Κόρινθος (Korinthos)
Korinthos
Corinth
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Korinthos refers to the ancient city of Corinth, a prominent urban center located on the Isthmus that connects the Peloponnese peninsula to mainland Greece. Situated roughly forty miles west of Athens, it served as the capital of the Roman province of Achaia and functioned as a vital commercial hub due to its strategic position between two major seas.
The New Testament mentions this location six times, primarily within the context of Paul’s missionary journeys and his correspondence with the believers there. Acts records his extended stay in the city (Acts 18:1, 27; 19:1), while the epistles 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, and 2 Timothy address the church established in this cosmopolitan environment (1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1, 23; 2 Tim. 4:20).
Etymological sources note that the name’s origin is uncertain, with one ancient suggestion linking it to a term meaning "satiated," though this derivation remains speculative. The city’s historical reputation for wealth and moral complexity provides the backdrop for the challenges and theological depth found in the letters addressed to its community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Corinth was a city of contrasts, known for its wealth and its moral complexity. When Paul wrote to the believers there, he did not address a perfect community, but a real one. The letters to Corinth show us that God’s grace is sufficient even in environments that challenge our faith daily.
This word reminds us that the church exists in the world, not apart from it. Whether you are facing pressure to compromise or seeking clarity in confusion, the example of the Corinthian church encourages us. God calls us to be saints in every place, including the messy, busy places we inhabit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Corinth,3×
- Corinth;2×
- Corinth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Κορίνθῳ,2×
- Κόρινθον·1×
- Κόρινθον,1×
- Κορίνθῳ·1×
- Κορίνθῳ1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 1:2
to the assembly of God which is at Corinth—those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:
This verse defines the identity of the Corinthian believers as sanctified and called saints, showing that holiness is a status given by God despite their surrounding culture.
-
II Corinthians 1:23
But I call God for a witness to my soul, that to spare you, I didn’t come to Corinth.
Paul’s refusal to visit Corinth illustrates his deep pastoral care, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of the church over his own desires or convenience.
-
Acts 18:1
After these things Paul departed from Athens and came to Corinth.
This arrival marks the beginning of Paul’s significant ministry in a major urban center, demonstrating how the gospel spreads through strategic city engagement.