Λαοδικεύς (Laodikeus)
Laodikeus
Laodicean
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Laodikeus identifies a resident of Laodicea, an ancient city in Phrygia. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, marking the inhabitants mentioned in Colossians 4:16 as the recipients of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
Its meaning is strictly geographic and demographical, denoting a person from that specific urban center rather than carrying any inherent theological weight. The word functions simply to locate the audience within the broader network of early Christian communities in Asia Minor.
While Laodicea itself is later described with rich imagery in Revelation 3 regarding its wealth and spiritual condition, this lexical entry remains neutral. It serves as a straightforward label for the people addressed in Pauline correspondence without implying their moral or spiritual state at that moment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Laodicean simply names a person from the ancient city of Laodicea. It appears in Colossians 4:16, where Paul asks the church to share his letter with this neighboring community. This single mention shows how early Christians valued connection across different cities.
For your faith, this reminds us that God’s word is not meant to stay in one place. The early believers passed letters along, trusting that what strengthened one group would also help another. Your reading of Scripture today connects you to that same chain of sharing and care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of [the] Laodiceans1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Λαοδικέων1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 4:16
When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
This verse uses the term to identify the specific community receiving Paul's letter, highlighting the practice of circulating writings among early churches.