of Latin origin; Rhegium, a place in Italy:--Rhegium.
Transliteration:Rhḗgion
Pronunciation:hrayg'-ee-on
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G4484 (Rhḗgion) is a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location: the ancient city of Rhegium. Situated at the "toe" of Italy, on the Strait of Messina, it was a vital port city in antiquity. As indicated by its definition, the name itself is of Latin origin, transliterated into Greek. Unlike many other biblical terms, G4484 does not possess a broad semantic range or multiple layers of meaning; its significance is purely denotative, referring exclusively to this particular urban center. Its inclusion in the biblical text serves to ground the narrative in historical and geographical reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4484 (Rhḗgion) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 28:13]]**: "From there we put out to sea and came to Syracuse; and on the third day we put in at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli."
This sole occurrence places Rhegium within the context of the Apostle Paul’s arduous journey to Rome as a prisoner. Having survived a shipwreck on Malta ([[Acts 27:41]]), Paul and his companions continued their voyage, making a stop at Syracuse on Sicily before reaching Rhegium. This port served as a crucial waypoint for ships navigating the treacherous Strait of Messina, particularly when awaiting favorable winds. The detail of a "south wind" springing up after their arrival at Rhegium is significant, as it enabled their swift passage to Puteoli, their final disembarkation point before the overland journey to Rome. The narrative's precision regarding these geographical and meteorological details underscores the historical veracity of Luke's account, portraying the practical realities of ancient maritime travel.
### Related Words & Concepts
While G4484 itself is a unique proper noun, its context connects it to several broader biblical concepts and terms:
* **Geographical Terms**: It is related to other place names mentioned in Paul's journey, such as Syracuse (`{{G4842}}`), Puteoli (`{{G4440}}`), Malta (`{{G3194}}`), and Rome (`{{G4516}}`), all of which highlight the extensive reach of the early Christian mission and the vastness of the Roman world.
* **Maritime Travel**: The mention of Rhegium evokes the challenges and necessities of ancient seafaring, including ships (`{{G4143}}`), sailing (`{{G3995}}`), winds (`{{G417}}`), and harbors.
* **Divine Providence**: The account of Paul's journey, including the favorable wind at Rhegium, implicitly points to God's guiding hand, orchestrating events to bring Paul to Rome in fulfillment of His sovereign plan ([[Acts 23:11]]).
* **Apostolic Journeys**: Rhegium is a minor, yet integral, detail within the larger narrative of Paul's divinely appointed mission, illustrating the physical hardships endured for the sake of the Gospel.
### Theological Significance
Though Rhegium is merely a geographical marker, its inclusion in the inspired text carries subtle theological weight. Firstly, it testifies to the historical reliability of the New Testament. Luke's meticulous attention to such details, including specific ports and prevailing winds, grounds the sacred narrative in verifiable historical reality, reinforcing the trustworthiness of the biblical account. Secondly, Rhegium serves as a testament to God's providential care over His servants. The wait at Rhegium and the subsequent arrival of a "south wind" are not random occurrences but are part of the divine orchestration that ensured Paul's arrival in Rome. This demonstrates that God's sovereignty extends even to the seemingly mundane aspects of travel and weather, guiding His purposes to fruition. The journey to Rome was critical for the spread of the Gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire, and every step, including the stop at Rhegium, was part of God's overarching plan for the expansion of His kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek word G4484 (Rhḗgion) denotes the ancient Italian city of Rhegium, a significant port at the Strait of Messina. Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Acts 28:13]], where it marks a crucial stop on the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. While a proper noun with no inherent theological meaning, its inclusion underscores the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative and highlights the practical realities of ancient travel. More profoundly, the mention of Rhegium, coupled with the timely south wind, serves as a subtle yet powerful witness to God's meticulous providence, guiding Paul's arduous journey to fulfill the divine mandate for the Gospel to reach the imperial capital.
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