### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Συρία (Syría, `{{G4947}}`) denotes the geographical region of Syria. According to the base definition, its probable etymological root is the Hebrew צֹר (Tsor, `{{H6865}}`), meaning "Tyre." This connection suggests a historical or perceived association between the broader region of Syria and the significant Phoenician city of Tyre, perhaps indicating that Tyre was a prominent marker or origin point for the name of the wider territory in ancient understanding. Syntactically, it functions as a proper noun referring to a specific "region of Asia," particularly the Roman province of Syria during the New Testament period. Its semantic range is thus primarily geographical, identifying a distinct land area.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Συρία (Syría, `{{G4947}}`) appears several times in the New Testament, predominantly in the book of Acts and the Gospels, highlighting its significance in the early Christian narrative:
* **[[Matthew 4:24]]**: "And His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them." This verse demonstrates the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry, indicating that His reputation and healing power extended beyond the immediate Jewish territories into the broader region of Syria.
* **[[Luke 2:2]]**: "And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria." This historical detail places the birth of Jesus within the administrative context of the Roman Empire, specifically under the governorship of Quirinius (Cyrenius) in the province of Syria, grounding the biblical account in verifiable historical events.
* **[[Acts 15:23]]**: "And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia." Syria is identified as a key region for early Gentile Christian communities, particularly in conjunction with Antioch, which became a significant center for the nascent church.
* **[[Acts 15:41]]**: "And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches." Paul and Silas's journey underscores Syria's importance as a territory with established Christian congregations that required strengthening and encouragement.
* **[[Acts 18:18]]**: "And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow." Syria serves as a destination or a point of departure in Paul's missionary travels, indicating its role in the broader network of early Christian outreach.
* **[[Acts 20:3]]**: "And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia." Again, Syria is presented as a planned destination for Paul, further emphasizing its strategic location in his apostolic journeys.
* **[[Acts 21:3]]**: "Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unlade her burden." This verse explicitly links "Syria" with "Tyre," reinforcing the etymological connection noted in the base definition and illustrating that Tyre was a prominent city within the geographical scope of Syria.
* **[[Galatians 1:21]]**: "Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia." Paul's account of his early post-conversion activities includes his presence in Syria, indicating that this region was central to his initial ministry and theological development before his more extensive missionary journeys.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Συρία (Syría, `{{G4947}}`) is enriched by understanding its relationship to various other biblical terms and concepts:
* **אֲרָם (Aram, `{{H758}}`)**: In the Old Testament, the region known as Syria was often referred to as Aram, and its inhabitants as Arameans. This connection is crucial for understanding the historical continuity of the region.
* **צֹר (Tsor, `{{H6865}}`)**: Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city, is explicitly mentioned in the etymology of Συρία and in [[Acts 21:3]], highlighting the geographical and historical overlap.
* **Κιλικία (Kilikía, `{{G2791}}`)**: Cilicia is frequently mentioned alongside Syria (e.g., [[Acts 15:23]], [[Acts 15:41]], [[Galatians 1:21]]), indicating their geographical proximity and often shared administrative or missionary contexts.
* **Ἀντιόχεια (Antiócheia, `{{G490}}`)**: Antioch in Syria was a pivotal city for early Christianity, serving as a primary base for missionary activity and where believers were first called "Christians" ([[Acts 11:26]]). Its significance is intrinsically linked to Syria.
* **Roman Provinces**: Syria was a major Roman province, and its governance (e.g., by Quirinius, [[Luke 2:2]]) provides important historical context for New Testament events.
* **Gentiles**: The presence of Christian communities in Syria (e.g., [[Acts 15:23]]) underscores the expansion of the Gospel beyond Jewish audiences to the Gentile world.
### Theological Significance
The presence and prominence of Συρία (Syría, `{{G4947}}`) in the New Testament narrative carry several layers of theological significance:
* **Scope of God's Redemptive Plan**: The fact that Jesus' fame spread throughout Syria ([[Matthew 4:24]]) and that it became a vital center for early Christian missions (e.g., Antioch) underscores the universal nature of God's redemptive plan, which extends beyond the confines of Israel to all nations.
* **Apostolic Expansion**: Syria served as a critical geographical bridge for the spread of the Gospel from Judea to the broader Roman world. It was a frequent destination and transit point for apostles like Paul, illustrating the strategic importance of this region in the divine orchestration of missionary outreach.
* **Historicity of the Gospel**: The mention of Quirinius as governor of Syria ([[Luke 2:2]]) grounds the biblical narrative in verifiable historical and political realities, affirming the trustworthiness and historical accuracy of the Gospel accounts.
* **Inclusion of Gentiles**: The establishment and strengthening of churches in Syria, particularly Gentile churches, highlight the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers in the early church, fulfilling God's promise to bless all families of the earth through Abraham's seed.
* **Divine Providence**: The consistent appearance of Syria in the narrative, both as a context for Jesus' ministry and a hub for apostolic activity, reflects God's sovereign hand guiding the geographical and historical unfolding of His kingdom.
### Summary
Συρία (Syría, `{{G4947}}`) refers to the geographical region of Syria, a significant Roman province during the New Testament era, possibly deriving its name from the Hebrew for Tyre (צֹר, `{{H6865}}`). Biblically, it is depicted as a region where Jesus' fame extended ([[Matthew 4:24]]) and, crucially, as a foundational territory for the expansion of early Christianity. Antioch, a key city within Syria, became a pivotal center for Gentile missions, and the region frequently served as a destination and transit point for apostolic journeys, especially for Paul ([[Acts 15:23]], [[Acts 15:41]], [[Galatians 1:21]]). The presence of Syria in the biblical narrative, including historical markers like Quirinius's governorship ([[Luke 2:2]]), underscores the historicity of the Gospel and the divinely orchestrated spread of salvation beyond Israel to the wider Gentile world. Thus, Συρία represents a vital geographical and theological locus in the unfolding of God's redemptive history.
TRV