Ἀττάλεια

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word Attáleia, represented by G825, identifies Attaleia, a place in Pamphylia. Derived from the name of a king of Pergamus, this place name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, marking a specific location in the narrative of the early church.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole biblical reference to G825 occurs in the book of Acts. After the apostles had preached the word G3056 in the city of Perga G4011, the narrative states that "they went down G2597 into G1519 Attalia" Acts 14:25. This verse positions Attalia as the next destination on a missionary journey, a place reached after a period of ministry in a neighboring location.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the context of the journey to Attalia:

• G4011 Pérgē: Defined as "a tower; Perga, a place in Asia Minor," this is the location where the apostles preached just before traveling to Attalia Acts 14:25.
• G2597 katabaínō: Meaning "to descend (literally or figuratively)," this verb describes the movement from Perga down to Attalia Acts 14:25.
• G1519 eis: A preposition defined as "to or into (indicating the point reached or entered)," it marks Attalia as the specific destination reached in the narrative Acts 14:25.

Theological Significance

The narrative significance of G825 is rooted in its geographical and missionary context.

• A Landmark in Apostolic Journeys: Attalia's mention serves as a geographical marker, charting the physical progress of the apostles as they carry their message through the region of Pamphylia.
• A Point of Transition: The journey is described as a descent using the word G2597 katabaínō, indicating a literal change in location. This same word is used elsewhere to describe Jesus coming down from heaven John 3:13 and gifts coming down from the Father James 1:17, lending weight to the purposefulness of this travel.
• A Deliberate Destination: The use of G1519 eis ("into") frames Attalia not as an accidental stop but as a planned point of arrival. The journey immediately follows the preaching of the word G3056, connecting the travel directly to the ministry's purpose.

Summary

In summary, G825 Attáleia is more than just a name on a map. While appearing only once, its inclusion in scripture anchors the apostolic mission in a real-world setting. It functions as a key waypoint in the biblical narrative, marking a specific destination reached after ministry in Perga and illustrating the deliberate, geographical expansion of the early church.