Ἰόππη (Ioppē)
Ioppē
Joppa
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Ioppē refers to Joppa, a significant port city on the Mediterranean coast of Palestine. The name derives from the Hebrew word for "beautiful," reflecting its scenic location. In the New Testament, this place appears exclusively in the book of Acts, serving as a crucial geographic setting for early Christian history.
Its narrative importance lies in its role as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile worlds. Peter stays with Simon the tanner there after raising Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:43). It is also here that he receives the vision of the sheet lowered from heaven, a pivotal moment challenging traditional purity laws before he travels to Caesarea to meet Cornelius (Acts 10).
As a major trade hub with a busy but dangerous harbor, Joppa was a natural stopping point for travelers. By placing these transformative events in such a commercial center, the text highlights how the gospel moved from isolated communities into the mainstream of Roman commerce and culture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Joppa was more than a stop on a map; it was where the gospel broke through cultural walls. In this busy port city, Peter encountered visions that reshaped his understanding of who God welcomes. The message here is clear: faith does not stay within comfortable boundaries. It moves into places of trade and diversity, inviting everyone to share in the hope found in Christ.
When believers gathered there, they saw lives transformed by mercy and power. Tabitha’s kindness and Peter’s obedience show how ordinary settings become stages for divine work. You do not need a special location to experience God’s presence; He meets us where we are, often in the midst of daily routines and unexpected encounters.
This history reminds us that our own communities can be places of breakthrough. As you navigate your own relationships and responsibilities, remember that God is active in the ordinary. His grace extends to all people, bridging divides and creating unity through the shared faith in Jesus.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Joppa6×
- to Joppa1×
- of Joppa,1×
- of Joppa1×
- Joppa.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰόππῃ4×
- Ἰόππην3×
- Ἰόππης,1×
- Ἰόππης1×
- Ἰόππην.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 9:43
He stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
Peter’s stay with Simon the tanner highlights his willingness to engage with those considered ritually unclean, a necessary step before the Gentile mission.
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Acts 10:5
Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is also called Peter.
Cornelius’ instruction to send for Peter from Joppa marks the direct link between the Jewish church and the first major Gentile convert.
-
Acts 11:5
“I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain container descending, like it was a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners. It came as far as me.
Peter’s recounting of the vision in Joppa serves as his defense for eating with uncircumcised men, proving God initiated the inclusion of Gentiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Joppa in Acts?
Who did Peter stay with in Joppa?
Why did Cornelius send men to Joppa?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 1 books)
Acts 10 verses
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated means Dorcas. This woman was full of…
Acts 9:38As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay…
Acts 9:42This became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
Acts 9:43He stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
Acts 10:5Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is also called Peter.
Acts 10:8Having explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
Acts 10:23So he called them in and provided a place to stay. On the next day Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the…
Acts 10:32Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon,…
Acts 11:5“I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain container descending, like it was a…
Acts 11:13He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying to him, ‘Send to Joppa and get Simon, who is…