### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Seleúkeia**, represented by `{{G4581}}`, is a proper noun for **Seleucia**, a place in Syria. It is derived from Seleucus, a Syrian king. This location is mentioned **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, identifying it as a specific geographical point in the early church's missionary activities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4581}}` is in Acts, where it marks the beginning of a pivotal missionary journey. After being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, the disciples departed unto **Seleucia**. From this port city, it is noted that from thence they sailed to Cyprus [[Acts 13:4]]. This places **Seleucia** as the specific geographical launch point for the church's first formal mission to foreign lands.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context of the journey involving **Seleucia**:
* `{{G1599}}` **ekpémpō** (to despatch): Used to describe the disciples being **sent away (forth)** by the Holy Ghost, initiating their journey [[Acts 13:4]].
* `{{G2718}}` **katérchomai** (to come (or go) down): This verb marks their travel to the coast, translated as **departed** in the passage as they made their way unto Seleucia [[Acts 13:4]].
* `{{G636}}` **apopléō** (to set sail): This specifies the action taken from Seleucia, showing it was a port from which they could **sail away** toward Cyprus [[Acts 13:4]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{G4581}}` is tied to its specific role in the book of Acts.
* **Gateway for the Gospel:** Seleucia's primary significance is its role as the port of departure for the first missionary journey. It is the physical location from which the mission, directed by the Holy **Ghost** `{{G4151}}`, was launched [[Acts 13:4]].
* **A Spirit-Led Mission:** The journey begins with the disciples being explicitly "sent forth" `{{G1599}}` by the Holy Ghost [[Acts 13:4]]. Seleucia is the first named location in this divinely commissioned work, underscoring its place in a Spirit-led narrative.
* **Link to Cyprus:** The city serves as the crucial geographical link between the mainland and the island of **Cyprus** `{{G2954}}`, the first destination of this new missionary effort [[Acts 13:4]].
### Summary
In summary, **Seleúkeia** `{{G4581}}` is a Syrian port city with a singular but significant mention in the New Testament. It is not a theological concept but a real-world location whose importance is derived entirely from its role in the book of Acts. Its mention marks the critical moment when the early church, under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, began its first intentional missionary journey by sea, making **Seleucia** the starting point for carrying the gospel to new lands.
TRV