The Greek word Adramyttēnós, represented by G98, is an adjective that means belonging to Adramyttium. It appears 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The term is derived from Adramyttium, a place in Asia Minor, and is used to specify the origin of an object or person.
In its sole biblical appearance, G98 identifies the home port of a ship G4143 that Paul and his companions boarded. The account in Acts states they were "entering G1910 into a ship of Adramyttium," with the intention to sail G4126 along the coasts of Asia G773 Acts 27:2. This specific detail establishes the initial vessel for a critical leg of Paul's journey to Rome.
Several related words help build the context around the journey involving the ship of Adramyttium:
- G4143 ploîon (vessel): This is the noun described by G98. The text specifies the vessel as a "ship of Adramyttium," anchoring the narrative to a tangible object with a known origin Acts 27:2.
- G1910 epibaínō (to walk upon, i.e. mount, ascend, embark): This verb details the action of boarding the specific vessel, noting that Paul was "entering" the ship to begin his voyage Acts 27:2.
- G773 Asía (Asia): This term defines the geographical region of the journey's initial route. The ship was set to travel along the coasts of Asia Acts 27:2, a detail that situates the event in a specific part of the Roman world.
- G5117 tópos (a spot, i.e. location): Used here as "coasts," this word specifies the route the ship intended to take, highlighting the plan to sail by the "coasts of Asia" Acts 27:2.
The significance of G98 is primarily narrative and historical rather than theological. It serves to ground the account of Paul's voyage in verifiable details.
- Geographical Specificity: Mentioning a ship from Adramyttium, a known port city, adds a layer of authenticity to the travel log in the book of Acts.
- Narrative Progression: The identification of this specific ship marks the clear starting point of the dangerous sea voyage that is meticulously detailed in the subsequent verses of Acts 27.
- Logistical Detail: The use of G98 underscores the practical realities of first-century travel, showing how the journey was undertaken in stages, beginning with a coastal vessel from a particular city.
In summary, G98 is a precise geographical adjective used to identify a specific ship G4143. Although it appears only once, its function is crucial for rooting the biblical narrative of Paul's journey in a real-world place G5117 and time. It demonstrates the detailed nature of the account in Acts, providing a concrete starting point for one of the most vivid voyages described in the New Testament.
TRV