### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Abilēnḗ**, represented by `{{G9}}`, identifies **Abilene**, a region of Syria. According to its base definition, the name is of foreign origin. This place name appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the biblical text, making its single mention highly specific.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G9}}` is in [[Luke 3:1]], where it serves as a precise historical and geographical marker. The verse meticulously establishes the political setting at the time John the Baptist began his ministry, listing the rulers of the surrounding territories. **Abilene** is identified as the region governed by "Lysanias the tetrarch," placing it alongside other well-known areas like Judaea, ruled by Pontius Pilate, and Galilee, ruled by Herod the tetrarch [[Luke 3:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of **Abilene** is clarified by several related words that describe the political structure of the era:
* `{{G2230}}` **hēgemoneúō** (to act as ruler:--be governor): This term describes the authority of figures like Pontius Pilate in Judaea and Cyrenius in Syria, establishing the system of Roman governance ([[Luke 3:1]], [[Luke 2:2]]).
* `{{G2231}}` **hēgemonía** (government, i.e. (in time) official term:--reign): This word pinpoints the exact timeframe for the events, specifying they occurred during the "reign of Tiberius Caesar" [[Luke 3:1]].
* `{{G2264}}` **Hērṓdēs** (heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings:--Herod): This name connects the political landscape to the influential Herodian dynasty, with one Herod mentioned as tetrarch of Galilee in the same passage as Abilene [[Luke 3:1]].
* `{{G5075}}` **tetrarchéō** (to be a tetrarch:--(be) tetrarch): This verb is used to define the specific role of the rulers over Abilene, Galilee, and Ituraea, including Lysanias, Herod, and Philip [[Luke 3:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G9}}` is primarily historical, providing a concrete anchor for the biblical narrative.
* **Historical Precision:** The mention of **Abilene** alongside its specific ruler, Lysanias, as well as Pontius Pilate, Herod, and Philip, roots the Gospel account in a verifiable moment in Roman history [[Luke 3:1]].
* **Political Landscape:** It contributes to a detailed depiction of the divided political authority in the region, where governors and tetrarchs ruled specific territories under the overarching **reign** of the Roman emperor.
* **Geographical Context:** Including **Abilene** helps map out the larger territory of Syria and its neighboring regions, such as Judaea and Galilee, providing a clear setting for the events that follow.
### Summary
In summary, **Abilēnḗ** `{{G9}}` is more than just a place name on a map. Though mentioned only once, it functions as a critical piece of data that grounds the New Testament in a specific time and political reality. Its use in [[Luke 3:1]] demonstrates the author's effort to provide a historically precise account, situating the life and ministry of Jesus and John the Baptist within the broader context of the Roman Empire.
TRV