The Greek word Sárepta, represented by G4558, is a place name of Hebrew origin. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. The term refers to Sarepta (i.e. Tsarephath), a specific location in Palestine.
The sole biblical reference to G4558 occurs in the context of Jesus speaking in the synagogue. He recounts an episode from Israel's history to illustrate a point about faith and acceptance. He states that the prophet Elias was not sent to any of the many widows in Israel during a famine, but was instead sent "unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow" Luke 4:26. This highlights the location as the specific destination for a divine mission.
Several related words provide crucial context for the single mention of Sarepta:
- G2243 Hēlías (Elias): The prophet sent to Sarepta, identified as "Helias (i.e. Elijah), an Israelite" Luke 4:26. He is described as a man who prayed earnestly James 5:17 and came in a spirit of power Luke 1:17.
- G4605 Sidṓn (Sidon): The region where Sarepta is located, defined as "Sidon (i.e. Tsidon), a place in Palestine". Sarepta is explicitly called "a city of Sidon" Luke 4:26, a coastal area from which many came to hear Jesus Luke 6:17.
- G5503 chḗra (widow): The recipient of the prophet's mission in Sarepta was a widow, a term for a woman "lacking a husband" Luke 4:26. The care for widows is presented elsewhere as a core component of pure religion James 1:27.
The geographical and theological significance of G4558 is derived entirely from its singular use in scripture.
- A Gentile Location: By identifying Sarepta as "a city of Sidon" Luke 4:26, the text places this event outside the traditional boundaries of Israel, in a Gentile region.
- Site of Divine Provision: The story of Elias being sent to Sarepta marks it as a place of a specific prophetic mission directed toward a non-Israelite.
- A Symbol of Broader Grace: Jesus uses the example of Elias being sent to Sarepta to show that God's works and messengers are not confined to one people, a point that provoked a strong reaction from his listeners.
In summary, G4558 is a place name whose importance is tied to a single, powerful event referenced by Jesus. While mentioned only once, Sarepta serves as a key geographical marker in the biblical narrative. It represents a place beyond the borders of Israel where the prophet Elias was sent, demonstrating that God's provision and purpose extend to all people, as highlighted in the teaching of Jesus Luke 4:26.
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