### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Σαμάρεια (Samáreia), Strong's number `{{G4540}}`, refers to both a significant city and a geographical region in ancient Palestine. Its etymology traces back to the Hebrew שֹׁמְרוֹן (Shomeron), `{{H8111}}`, which is believed to be derived from Shemer, the original owner of the hill where the city was built ([[1 Kings 16:24]]). Semantically, Σαμάρεια encompasses the literal physical location and, by extension, the people inhabiting that region—the Samaritans—who developed a distinct religious and cultural identity. Geographically, Samaria occupied a central position between Galilee to the north and Judea to the south, a strategic and often contested territory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew שֹׁמְרוֹν (Shomeron) is prominently featured as the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri ([[1 Kings 16:24]]). Under subsequent kings, particularly Ahab and Jezebel, Samaria became a notorious center of idolatry, especially the worship of Baal ([[1 Kings 16:32-33]]). Prophets like Hosea, Amos, and Micah frequently denounced Samaria for its spiritual apostasy, social injustice, and reliance on foreign alliances ([[Hosea 7:1]], [[Amos 3:9-10]], [[Micah 1:5-7]]). Its fall to the Assyrians in 722/721 BCE, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the resettlement of the region with foreign peoples, is a pivotal event for understanding the later Samaritan identity ([[2 Kings 17:5-6]], [[2 Kings 17:24]]).
In the New Testament, Σαμάρεια appears primarily in the Gospels and Acts. Jesus often traveled through or ministered in this region ([[John 4:4]]). The historical and religious animosity between Jews and Samaritans, stemming from the Old Testament events and divergent religious practices (e.g., Samaritan worship on Mount Gerizim versus Jewish worship in Jerusalem, and the Samaritans' acceptance of only the Pentateuch), is a crucial backdrop for these interactions ([[John 4:9]], [[John 4:20]]). Key New Testament occurrences include:
* **The Woman at the Well:** Jesus' groundbreaking encounter with a Samaritan woman in Sychar, a city in Samaria, where He revealed Himself as the Messiah and taught about worship "in spirit and truth" ([[John 4:5-42]]). This interaction defied social, ethnic, and gender norms.
* **The Parable of the Good Samaritan:** Jesus uses a Samaritan as the hero of this parable, challenging His listeners' prejudices and redefining true neighborly love beyond ethnic or religious boundaries ([[Luke 10:25-37]]).
* **The Ten Lepers:** Of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, only the Samaritan returns to give thanks, highlighting faith found outside conventional Jewish circles ([[Luke 17:11-19]]).
* **Apostolic Expansion:** Following Jesus' commission to be His witnesses in "Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" ([[Acts 1:8]]), Philip's ministry in Samaria marks a significant expansion of the early church. Many Samaritans believed and were baptized, and Peter and John were sent to confirm their reception of the Holy Spirit ([[Acts 8:5-25]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew שֹׁמְרוֹן (Shomeron), `{{H8111}}`, from which Σαμάρεια is derived. Other key related concepts include:
* **Samaritans:** The people group inhabiting Samaria, distinct in their religious beliefs and practices from the Jews.
* **Mount Gerizim:** The sacred mountain of the Samaritans, where they believed true worship should occur, in contrast to the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem ([[John 4:20]]).
* **Pentateuch:** The first five books of Moses, which constituted the entirety of the Samaritan canon.
* **Judea and Galilee:** The regions bordering Samaria, often contrasted with it, highlighting Samaria's unique position and the prevailing Jewish-Samaritan animosity.
* **Idolatry:** A significant theme in the Old Testament portrayal of Samaria as the capital of the northern kingdom.
### Theological Significance
Σαμάρεια holds profound theological significance, primarily serving as a powerful symbol of the breaking down of ethnic, religious, and social barriers in the Kingdom of God. Jesus' intentional engagement with Samaritans demonstrates God's inclusive love and the universal scope of salvation, extending beyond the chosen people of Israel to those traditionally considered outsiders or enemies. The Parable of the Good Samaritan radically redefines "neighbor" and "holiness," emphasizing compassionate action over ritualistic purity or ethnic identity. Furthermore, the spread of the Gospel to Samaria, as commanded by Jesus in [[Acts 1:8]] and fulfilled through the ministry of Philip in [[Acts 8]], illustrates the expansion of God's redemptive plan from Jerusalem to all peoples, anticipating the global mission of the church. The dialogue with the Samaritan woman in [[John 4]] also underscores that true worship is not confined to a specific geographical location but is "in spirit and truth," accessible to all who genuinely seek God.
### Summary
Σαμάρεια (Samáreia), `{{G4540}}`, derived from the Hebrew שֹׁמְרוֹν `{{H8111}}`, designates both a city and a central region in ancient Palestine. Historically, it was the capital of the idolatrous northern kingdom of Israel, leading to its prophetic condemnation and eventual fall. In the New Testament, Samaria becomes a pivotal location for demonstrating the inclusivity of God's grace. Jesus' interactions with Samaritans, such as the woman at the well and the grateful leper, and His parable of the Good Samaritan, challenged deeply entrenched Jewish prejudices, revealing the universal nature of His messianic mission. The early church's evangelistic efforts in Samaria, as recorded in [[Acts 8]], directly fulfilled Christ's commission in [[Acts 1:8]], signifying the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers and the expansion of God's kingdom to all peoples. Thus, Samaria stands as a powerful biblical illustration of God's redemptive plan encompassing those traditionally marginalized, emphasizing that true worship transcends geographical and cultural divides.
TRV