Μελίτη (Melitē)
Melitē
Malta
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Melitē refers to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea, situated between Africa and Sicily. The name likely derives from a root meaning "honey," reflecting the region’s agricultural reputation. In the New Testament, this geographical marker appears only once, anchoring a pivotal moment in the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.
This single occurrence is found in Acts 28:1, where Paul and his companions finally make landfall after their shipwreck. The text notes that the locals, identified as barbaroi or non-Greeks, showed unusual kindness by building a fire to welcome them despite the cold rain. This brief historical detail highlights how the Gospel reached unexpected places through providential circumstances.
Translators consistently render Melitē as Malta, maintaining the modern geographical name for clarity. The verse serves as a narrative bridge, moving the story from sea travel to the next phase of ministry in Rome. Its rarity in Scripture underscores the specific historical context of Paul’s final voyage rather than offering theological instruction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Melitē points to the island of Malta, a small landmass in the Mediterranean Sea. In Acts 28:1, it marks the moment Paul and his companions finally reached safety after a dangerous shipwreck. This single mention in Scripture grounds the biblical narrative in real geography, showing that God’s plans unfold in specific places and times.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that unexpected detours can lead to divine destinations. The text notes that the locals showed kindness despite the cold rain, illustrating how providence works through ordinary human actions. You may find comfort in knowing that even when life feels chaotic or uncertain, God remains present and active.
This word does not carry deep theological abstraction but rather historical reality. It invites us to trust that our own journeys, with all their twists and turns, are held within a larger story of grace and purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Malta1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Μελίτη1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 28:1
When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.
This verse identifies the location as Malta, marking the end of Paul’s perilous sea journey and the beginning of his next phase of ministry.