λιμήν (limēn)
limēn
Havens
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun limēn refers to a harbour or haven, a place where ships find safety and rest. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both within the narrative of Paul’s journey to Rome in Acts 27. The text describes the ship seeking shelter in a bay near Cnidus (Acts 27:7) and later debating whether to attempt leaving a different harbour called Fair Havens (Acts 27:12). In these contexts, the word highlights the physical need for protection from the sea’s dangers.
While its biblical usage is limited, the term carries significant weight in the ancient world as a symbol of security. The Septuagint uses it to translate Hebrew words for a place of refuge, such as in Psalm 107:30, where sailors reach their desired haven after being tossed by storms. This connection between physical safety and divine deliverance helps explain why early Christians might have associated the concept with spiritual rest.
Translators consistently render limēn as "harbour," "haven," or "port," preserving its concrete meaning of a sheltered body of water. The word does not imply a large city or commercial center, but specifically a place of anchorage and safety from the elements. Its rarity in Scripture makes each occurrence stand out, marking moments where physical survival depends on finding a safe place to dock.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Life often feels like navigating open waters where storms rise without warning. The word limēn reminds us that finding safety is not a sign of weakness but a wise response to danger. In Acts, Paul and his companions sought Fair Havens not because they lacked courage, but because they recognized the need for rest before facing greater trials ahead.
When you feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond your control, remember that seeking shelter is part of faithful stewardship. God provides places of peace and community to restore our strength. You do not have to face every challenge alone or in haste; there is grace in pausing to find the haven He has prepared for you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- harbor1×
- a harbor1×
- Havens,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λιμένος1×
- λιμένας,1×
- λιμένα1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:8
With difficulty sailing along it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.
This verse introduces Fair Havens as a specific location where the ship finally found stability after difficult sailing, marking a moment of physical relief in Paul's journey.
-
Acts 27:12
Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they could reach Phoenix and winter there, which is a port of Crete, looking southwest and northwest.
Here the haven is described as unsuitable for wintering, highlighting how even safe places have limits and require discernment about when to stay or move on.