### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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