The Greek word Lasaía, represented by G2996, refers to Lasea, a place in Crete. The word is of uncertain origin and appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, identifying a specific city encountered during the Apostle Paul's voyage to Rome.
The single biblical reference to G2996 occurs in the narrative of Paul's perilous sea journey. After struggling against the wind, the ship hardly G3433 passed a point on the coast of Crete and came G2064 to a place known as The Fair Havens. The scripture clarifies the location by stating that nigh G1451 whereunto was G2258 the city G4172 of Lasea Acts 27:8. This mention serves as a precise geographical marker in the detailed account of the voyage.
Several related Greek words help establish the context of Lasaía's location:
- G2568 Kaloì Liménes (The fair havens): This name, meaning "Good Harbors," identifies the bay in Crete that was near the city of Lasaía. The ship anchored here during the journey Acts 27:8.
- G4172 pólis (city): This word is used to categorize Lasaía, defining it as a town or city and distinguishing it from the nearby harbor Acts 27:8.
- G1451 engýs (near): This term of proximity is used to establish the spatial relationship, indicating that Lasaía was nigh or close to The Fair Havens Acts 27:8.
While Lasaía itself does not carry direct theological weight, its inclusion is significant to the biblical account for several reasons:
- Geographical Anchor: The mention of a specific city G4172 like Lasaía provides a concrete, historical detail that grounds the narrative of Paul's journey in a verifiable location Acts 27:8.
- Narrative Context: The location near Lasaía, The Fair Havens, is noted as not being a suitable haven G3040 for wintering, a fact which prompts the fateful decision to continue the voyage Acts 27:12.
- Marker of Peril: The arrival at this location is described as occurring with great difficulty, as the crew had hardly G3433 passed the previous point, setting the stage for the immense storm and trial of faith that follows Acts 27:8.
In summary, G2996 is a geographical place name, the city of Lasea on the island of Crete. Its sole appearance in scripture is not for doctrinal teaching but to provide a precise landmark in the historical account of Paul's voyage. It functions as part of a detailed description that lends authenticity to the narrative and sets the scene for the subsequent shipwreck and demonstration of God's providence.
TRV