Ἰτουραΐα (Itouraia)
Itouraia
Ituraea
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Itouraia refers to a mountainous region located northeast of Palestine and west of Damascus. In the New Testament, this proper name appears only once, in Luke 3:1, where it is listed among the territories ruled by Philip the tetrarch following the death of Herod the Great.
Lexical sources indicate the term describes a district also known as Trachonitis, situated roughly sixty miles east of the Sea of Galilee. The area was historically inhabited by the Ituraeans, a nomadic people noted for their skill with the bow and sometimes associated with raiding activities in classical accounts.
The name itself is of Hebrew origin, derived from the root found in 1 Chronicles 5:19. While some interpretations suggest meanings like "past the limits," the word functions primarily as a geographical identifier in Scripture, marking the northern boundary of Philip’s jurisdiction during the early ministry of John the Baptist.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ituraea marks a rugged, mountainous territory northeast of Palestine, near Damascus. In Luke 3:1, it is listed alongside Trachonitis as part of the tetrarchy ruled by Philip. This brief mention anchors the Gospel in real history, showing that God’s plan unfolded within specific political boundaries and human jurisdictions.
Philip’s rule over this region highlights the fragmented nature of power at the time. Yet, even in these distant, less prominent areas, the stage was being set for John the Baptist’s call to repentance. The inclusion of such a specific location reminds us that no place is too remote for God’s message to reach.
For your faith, this detail offers comfort. It shows that the Gospel is not confined to Jerusalem or major cities but extends to every corner of the known world. You are part of this same expansive story, where God’s purpose moves through all nations and regions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Ituraea1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰτουραίας1×
Key Verses
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Luke 3:1
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
This verse uniquely places Ituraea within Philip’s tetrarchy, establishing the geographical scope of the political landscape during John the Baptist’s ministry.