### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Μεσοποταμία (Mesopotamía)**, represented by `{{G3318}}`, identifies a **region of Asia** known as Mesopotamia. Derived from words indicating a land between rivers, it is a significant geographical setting in scripture. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3318}}` marks a key location in salvation history. It is identified as the land where God appeared to "our **father** `{{G3962}}` **Abraham** `{{G11}}`" before he moved to **Charran** `{{G5488}}`, establishing it as the starting point of the patriarchal journey [[Acts 7:2]]. It is also listed among the homelands of those present at Pentecost, where "**dwellers** `{{G2730}}` in **Mesopotamia**" were part of the crowd that witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit [[Acts 2:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide geographical and thematic context:
* `{{G11}}` **Abraám** (Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch): His story is directly tied to **Mesopotamia**, which was his location when God first appeared to him [[Acts 7:2]].
* `{{G5488}}` **Charrhán** (Charran): A place in **Mesopotamia** where Abraham dwelt after receiving God's initial call ([[Acts 7:2]], [[Acts 7:4]]).
* `{{G2730}}` **katoikéō** (to house permanently, i.e. reside): This verb describes the "**dwellers**" from Mesopotamia at Pentecost [[Acts 2:9]] and is also used for Abraham, who "**dwelt**" in Charran [[Acts 7:2]].
* `{{G2449}}` **Ioudaía** (the Judæan land): **Mesopotamia** is listed alongside **Judaea** as one of the regions from which people gathered in Jerusalem, providing a sense of the vast geographical scope of the event [[Acts 2:9]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3318}}` is rooted in its role within the biblical narrative.
* **Origin of the Covenant:** **Mesopotamia** is presented as the setting for the beginning of God's covenant with **Abraham** `{{G11}}`, making it the ancestral point of origin for the people of Israel [[Acts 7:2]].
* **Scope of the Gospel:** The presence of **dwellers** `{{G2730}}` from Mesopotamia at Pentecost illustrates the international scope of the Jewish diaspora and the diverse audience for the birth of the church [[Acts 2:9]].
* **A Place of Departure:** The region serves as the land that **Abraham** `{{G11}}` was called to leave in faith. His departure from there to first **Charran** `{{G5488}}` and then the promised land underscores the theme of obedience to God's call ([[Acts 7:2]], [[Acts 7:4]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3318}}` is a foundational location in scripture. It is not merely a geographical name but functions as the historical starting point for the story of Abraham and God's covenant people. Its mention in both the story of the patriarchs [[Acts 7:2]] and the founding of the church [[Acts 2:9]] connects the beginning of God's promise with its fulfillment in the age of the Spirit.
TRV