Θεσσαλονίκη (Thessalonikē)
Thessalonikē
Thessalonica
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Thessalonikē refers to a major city in ancient Macedonia, known today as Thessaloniki. It served as a key administrative center and the capital of the second region of Macedonia, hosting Roman governors and quaestors. Its location on the Thermaic Gulf made it a hub for trade and travel in the first century.
This place name appears five times in the New Testament, primarily within the Acts of the Apostles. Luke records Paul’s visits to this city in Acts 17:1 and 17:11, highlighting its importance in the early spread of the gospel. The city is also mentioned in Philippians 4:16 regarding financial support for Paul, and in 2 Timothy 4:10 as a location where someone had traveled.
The name itself derives from Thessalos and nikē, often interpreted as "victory." While some older sources suggest alternative meanings, the city’s historical significance lies in its role as a center of Roman power and early Christian community. Its mention in Scripture underscores the reach of the apostolic mission into significant urban centers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Thessalonica was a bustling hub in the first century, a place where trade routes met and diverse cultures intersected. When Paul arrived there, he did not find an empty field but a community already engaged with Jewish teachings. This setting reminds us that God often meets people in the middle of their daily lives, within the synagogues and marketplaces where questions about faith naturally arise.
The response of the Bereans, mentioned in Acts 17:11, offers a gentle model for how we engage with Scripture today. They were described as noble not because they knew everything, but because they checked what they heard against the Scriptures daily. This habit of careful listening and personal verification helps ground our beliefs in truth rather than mere opinion.
Even in times of hardship or separation, like Paul’s need for support mentioned in Philippians 4:16, communities can show deep care. The church at Thessalonica supported him across distances, showing that faith connects us beyond physical proximity. We are invited to be part of such a network, offering and receiving help with generosity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Thessalonica,2×
- Thessalonica2×
- Thessalonica;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Θεσσαλονίκῃ,1×
- Θεσσαλονίκῃ1×
- Θεσσαλονίκης1×
- Θεσσαλονίκην·1×
- Θεσσαλονίκην,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 17:1
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.
This verse marks the beginning of Paul's ministry in the city, establishing Thessalonica as a key location where the gospel entered a major urban center.
-
Acts 17:11
Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
Here the word highlights a contrast in spiritual maturity, showing how the Bereans' diligent study of Scripture distinguished them from those in Thessalonica.
-
Philippians 4:16
For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.
This reference illustrates the practical generosity of the Thessalonian believers, who supported Paul's needs through repeated financial gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Thessalonica mean in the Bible?
Why is Thessalonica important in Acts?
How did the Thessalonian church support Paul?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 3 books)
Acts 3 verses
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish…
Acts 17:11Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind,…
Acts 17:13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Beroea also, they came…