### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Syrákousai**, represented by `{{G4946}}`, is the name for **Syracuse**, the capital of Sicily. It is a specific geographical term that appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the New Testament. Its singular mention serves to anchor a specific moment in the biblical narrative to a real-world location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4946}}` occurs in the book of Acts during the detailed account of Paul's voyage to Rome. The verse records a logistical stop on the journey, stating, "And landing at **Syracuse**, we tarried there three days" [[Acts 28:12]]. This mention provides a factual data point, marking a clear stage in the apostolic party's travels as they moved from Malta towards Italy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of this stop is clarified by several related words within the verse:
* `{{G2609}}` **katágō**: This word means "to lead down" and is specially used "to moor a vessel." It describes the action of their arrival, as seen when ships are brought to **land** [[Luke 5:11]] or when Paul's company **landed** at Tyre [[Acts 21:3]].
* `{{G1961}}` **epiménō**: Meaning "to stay over, i.e. remain," this term describes the duration of their visit. While used here for a literal stay, it is used figuratively elsewhere to encourage believers to **continue** in the faith [[Colossians 1:23]] or in the grace of God [[Acts 13:43]].
* `{{G5140}}` **treîs**: The primary number for "three," it specifies the length of the stay in Syracuse. This number appears in many significant contexts, from the **three** that bear record in heaven [[1 John 5:7]] to Jesus's promise to raise the temple in **three** days [[John 2:19]].
* `{{G2250}}` **hēméra**: Defined as a **day** or a period of time, this word quantifies their pause in the city. It is used throughout scripture to measure time, whether as a literal **day** [[Matthew 6:34]] or a significant future event like "the **day** of visitation" [[1 Peter 2:12]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G4946}}` is not theological in itself, but historical and narrative. Its inclusion in the text serves to:
* **Establish Historical Veracity:** By naming a well-known port like Syracuse, the account of Paul's journey is grounded in specific, verifiable geography, underscoring the factual nature of the narrative.
* **Detail Apostolic Movement:** The mention of **Syracuse** is part of a precise log of the voyage. This stop is a key point in the journey to Rome, documenting the path Paul took to eventually preach the gospel in the heart of the empire.
* **Illustrate a Deliberate Journey:** The sequence of "landing" `{{G2609}}`, "tarrying" `{{G1961}}` for a set number of "days" `{{G2250}}`, and then continuing on demonstrates a purposeful and recorded progression, highlighting the importance of this final journey in Paul's ministry.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4946}}` is a geographical marker whose sole function is to identify the city of **Syracuse** as a port of call in Acts. It is not a word with deep theological meaning, but its presence provides crucial historical context. It grounds the biblical account of the early church's mission in real-world space and time, lending credibility and detail to the pivotal journey of the Apostle Paul to Rome.
TRV