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