Ἑλλάς (Hellas)
Hellas
Greece
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Hellas refers to the land we know as Greece. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 20:2, where Paul mentions traveling through that region on his journeys. The term identifies a specific geographical area in southern Europe rather than the people or culture generally associated with Greeks.
Lexical sources note that this word is distinct from terms for Greek speakers or the broader Hellenistic world. Its usage here aligns closely with how Macedonia was described, marking a political and physical boundary Paul crossed during his missionary work. The etymology is listed as uncertain, though some older traditions link it to mythological figures.
Because the occurrence is singular, the word serves primarily as a marker of location in Luke’s travel narrative. It helps readers trace the spread of the early church from Asia Minor into Europe. The reference highlights the expanding reach of the gospel beyond its Jewish origins into the heart of the Roman Empire.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Hellas appears only once in the New Testament, marking a specific moment when the Apostle Paul traveled through Greece. This single mention highlights how the early Christian message moved beyond its Jewish roots to reach the heart of the Roman Empire. It serves as a geographical marker, showing that the gospel was not confined to one region but was actively spreading into new lands and cultures.
For your faith, this reminds us that God’s work often involves movement and transition. Just as Paul crossed into Greece to encourage believers, you may find yourself in seasons of change or travel. These moments are not random; they are part of a larger story where the good news is shared with people from every corner of the earth.
When you read about Paul’s journey, remember that your own steps, whether near or far, are held within God’s plan. The expansion of the church into Greece shows that no place is too distant for the message of hope. You can trust that God is present in your current location, using it to bless others and grow His kingdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Greece;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἑλλάδα·1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 20:2
When he had gone through those parts and had encouraged them with many words, he came into Greece.
This verse marks the specific point where Paul’s missionary journey entered Greece, highlighting the geographical expansion of the early church into Europe.