### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Sámos**, represented by `{{G4544}}`, refers to **Samus, an island of the Mediterranean**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. While a simple geographical marker, its sole mention places it within the context of a significant apostolic journey, highlighting its role as a waypoint in the spread of the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4544}}` appears exclusively in [[Acts 20:15]]. The verse documents a leg of a journey, stating, "and the next day we **arrived** at **Samos**". This mention serves as a specific, factual detail in a travel log that tracks the movement from Chios towards Miletus. It functions to ground the narrative in a real-world setting, emphasizing the deliberate and sequential nature of the voyage.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the passage describe the action of the journey and are used with great significance elsewhere in scripture:
* `{{G636}}` **apopléō** (to set sail): This verb marks the departure for the next stage of the trip, as in "we **sailed** thence" [[Acts 20:15]]. It specifically denotes the act of beginning a sea voyage, such as the journey to Cyprus [[Acts 13:4]] or Italy [[Acts 27:1]].
* `{{G2658}}` **katantáō** (to meet against, i.e. arrive at): This word is used to describe coming to a destination and is also used to signify spiritual arrival, such as the hope of God's people to **come** to the promise [[Acts 26:7]] or for believers to **come** "in the unity of the faith" [[Ephesians 4:13]].
* `{{G3846}}` **parabállō** (to reach a place, or... to liken): Translated as "**arrived**" at Samos [[Acts 20:15]], this word can also mean to lay something alongside for comparison. For example, Jesus uses it when asking with what comparison "shall we **compare**" the kingdom of God [[Mark 4:30]].
* `{{G2064}}` **érchomai** (to come or go): This general verb for movement concludes this portion of the journey [[Acts 20:15]], but it is most powerfully used to describe Christ's mission, as when he states, "the Son of man is **come** to seek and to save that which was lost" [[Luke 19:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight connected to `{{G4544}}` is found not in the island itself, but in the verbs of travel associated with it. These words frame the concept of a purposeful journey.
* **Divine Mission:** The verb for "come," `{{G2064}}`, is repeatedly used by Jesus to define his purpose. He declares he has **come** to give life more abundantly [[John 10:10]] and not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance [[Matthew 9:13]].
* **Spiritual Attainment:** The idea of arriving, `{{G2658}}`, is used to describe the ultimate goal of faith. Believers hope to **attain** the resurrection [[Philippians 3:11]], and the church collectively is meant to **come** to the fullness of Christ [[Ephesians 4:13]].
* **Path to Salvation:** The journey motif is central to salvation, as no one **cometh** to the Father except through Jesus [[John 14:6]]. This frames the entire Christian life as a directed movement toward God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4544}}` **Sámos** is more than a geographical footnote. Its singular appearance anchors a narrative of physical travel, but the vocabulary used to describe that travel is deeply woven into the theological fabric of scripture. The words for sailing, arriving, and coming transform a simple stop at an island into a reflection of the greater spiritual journey of divine purpose, discipleship, and salvation.
TRV