### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma Συράκουσαι (Syrákousai), Strong's `{{G4946}}`, refers exclusively to the ancient city of Syracuse. As a proper noun, its semantic range is singular and fixed, designating a specific historical and geographical location. Syracuse was a prominent city on the southeastern coast of Sicily, renowned for its strategic port and significant role in classical antiquity. The Strong's definition notes its "plural of uncertain derivation," which is a grammatical observation about the word's form in Greek, but in context, it consistently denotes the singular city of Syracuse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Συράκουσαι (Syrákousai) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 28:12]]: "And putting in at Syracuse, we stayed three days." This verse describes a specific point in the Apostle Paul's arduous journey to Rome as a prisoner. After being shipwrecked on Malta and spending three months there, Paul and his companions depart on an Alexandrian ship. Their first stop after Malta is Syracuse, where they remain for three days. This brief stopover was likely for resupply, to await favorable winds, or for other logistical reasons common to ancient maritime travel. The inclusion of Syracuse in Luke's narrative underscores the meticulous geographical and historical detail characteristic of the Book of Acts, lending strong support to its veracity. The mention is purely descriptive, serving to mark a waypoint in the divinely orchestrated journey of the apostle.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Συράκουσαι (Syrákousai) does not have direct lexical synonyms or derivatives within the biblical text. However, it is contextually related to other geographical locations mentioned in the detailed account of Paul's final voyage to Rome:
* Malta (Melita) - [[Acts 28:1]]
* Rhegium - [[Acts 28:13]]
* Puteoli - [[Acts 28:13]]
* Appii Forum and Three Taverns - [[Acts 28:15]]
* Rome - [[Acts 28:14]], [[Acts 28:16]]
The broader concepts related to Syracuse's appearance include ancient *maritime travel*, the *logistics of journeys* in the Roman world, and the *geographical spread of the early Christian message*. The specificity of the locations mentioned highlights the real-world context in which the Gospel was proclaimed and advanced.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Συράκουσαι (Syrákousai) is not intrinsic to the city itself, but rather derives from its role within the larger narrative of God's providential guidance. The brief stop in Syracuse is one small, yet significant, detail in the divinely superintended journey that ultimately brings Paul to Rome. This journey was essential for the fulfillment of God's plan for Paul to bear witness to Christ before the highest authorities of the Roman Empire, as prophesied in [[Acts 23:11]]. Luke's precise geographical references, including Syracuse, serve to ground the narrative of Acts in historical reality, thereby reinforcing the trustworthiness and factual basis of the early church's expansion. It subtly reminds the reader that even seemingly minor waypoints and delays in God's servants' journeys are part of His overarching, sovereign purpose, ensuring that His redemptive plan unfolds exactly as intended.
### Summary
The Greek word Συράκουσαι (Syrákousai), Strong's `{{G4946}}`, refers to the ancient city of Syracuse in Sicily. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Acts 28:12]], where it marks a three-day stop during the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. While not bearing direct theological meaning in itself, the inclusion of Syracuse underscores the meticulous historical accuracy of the Book of Acts. This precise geographical detail highlights the reality of ancient travel and, more profoundly, illustrates the divine orchestration of Paul's journey, ensuring his arrival in Rome to fulfill God's purpose for the spread of the Gospel. Syracuse stands as a testament to the fact that even seemingly minor points in the biblical narrative are part of a larger, divinely purposed design.
TRV