### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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