### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Pérgamos**, represented by `{{G4010}}`, refers to a fortified place in Asia Minor. According to its base definition, it means "fortified." This name appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible, establishing its identity as a specific location central to the messages in the Book of Revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4010}}` is exclusively found in the Book of Revelation. It is first introduced as one of the seven churches in Asia to which John is commanded to **write** a book [[Revelation 1:11]]. The name **Pérgamos** appears in a list alongside Ephesus, Smyrna, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Following this introduction, a specific message is directly addressed "to the angel of the church in **Pergamos**" [[Revelation 2:12]], making it the recipient of a unique divine communication.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words that appear in the context of `{{G4010}}` are essential for understanding its role:
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (a calling out... church): This term identifies the community in **Pérgamos** as a specific religious congregation. It is used to name the recipients of the message, "the seven churches which are in Asia" [[Revelation 1:11]].
* `{{G1125}}` **gráphō** (to... write): This is the specific action John is commanded to perform for the church in **Pérgamos**. The command is given to "write in a book" [[Revelation 1:11]] and again, "**write**" to the angel of the church [[Revelation 2:12]].
* `{{G32}}` **ángelos** (a messenger... angel... pastor): This word specifies the direct recipient of the letter for the community in **Pérgamos**. The message is addressed "to the **angel** of the church in Pergamos" [[Revelation 2:12]], suggesting a message for its spiritual leader.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4010}}` is derived entirely from its inclusion as one of the seven churches of Revelation.
* **Recipient of Prophetic Word:** The church in **Pérgamos** is established as a direct recipient of a divine, written message, underscoring its importance in the prophetic landscape of the early Christian community [[Revelation 1:11]].
* **Individual Church Accountability:** By addressing the "church in **Pérgamos**" separately, the text highlights the principle that individual, local congregations have a distinct identity and are held accountable for their specific spiritual state [[Revelation 2:12]].
* **Targeted Pastoral Instruction:** The message for **Pérgamos** is directed to its **ángelos**, or messenger, indicating a model of pastoral leadership and the responsibility of that leader to receive and convey God's word to their specific flock [[Revelation 2:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **Pérgamos** `{{G4010}}` is more than just a geographical name; it represents a specific community of faith with a unique identity in scripture. Its significance is defined by its role as one of the seven churches of Asia. The context of its appearances links it directly to the act of receiving a written divine revelation `{{G1125}}`, its identity as a local **church** `{{G1577}}`, and the directed nature of that message to its **angel** or pastor `{{G32}}`.
TRV