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Κύπρος (Kupros)

Kupros

Cyprus

G2954 · Greek · New Testament · 5 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
5 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun Kypros refers to the island of Cyprus, a fertile landmass in the Mediterranean Sea situated between Cilicia and Syria. Although its etymology is uncertain, ancient sources associate the name with concepts of love or blossoming, reflecting the island’s reputation for natural beauty and agricultural richness during the first century.

In the New Testament, this proper noun appears exclusively in the Acts of the Apostles, highlighting the island's strategic role in the early Christian mission. The text records Barnabas as a native Cyprian (Acts 4:36), and the narrative follows Paul’s journey there after persecution scattered believers from Jerusalem (Acts 11:19). Later accounts note Paul’s departure from Paphos, the capital, marking a significant shift in his missionary focus toward Asia Minor (Acts 13:13).

The references also trace the Apostle Paul’s return voyage to Jerusalem, where he disembarked at Paphos before continuing by sea (Acts 21:3). Additionally, the island is mentioned as a point of departure for Paul and Barnabas during their separation (Acts 15:39) and as a location visited by sailors transporting Paul to Rome (Acts 27:4). These brief mentions underscore Cyprus as a key geographic waypoint in the spread of the Gospel.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When we read about Cyprus in the New Testament, we see more than a dot on a map; we see how God uses ordinary places for extraordinary purposes. The island appears at pivotal moments when the early church was navigating uncertainty, persecution, and new directions. It reminds us that our own 'geography'—the specific contexts of our lives—is never outside God’s plan for spreading hope.

Consider Barnabas, who returned to his homeland after a disagreement with Paul. Instead of seeing this as a failure, the narrative shows him continuing his work in Cyprus (Acts 15:39). Similarly, Paul sailed under its lee when winds were contrary (Acts 27:4), using natural conditions to reach his destination. These details invite us to trust that God is present in both our planned journeys and our unexpected detours.

The Gospel moved from Jerusalem to Cyprus because believers spoke the word even when scattered (Acts 11:19). This history encourages us that our faithful witness, however small it seems, contributes to a larger story. We can find comfort knowing that God guides our steps through both calm seas and contrary winds.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Cyprus3×
  • Cyprus.2×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Κύπρον2×
  • Κύπρου1×
  • Κύπρον.¶1×
  • Κύπρον.1×

Key Verses

  • Acts 11:19
    They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only.

    This verse shows Cyprus as the first major stop for believers fleeing persecution, highlighting how displacement became an opportunity to share the message beyond Jerusalem.

  • Acts 13:4
    So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.

    Here, sailing to Cyprus marks the deliberate start of Paul’s first missionary journey, initiated by the Holy Spirit rather than human strategy.

  • Acts 27:4
    Putting to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

    Paul sails under the lee of Cyprus during his voyage to Rome, demonstrating how even adverse winds can be guided by God toward a specific destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cyprus represent in the New Testament?

Cyprus represents a strategic bridge between the Jewish world and the Gentile mission. It appears frequently in Acts as a place where believers fled persecution, where Paul began his missionary journeys, and where Barnabas continued his work. The island symbolizes how the Gospel spread beyond its initial boundaries.

Why is Cyprus mentioned so often in Acts?

Its location made it a natural stopping point for ships traveling between Asia Minor and the eastern Mediterranean. Historically, it had a significant Jewish population, making it a logical first step for missionaries like Paul and Barnabas before moving further into Gentile territories.

How does Cyprus relate to Paul’s ministry?

Paul visited Cyprus multiple times during his journeys. He sailed there with Barnabas to begin their first missionary trip (Acts 13:4) and later passed by it while traveling to Rome (Acts 27:4). These visits show the island’s importance in the early church’s expansion.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)

Acts 5 verses
Acts 11:19

They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia,…

Acts 13:4

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 15:39

Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to…

Acts 21:3

When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship…

Acts 27:4

Putting to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.