The Greek word Samothráikē, represented by G4543, identifies an island in the Mediterranean named Samothracia. Its name is derived from Σάμος and Θρᾴκη (Thrace), indicating its location as the "Samos of Thrace". It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, marking it as a specific geographical point in the biblical narrative.
In its sole scriptural appearance, G4543 serves as a waypoint in a missionary journey. After loosing from Troas, the travelers "came with a straight course to Samothracia" before proceeding to Neapolis the following day Acts 16:11. The mention of the island provides a concrete, real-world detail to the travel log recorded in the book of Acts.
Several related words from the journey provide geographic and logistical context:
- G2113 euthydroméō: This word, meaning "to lay a straight course, i.e. sail direct," describes the manner of travel to the island Acts 16:11.
- G5174 Trōás: The departure point for the voyage, Troas is a place in Asia Minor from which the journey to Samothracia began Acts 16:11.
- G3496 Neápolis: Defined as "new town," this was the port city in Macedonia reached the day after stopping at Samothracia, marking the next stage of the journey Acts 16:11.
The significance of G4543 is primarily geographical and narrative, rather than theological. It functions as a key marker in the apostolic travels recorded in Acts.
- Navigational Landmark: The mention of Samothracia provides a specific, verifiable point in the sea voyage from Troas to Neapolis Acts 16:11.
- Transitional Point: The island serves as the stopover point in the journey that carried the missionaries from Asia Minor (Troas) to Macedonia (Neapolis).
- Chronological Marker: The text notes that the journey from Troas to Samothracia, and then from Samothracia to Neapolis on "the next day," establishes a clear timeline for this important voyage Acts 16:11.
In summary, G4543 is a precise geographical term for the island of Samothracia. Its singular use in scripture is not for doctrinal exposition but to anchor the missionary travels of the early church in a real-world setting, highlighting a specific leg of the journey from Asia Minor to Macedonia.
TRV