Κρήτη (Krētē)
Krētē
Crete
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Krētē refers to the island of Crete, the largest landmass in the Mediterranean archipelago. In the New Testament, it appears five times, primarily within the narrative of Acts and the pastoral epistles. The sources note its etymology as uncertain, though some older lexica link it to a root meaning "fleshy," perhaps alluding to its fertile terrain.
The island plays a significant geographical role in the early church’s expansion. In Acts 27, Paul is transported as a prisoner aboard a ship that navigates the southern coast of Crete, encountering challenges with the wind and weather at places like Fair Havens (Acts 27:7–13). Later, the apostle Paul appoints elders in every town on the island, highlighting its organized Christian community in Titus 1:5.
Translators consistently render Krētē as "Crete," preserving the proper name without variation. The word serves as a concrete marker of location, grounding the biblical narrative in real-world geography rather than abstract symbolism. Its presence underscores the spread of the gospel into diverse cultural and political centers across the Roman world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Crete appears in the New Testament not as a symbol, but as a real place where faith met difficult circumstances. In Acts 27, Paul’s journey brings him along its southern coast during a storm. The island becomes a backdrop for human hesitation and divine protection. When the crew ignores Paul’s warning to stay put, they face hardship. This shows how our own plans can clash with God’s timing.
Later, in Titus, Paul leaves Titus on the same island to organize new believers. He instructs him to appoint elders in every city. Crete represents a community starting from scratch, needing structure and wise leadership. It reminds us that the gospel spreads into ordinary places, requiring patience and order.
Whether you face a storm or a task of building something new, this word grounds your story in reality. God is present in the geography of your life. He guides through uncertainty and provides leaders for growth. Trust His presence in both calm seas and rough waters.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Crete,2×
- of Crete1×
- Crete.1×
- Crete1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Κρήτῃ,1×
- Κρήτης,1×
- Κρήτης1×
- Κρήτην.1×
- Κρήτην1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:7
When we had sailed slowly many days, and had come with difficulty opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us further, we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone.
This verse places Paul’s ship under the lee of Crete, showing how geography dictated their safe but slow progress against the wind.
-
Acts 27:13
When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore.
Here the crew sails along Crete close to shore, illustrating the temptation to pursue a convenient plan despite clear warnings.
-
Titus 1:5
I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you—
Paul’s instruction to appoint elders in every city highlights Crete as a field requiring organized spiritual leadership for new believers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Crete mean in the Bible?
Why is Crete important in Acts 27?
What happened in Crete according to Titus?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Acts 4 verses
When we had sailed slowly many days, and had come with difficulty opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us further, we…
Acts 27:12Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they…
Acts 27:13When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along…
Acts 27:21When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to…