Μακεδονία (Makedonia)
Makedonia
Macedonia
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Makedonia refers to the region in northern Greece, a land bounded by Thessaly to the south, Thrace to the east, and Illyria to the west. The name itself carries the sense of "extended land," pointing to the geographical breadth of this territory that became a crucial hub for early Christian mission.
In the New Testament, this place name appears twenty-one times, primarily in Acts and Paul’s letters. It marks significant turning points in the narrative, such as when Paul receives the famous vision of the Macedonian man calling for help (Acts 16:9). This moment redirected the gospel movement from Asia into Europe.
The region is also noted for its generosity despite severe poverty, as described in 2 Corinthians 8:1-2. Paul highlights how the believers there gave freely, making their financial offering a model of grace. The word serves as a geographical marker that anchors the spread of the church from its Jewish roots into the broader Greco-Roman world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Macedonia was more than a stop on Paul’s travel map; it was the place where the gospel crossed from Asia into Europe, guided by a vision that changed history. When Paul heard the call to go there, he did not hesitate. This shows us that God often directs our steps in ways we do not expect, opening doors to new people and new communities of faith.
Even more striking is how the believers there responded to their circumstances. Despite facing severe poverty and hardship, they gave generously, sharing what little they had with others. Their joy and willingness to give became a model for Christians everywhere. It reminds us that true generosity comes from the heart, not from having plenty.
Today, this word invites us to look beyond our own borders and needs. Just as Macedonia became a bridge for the early church, we are called to be bridges of grace in our own time. Whether through support, prayer, or simple kindness, we can help carry the message of hope to those who need it most.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Macedonia14×
- Macedonia.4×
- of Macedonia2×
- Macedonia,2×
- of Macedonia.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Μακεδονίαν9×
- Μακεδονίας4×
- Μακεδονίᾳ2×
- Μακεδονίας,2×
- Μακεδονίαν.¶2×
- Μακεδονίᾳ.¶1×
- Μακεδονίας.1×
- Μακεδονία1×
- Κρητῶν.¶1×
Key Verses
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Acts 16:9
A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.”
This verse records the pivotal vision where a man from Macedonia urges Paul to cross over, marking the moment the gospel entered Europe.
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II Corinthians 8:1
Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia,
Paul uses this reference to highlight the extraordinary grace shown by Macedonian believers who gave generously despite their deep poverty.
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I Thessalonians 1:7
so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
Here, Macedonia is cited as a region where the local churches became examples of faith for all believers in the area.
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Acts 20:3
When he had spent three months there, and a plot was made against him by Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia.
This occurrence shows Paul spending time in Macedonia during a difficult period, highlighting the region's role in his ongoing ministry and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Macedonia mean in the Bible?
Why are the Macedonian believers famous for their giving?
How did Paul get to Macedonia?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 8 books)
Acts 8 verses
A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him and saying, “Come over into…
Acts 16:10When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to…
Acts 16:12and from there to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the foremost of the district, a Roman colony. We were staying…
Acts 18:5When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus…
Acts 19:21Now after these things had ended, Paul determined in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go…
Acts 19:22Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
Acts 20:1After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.
Acts 20:3When he had spent three months there, and a plot was made against him by Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he…