### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Páphos**, represented by `{{G3974}}`, is defined as **Paphus, a place in Cyprus**. Its derivation is uncertain. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, identifying a specific geographical location significant in the early missionary journeys recorded in the book of Acts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3974}}` is mentioned exclusively in the context of Paul's travels. It is the destination on the isle of Cyprus where the apostolic company arrives and finds "a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus" [[Acts 13:6]]. This event establishes **Paphos** as a site of spiritual confrontation. The location is mentioned a second time as a point of departure, when Paul and his company loosed from **Paphos** to continue their journey to Perga in Pamphylia [[Acts 13:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The account involving **Paphos** introduces several key descriptive terms that characterize the individual encountered there:
* `{{G919}}` **Bariēsoûs** (son of Jesus (or Joshua); Bar-jesus, an Israelite): This is the proper name of the man Paul's company found in Paphos [[Acts 13:6]].
* `{{G3097}}` **mágos** (a Magian, i.e. Oriental scientist; by implication, a magician:--sorcerer, wise man): This term describes the practice of Bar-jesus, who is identified as a **sorcerer** [[Acts 13:6]].
* `{{G5578}}` **pseudoprophḗtēs** (a spurious prophet, i.e. pretended foreteller or religious impostor:--false prophet): This word further defines Bar-jesus's deceptive role as a **false prophet** [[Acts 13:6]].
* `{{G2453}}` **Ioudaîos** (Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:--Jew): This identifies the ethnic and religious background of Bar-jesus [[Acts 13:6]].
### Theological Significance
The geographical reference to `{{G3974}}` carries significance primarily through the events that transpire there.
* **Site of Spiritual Confrontation:** **Paphos** is the setting for a direct conflict between the apostles and a figure of spiritual opposition. The encounter is with a man who is explicitly labeled a **sorcerer** `{{G3097}}` and a **false prophet** `{{G5578}}`, demonstrating the challenges faced by the early church [[Acts 13:6]].
* **Missionary Landmark:** The city serves as a notable stop on Paul's first missionary journey, marking both the culmination of their work on the island of Cyprus [[Acts 13:6]] and the launching point for their travel to Pamphylia [[Acts 13:13]].
* **Intersection of Identities:** The narrative in **Paphos** highlights the complex landscape of the first century by focusing on an individual, Bar-jesus, who is described simultaneously as a **Jew** `{{G2453}}`, a **sorcerer** `{{G3097}}`, and a **false prophet** `{{G5578}}` [[Acts 13:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3974}}` **Páphos** is a specific place in Cyprus whose biblical importance is tied entirely to its role in the book of Acts. While only mentioned twice, it is the memorable backdrop for a significant confrontation between apostolic authority and local occultic influence, personified in the figure of Bar-jesus. It functions as a key landmark illustrating the real-world obstacles and spiritual battles inherent in the expansion of the gospel.
TRV