Κιλικία, Κιλικία (Kilikia, Kilikia)
Kilikia, Kilikia
Cilicia
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Kilikia refers to Cilicia, a coastal province in southeastern Asia Minor bordered by Pamphylia to the west and Syria to the east. Its capital was Tarsus, a city of significant cultural importance that served as the birthplace of Paul.
The region appears eight times in the New Testament, primarily within the Book of Acts and Galatians. These references highlight its role as a geographical anchor for early Christian travel narratives, marking locations such as Antioch where missionaries were sent out (Acts 15:23) and Tarsus where Paul identified himself before Festus (Acts 21:39).
By naming this specific province, the texts ground the spread of the gospel in real-world political boundaries. The mention of Cilicia underscores the movement of believers across established Roman infrastructure, connecting the missionary efforts in Antioch with the apostle’s own origins and subsequent journeys.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Cilikia points to a real place on an ancient map, yet it carries deep personal significance for the early church. It was the home province of Paul, who proudly identified himself as a citizen of Tarsus there (Acts 21:39). This connection reminds us that God often works through specific people in specific locations to spread the gospel across borders.
For your faith journey, this word highlights how the early believers moved through established Roman roads and cities, sharing their message with diverse groups. Whether strengthening assemblies in Syria and Cilicia or writing letters to Gentile brothers there, the church was growing in tangible ways (Acts 15:41). It shows that your own context, however ordinary it may seem, is part of God’s larger story.
When you read about these travels, remember that the gospel is not confined to one culture or region. It moves through real places and real people, connecting communities across distances. This historical detail encourages us to see our own neighborhoods as potential ground for sharing hope and love with others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Cilicia4×
- of Cilicia,1×
- of Cilicia1×
- Cilicia;1×
- Cilicia [he is],1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Κιλικίαν3×
- Κιλικίας,2×
- Κιλικίας2×
- Κιλικίας·1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 21:39
But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.”
Paul uses his Cilician origin to establish his Jewish identity and citizenship before Festus, showing how his background validated his testimony.
-
Acts 15:41
He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.
This verse shows Paul actively strengthening the assemblies in Syria and Cilicia, highlighting the region's role in early church growth.
-
Acts 15:23
They wrote these things by their hand: “The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.
The letter to Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia demonstrates the apostolic care extended to this specific geographic area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cilicia mean in the Bible?
Why is Cilicia important to Paul?
Where else does Cilicia appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 2 books)
Acts 7 verses
But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of…
Acts 15:23They wrote these things by their hand: “The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the…
Acts 15:41He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.
Acts 21:39But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to…
Acts 22:3“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed…
Acts 23:34When the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. When he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said,
Acts 27:5When we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.