Δαμασκός (Damaskos)
Damaskos
Damascus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Damaskos refers to Damascus, one of the oldest and most significant cities in Syria. Located at the eastern base of the Anti-Lebanon mountains, it sat in a fertile plain that made it a vital center for trade and culture since ancient times. The name itself is derived from Hebrew, carrying historical weight as a place where major biblical events unfolded.
In the New Testament, this city appears fifteen times, primarily in Acts, 2 Corinthians, and Galatians. It serves as the backdrop for Paul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–19) and his subsequent ministry there. Later, he mentions fleeing from the governor in Damascus (2 Corinthians 11:32) and returning to Arabia before going back to Damascus (Galatians 1:17). These references highlight its role as a key location in the early spread of Christianity.
Thayer’s lexicon notes that the name may mean “silent is the sackcloth weaver,” though this interpretation remains speculative. Regardless of its etymology, Damascus stands out as more than just a geographic marker—it symbolizes transformation and divine intervention in the life of Paul and the growth of the early church.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Damascus stands as a landmark of radical change in the New Testament. It was here that Saul, a fierce opponent of the early church, encountered the risen Christ and became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. This city represents a place where human plans are overturned by divine grace. For believers today, it reminds us that no past mistake or hardened heart is beyond the reach of God’s transforming love.
The narrative also shows that this transformation was not instantaneous in its social impact. Paul remained in Damascus for days with new disciples and later faced political danger there. His journey illustrates that spiritual awakening often leads to community, learning, and sometimes conflict. We see that following Christ can mean leaving behind familiar paths and entering a new way of life, supported by fellow believers.
Whether we are experiencing a sudden shift in perspective or a gradual deepening of faith, Damascus symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter. It invites us to trust that God can redirect our lives toward His purpose, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or dangerous.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Damascus8×
- Damascus.3×
- Damascus,2×
- to Damascus,1×
- to Damascus1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Δαμασκῷ6×
- Δαμασκὸν3×
- Δαμασκῷ,2×
- Δαμασκόν.2×
- Δαμασκόν.¶1×
- Δαμασκόν,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 9:3
As he traveled, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.
This verse marks the precise moment of Paul’s conversion, where the light from heaven interrupts his journey to persecute Christians.
-
Acts 9:10
Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He said, “Behold, it’s me, Lord.”
It introduces Ananias, showing that God uses ordinary believers to guide those who have just experienced divine intervention.
-
Acts 26:20
but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
Paul lists Damascus first in his missionary strategy, highlighting its role as the starting point for spreading the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
-
Galatians 1:17
nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.
Paul mentions returning to Damascus after Arabia, clarifying the timeline of his early ministry and his independence from the Jerusalem apostles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Damascus symbolize in the Bible?
Why is Damascus mentioned so often in Acts?
Is Damascus still an important city today?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 3 books)
Acts 13 verses
and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or…
Acts 9:3As he traveled, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.
Acts 9:8Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand and brought him into…
Acts 9:10Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He said,…
Acts 9:19He took food and was strengthened. Saul stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus.
Acts 9:22But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
Acts 9:27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and…
Acts 22:5as also the high priest and all the council of the elders testify, from whom also I received letters to the brothers,…
Acts 22:6“As I made my journey and came close to Damascus, about noon suddenly a great light shone around me from the sky.
Acts 22:10I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ The Lord said to me, ‘Arise, and go into Damascus. There you will be told about all…
Acts 22:11When I couldn’t see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
Acts 26:12“Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,
Acts 26:20but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the…