Κεγχρεαί (Kegchreai)
Kegchreai
Cenchreae
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Kegchreai refers to Cenchreae, the eastern harbor of ancient Corinth situated on the Saronic Gulf. This port served as the city’s primary gateway for trade with Asia, complementing Lechaeum, which connected Corinth to Italy and the western Mediterranean.
The name likely derives from kegchros, meaning millet, reflecting the agricultural character of the region. As a key emporium, Cenchreae facilitated significant commercial exchange between Greece and the eastern shores of the Mediterranean.
Scripture mentions this location in only two verses: Acts 18:18 records Paul departing from it after his stay in Corinth, while Romans 16:1 identifies Phoebe as a deaconess from this church. These brief references highlight Cenchreae’s role as a living center of early Christian community and missionary activity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Cenchreae was the eastern harbor of Corinth, a busy port where trade routes met and people from many nations crossed paths. In Acts 18:18, we see Paul leaving this place after staying with believers for some time. His departure shows how early Christians moved between cities, carrying their faith along with them. This word reminds us that the gospel spread through ordinary travel and real relationships.
More importantly, Romans 16:1 introduces Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae. Her role as a deaconess highlights how women served actively in the early church. The mention of her home port connects her ministry to a wider network of believers. This word points to a community where service and sisterhood were valued.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Cenchrea,1×
- Cenchrea1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Κεγχρεαῖς,1×
- Κεγχρεαῖς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 18:18
Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow.
This verse marks Paul’s departure from Cenchreae, showing the port as a launch point for missionary journeys.
-
Romans 16:1
I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,
Here Phoebe is identified as a servant of the church in Cenchreae, highlighting the town's role in supporting early Christian leadership.