### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Mílētos**, represented by `{{G3399}}`, refers to **Miletus, a city of Asia Minor**. Its origin is uncertain. The name appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, identifying it as a specific geographical location in the narrative of the early church's missionary activities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3399}}` is mentioned as a significant stop during apostolic journeys. It is the destination city where a traveling party, including the author of Acts, **came** `{{G2064}}` after sailing from Chios and Samos [[Acts 20:15]]. From Miletus, Paul **sent** `{{G3992}}` to Ephesus to **call** `{{G3333}}` for the **elders** `{{G4245}}` of the **church** `{{G1577}}`, using the city as a base for an important meeting [[Acts 20:17]]. It is also the place where Paul **left** `{{G620}}` his companion Trophimus, who was **sick** `{{G770}}` [[2 Timothy 4:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the events that took place at or were initiated from Miletus:
* `{{G2064}}` **érchomai** (to come or go): This word marks the arrival at Miletus, establishing it as a key destination on a missionary journey [[Acts 20:15]].
* `{{G3992}}` **pémpō** (to dispatch): This term is used to describe how Paul sent a message from Miletus to summon the Ephesian elders, highlighting the city's role as a point of command and administration [[Acts 20:17]].
* `{{G3333}}` **metakaléō** (to call elsewhere, i.e. summon): This describes the action of calling the elders to Miletus, emphasizing the purpose of the stop [[Acts 20:17]].
* `{{G620}}` **apoleípō** (to leave behind): This word is used to explain what happened to Trophimus at Miletus, indicating the city was a site where travel plans were altered due to personal circumstances [[2 Timothy 4:20]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3399}}` in scripture is tied to its function within the apostolic narrative.
* **A Strategic Point for Ministry:** The city served as a convenient location from which Paul could summon and address the elders of the Ephesian church without traveling there himself, showcasing its role in church administration [[Acts 20:17]].
* **A Landmark on Missionary Journeys:** Its inclusion in the travelogue of Acts places it on the map of the early church's expansion, marking it as a specific port of call [[Acts 20:15]].
* **A Place of Hardship:** The account of leaving Trophimus behind due to sickness provides a glimpse into the human challenges and difficulties faced by the apostles during their travels [[2 Timothy 4:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3399}}` Miletus is more than a simple place name in the New Testament. While appearing only a few times, it functions as a key setting for significant events in the life of the early church. It is presented as a destination for missionary travel, a strategic base for apostolic leadership, and a location associated with the personal trials that accompanied the spread of the gospel.
TRV