### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Samáreia**, represented by `{{G4540}}`, refers to **Samaria**, a city and region of Palestine. Derived from a Hebrew origin, this term appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. It plays a crucial role in the narrative of the early church's expansion, serving as a key territory for ministry beyond Jerusalem and Judaea.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4540}}` is central to the spread of the gospel. Jesus explicitly includes **Samaria** in his commission to the disciples, designating it as a vital mission field after Jerusalem and Judaea but before the uttermost part of the earth [[Acts 1:8]]. This command is fulfilled when a great persecution `{{G1375}}` in Jerusalem causes believers to be scattered abroad `{{G1289}}` throughout the regions of Judaea and **Samaria** [[Acts 8:1]]. This leads to direct evangelistic work, as Philip `{{G5376}}` went down to a city of **Samaria** to preach `{{G2784}}` Christ `{{G5547}}` [[Acts 8:5]]. The region is also a place of intentional ministry for Jesus, who "must needs `{{G1163}}` go through `{{G1330}}` **Samaria**" [[John 4:4]] and personally engages a woman `{{G1135}}` of **Samaria** [[John 4:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and significance of Samaria:
* `{{G1056}}` **Galilaía** (Galilee): Defined as "a region of Palestine," this name often appears with **Samaria** to map out the scope of Jesus's travels and the early church's influence. For instance, Jesus passed through the midst of **Samaria** and **Galilee** [[Luke 17:11]], and later the churches had rest throughout **Judaea**, **Galilee**, and **Samaria** [[Acts 9:31]].
* `{{G1289}}` **diaspeírō** (to sow throughout, i.e. (figuratively) distribute in foreign lands): This term describes how believers were **scattered abroad** throughout **Samaria** because of persecution [[Acts 8:1]], which directly resulted in the preaching of the word in that region.
* `{{G1484}}` **éthnos** (a race... a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one): The ministry in **Samaria** was significant for reaching a distinct **people** [[Acts 8:9]]. The news of the "conversion of the **Gentiles**" was later declared there, causing great joy among the brethren [[Acts 15:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4540}}` is demonstrated in its role as a bridge for the gospel.
* **A Commissioned Territory:** **Samaria** is not an afterthought but a designated area for mission in Jesus's final instructions, marking a deliberate expansion of the witness beyond Jewish centers [[Acts 1:8]].
* **Growth Through Persecution:** The scattering of the Jerusalem **church** `{{G1577}}` into **Samaria** [[Acts 8:1]] illustrates a key theme where persecution `{{G1375}}` becomes the catalyst for fulfilling God's mission.
* **A Receptive Field:** The region is portrayed as spiritually receptive. The apostles `{{G652}}` in Jerusalem **heard** that **Samaria** had **received** `{{G1209}}` the **word** `{{G3056}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}` [[Acts 8:14]], and reports of conversion there **caused great joy** [[Acts 15:3]].
* **Divine Intentionality:** Jesus's journey through the region was divinely appointed, as he "**must needs** `{{G1163}}` go through `{{G1330}}` **Samaria**" [[John 4:4]], showing a purposeful move to engage its inhabitants.
### Summary
In summary, **Samáreia** `{{G4540}}` is more than a geographical location; it is a pivotal stage in the biblical narrative of redemption. It represents the intentional expansion of the gospel from its origins in **Judaea** to the wider world, as commanded by **Jesus** [[Acts 1:8]]. The story of **Samaria** shows how divine purpose is fulfilled even through human trials like **persecution**, leading to the establishment and edification of the **church** in new territories ([[Acts 8:1]], [[Acts 9:31]]). As a place where the **word** of **God** was received and caused **joy**, it serves as a powerful example of the gospel's reach and reception.
TRV