### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Adrías**, represented by `{{G99}}`, refers to the **Adriatic sea**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The term originates from a place near the sea's shore and in its biblical usage encompasses the Adriatic and Ionian seas, collectively known as Adria.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{G99}}` occurs in the detailed account of Paul's perilous voyage to Rome. In this context, the ship carrying Paul and other prisoners is caught in a violent storm. The narrative states that on the **fourteenth** `{{G5065}}` night, they were "driven up and down in **Adria**," at which point the sailors sensed they were approaching land [[Acts 27:27]]. This specific geographical reference grounds the dramatic events of the shipwreck in a real-world location.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from this passage help illustrate the scene taking place in the sea of `{{G99}}`:
* `{{G1308}}` **diaphérō** (were driven up and down): This verb describes the violent and uncontrolled tossing of the ship, emphasizing the severity of the storm within the Adriatic [[Acts 27:27]].
* `{{G3492}}` **naútēs** (shipmen): These are the sailors or boatmen on board. Their expertise is highlighted as they are the ones who **deemed** `{{G5282}}` that the ship was drawing near to land [[Acts 27:27]].
* `{{G5065}}` **tessareskaidékatos** (fourteenth): This word specifies the long duration the ship had been lost at sea, marking the fourteenth night of being adrift in **Adria** [[Acts 27:27]].
* `{{G5561}}` **chṓra** (country): This is the term for the land or region the sailors suspected they were approaching, signaling a potential end to their ordeal at sea [[Acts 27:27]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G99}}` is primarily narrative and historical rather than theological. It serves to anchor the account of Paul's journey in concrete reality.
* **A Setting of Peril:** Adria is the stage for a life-threatening tempest, demonstrating the immense dangers faced during apostolic travel. The ship is relentlessly "driven up and down" `{{G1308}}` for many days [[Acts 27:27]].
* **Historical Accuracy:** The mention of a specific body of water like **Adria** adds a layer of detail and credibility to Luke's account of the journey.
* **Context for Faith:** The desperate situation in the Adriatic Sea provides the backdrop against which Paul's faith and God's providence are demonstrated to the crew and soldiers.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G99}}` **Adrías** functions as a crucial geographical marker in the biblical text. While appearing only once, its role in [[Acts 27:27]] is significant, providing the specific setting for the dramatic and detailed account of Paul's shipwreck. It frames the narrative of peril, human expertise, and divine deliverance, grounding the story in a known location and highlighting the very real dangers of the journey.
TRV