry beyond Capernaum into the surrounding "towns." This choice underscores the comprehensive and inclusive nature of His mission, demonstrating a divine commitment to proclaim the Kingdom of God in all types of human settlements. It highlights that the Gospel message is intended for everyone, regardless of the size or prominence of their community, thereby illuminating the breadth of Jesus' outreach and the universal applicability of His saving work.
TRV