### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mētrópolis**, represented by `{{G3390}}`, is defined as a **mother city** or **metropolis**, often translated as **chiefest city**. It appears **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The term is a compound of the words for mother (μήτηρ) and city (πόλις), indicating a city of primary importance or status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{G3390}}` is found in a subscription note at the end of the first epistle to Timothy. The verse identifies Laodicea as the **chiefest city** of Phrygia Pacatiana [[1 Timothy 6:21]]. This usage is geographical and descriptive, establishing the prominence of the city from which the letter was believed to have been written.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help clarify its meaning:
* `{{G2993}}` **Laodíkeia** (Laodicea, a place in Asia Minor): This is the proper name of the city being identified as the **chiefest city**. It is mentioned multiple times, often in relation to the church located there ([[Revelation 1:11]], [[Colossians 4:16]]).
* `{{G2076}}` **estí** (he (she or it) is): This verb of being provides the simple, direct assertion that Laodicea **is** the chiefest city, stating it as a fact of its status [[1 Timothy 6:21]]. The word is used throughout scripture to declare what something is, such as faith being the substance of things hoped for [[Hebrews 11:1]].
* `{{G4413}}` **prōtos** (foremost... chief(-est), first): This word, used in the same verse to describe the epistle as the "**first** to Timothy," shares a similar concept of primacy and importance. It can denote being chief, as when Paul identifies himself as the **chief** of sinners [[1 Timothy 1:15]].
* `{{G1125}}` **gráphō** (to "grave", especially to write): This word confirms the context of the letter, stating it was **written** from Laodicea [[1 Timothy 6:21]]. This verb is fundamental to the concept of scripture itself, as in the phrase "It is **written**" [[Matthew 4:4]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3390}}` is primarily geographical and contextual rather than theological.
* **Establishing Provenance:** The term's sole use is to establish the origin and importance of the location from which the epistle to Timothy was **written** `{{G1125}}`. It grounds the letter in a real-world location of known prominence [[1 Timothy 6:21]].
* **City Status:** `mētrópolis` assigns a status of regional importance to **Laodicea** `{{G2993}}`. This designation as a "chiefest city" implies it was a center of administration or influence in its region [[1 Timothy 6:21]].
* **Ascribing Prominence:** The word functions to describe a place of high rank. In the same way the epistle is identified as the **first** `{{G4413}}` to Timothy, the city is identified as the **chiefest**, giving context to its role in the early church's communication network [[1 Timothy 6:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3390}}` **mētrópolis** is a highly specific term used once in scripture to denote a **chiefest city**. Its singular appearance in a subscription to 1 Timothy [[1 Timothy 6:21]] gives a geographical marker, identifying Laodicea as a prominent regional center. While not a word with deep doctrinal implications, its usage provides valuable historical and contextual information, illustrating how the status of cities was recognized in the background of the New Testament narrative.
TRV