κωμόπολις (kōmopolis)
kōmopolis
village
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kōmopolis describes a settlement that sits between a small village and a full-sized city. Literally combining the words for "village" and "city," it refers to a country town or large village that has grown in size and population enough to resemble an urban center, even if it lacks formal city status.
This specific term appears only once in the New Testament, found in Mark 1:38. Here, Jesus uses it to clarify his mission strategy after leaving Capernaum. He explains that he must travel to other kōmopolis locations nearby to preach there as well, indicating a deliberate movement through these substantial rural hubs rather than staying confined to one major city.
The word highlights the importance of these intermediate settlements in first-century Galilee. They were not mere hamlets but significant communities where Jesus’ message could reach many people efficiently. By targeting these "village-cities," the ministry extended its influence across the region’s populated areas, connecting with populations that might otherwise have been overlooked.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kōmopolis describes a place that is more than a small hamlet but not quite a full city. It represents a substantial village or country town where people live, work, and gather. In the first century, these places were vital hubs for community life and trade. They held enough population to support local leaders and markets, making them key points for spreading new ideas.
In Mark 1:38, Jesus uses this concept to explain His mission. He did not stay in one major city like Capernaum but moved through these intermediate towns. This shows that God’s message is for everyone, not just those in urban centers. It reminds us that faithfulness often happens in ordinary places where people live their daily lives.
For your own walk, this word encourages you to see value in the everyday settings around you. You do not need a grand stage to make a difference. Your presence and kindness in your local community can be a powerful witness. God uses ordinary people in ordinary towns to bring hope to those who might otherwise feel overlooked.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- villages1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κωμοπόλεις1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 1:38
He said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.”
Jesus uses this term to clarify that His mission extends beyond one city to include these larger rural communities.