probably remotely from λύκος; Lycia, a province of Asia Minor:--Lycia.
Transliteration:Lykía
Pronunciation:loo-kee'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G3073 Lykía (Λυκία) is a proper noun referring to a historical geographical region and Roman province located in the southwestern part of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Its base definition indicates a probable remote etymological connection to λύκος (lykos), meaning "wolf," suggesting a potential historical association with the animal or a tribal designation. However, in its biblical usage, its semantic range is strictly geographical, denoting the specific territory. As a proper noun, it carries no inherent theological meaning beyond its function as a place name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3073 Lykía appears only once in the New Testament, within the narrative of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner:
* [[Acts 27:5]]: "And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia."
In this passage, Lycia serves as a geographical marker, indicating a specific point in the ship's challenging voyage. Paul, Luke (the author), and other prisoners and soldiers were sailing westward along the southern coast of Asia Minor. Myra, a prominent city within Lycia, was a significant port where they transferred to another ship bound for Italy. The mention of Lycia grounds the narrative in historical and geographical reality, illustrating the arduous nature of ancient sea travel and the extensive reach of the Roman Empire through which the early Christian message was disseminated. Its inclusion is purely descriptive, providing essential detail for understanding the itinerary of Paul's journey.
### Related Words & Concepts
While G3073 Lykía is a unique proper noun, its context relates it to several broader categories and specific terms:
* **Geographical Markers:** It stands alongside other regions and cities mentioned in the accounts of early Christian missions and travels, such as `{{G773}}` Asia, `{{G3071}}` Lycaonia, `{{G3070}}` Lydda, `{{G3075}}` Lystra, `{{G3935}}` Myra, `{{G3829}}` Pamphylia, and `{{G2788}}` Cilicia. These terms collectively paint a picture of the ancient world through which the Gospel spread.
* **Roman Provinces:** Lycia was administratively part of the Roman province of Lycia et Pamphylia. Understanding the Roman provincial system is crucial for grasping the political and social backdrop of the New Testament.
* **Maritime Travel:** The mention of Lycia is intrinsically linked to the theme of sea voyages in the ancient world, highlighting the means of transportation and the perils associated with it ([[Acts 27:1-44]]).
* **Etymological Connection:** While remote, the suggested link to `{{G3074}}` (λύκος, lykos, "wolf") is an interesting linguistic note, though not directly relevant to its biblical theological import.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical reference, G3073 Lykía does not possess inherent theological meaning. Its significance is derived entirely from its place within the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan and the expansion of the early Church.
* **Historical Veracity:** The mention of specific, identifiable locations like Lycia underscores the historical grounding of the New Testament accounts. The events described are not mythical but occurred in real places at real times, affirming the factual basis of biblical history.
* **Divine Providence:** Paul's journey to Rome, passing through places like Lycia, was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely orchestrated mission. Even as a prisoner, Paul was being led by God to bear witness to Christ before rulers ([[Acts 9:15]]). Lycia, therefore, becomes a silent witness to the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.
* **Spread of the Gospel:** The extensive travels of the apostles, marked by passing through various regions, symbolize the global reach of the Gospel message. Even if the ship only passed by Lycia, it represents the constant movement and effort involved in proclaiming the Good News across the known world.
### Summary
G3073 Lykía refers to a geographical region and Roman province in Asia Minor, mentioned only once in the New Testament in [[Acts 27:5]]. Its primary role is to serve as a precise geographical marker within the narrative of Paul's arduous sea voyage to Rome. While lacking direct theological meaning, its inclusion contributes to the historical veracity of the biblical account, illustrating the real-world context of the early Church's expansion. It silently bears witness to the divine providence guiding the apostles and the extensive reach of their missionary endeavors, affirming the historical reality of the spread of the Gospel.
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