### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Pátara**, represented by `{{G3959}}`, is the name of a **place in Asia Minor**. According to its base definition, the name is probably of foreign origin. This word appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, highlighting its specific role as a geographical marker in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{G3959}}` is in [[Acts 21:1]], where it is listed as a destination in a sea voyage. The narrative details a journey where the travelers came with a straight course to **Coos** `{{G2972}}`, arrived at **Rhodes** `{{G4499}}` the following day, and continued **from thence** `{{G2547}}` to **Patara** [[Acts 21:1]]. The mention of the city serves to chronicle a specific stop on an apostolic journey.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from its only context help establish its setting as part of a journey:
* `{{G2972}}` **Kṓs** (Cos): An island in the Mediterranean that was the first stop in the sequence of travel that led to Patara [[Acts 21:1]].
* `{{G4499}}` **Rhódos** (Rhodes): The second location mentioned, an island visited immediately before the travelers continued their journey to Patara [[Acts 21:1]].
* `{{G2113}}` **euthydroméō** (with a straight course): This verb describes the direct manner of sailing taken to reach the destinations on this route, including Patara [[Acts 21:1]].
* `{{G2547}}` **kakeîthen** (from thence): This adverb indicates the progression of the voyage, explicitly stating that the journey to Patara commenced from the previous stop at Rhodes [[Acts 21:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3959}}` is entirely narrative and geographical rather than theological.
* **Geographical Waypoint:** Patara functions as a specific, named location that grounds the apostolic travelogue in real-world geography, providing a tangible setting for the events [[Acts 21:1]].
* **Progression of Mission:** Its inclusion in a detailed itinerary illustrates the deliberate movement and progress of the apostolic mission as recorded in the book of Acts.
* **Transitional Point:** The arrival at Patara serves as a key transitional point in the voyage, marking the completion of one leg of the journey before the travelers continued onward.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3959}}` **Pátara** is a place name whose biblical importance is derived solely from its single mention. It acts as a factual detail within a travel narrative, serving to map the course of an apostolic voyage. Its role is not to convey a theological concept but to add to the historical and geographical accuracy of the account in the book of Acts.
TRV