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Μιτυλήνη (Mitulēnē)

Mitulēnē

Mitylene

G3412 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

Μιτυλὴνη (Mitylene) refers to the principal city of the Greek island of Lesbos, situated in the northern Aegean Sea. As the chief maritime hub of the region, it served as a significant port for travelers moving between Asia Minor and Europe. The name itself is traditionally linked to a root meaning "abounding in shellfish," reflecting the local geography and economy.

This proper noun appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Acts 20:14. The text notes that Paul’s party met their companions there after sailing from Philippi. Its inclusion highlights the specific route of Paul’s final journey to Jerusalem, marking Mitylene as a brief but important stopover in the narrative of early Christian missionary travel.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Acts 20:14 mentions Mitylene as a stop on Paul’s final journey to Jerusalem. This small detail reminds us that God’s plans unfold through ordinary travel and real places. The apostle did not skip the mundane; he walked through ports, waited for ships, and met friends along the way.

When you feel your own path is slow or uncertain, remember this moment. Your daily steps matter just as much as dramatic miracles. God meets us in the waiting rooms, the ferry terminals, and the quiet evenings of transition. Trust that He is present in the routine parts of your life too.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Mitylene;1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Μιτυλήνην·1×

Key Verses

  • Acts 20:14
    When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and came to Mitylene.

    This verse marks a specific logistical pause where Paul’s group reunited with companions, showing how missionary work relied on community and careful planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mitylene mean in the Bible?

Mitylene is a proper noun referring to the main city of the island of Lesbos. It appears only once in the New Testament, serving as a geographic marker for Paul’s travel route.

Why is Mitylene mentioned in Acts 20?

It records a specific moment when Paul’s traveling party met up with other believers. This highlights the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry and the importance of community.

Does Mitylene have any spiritual symbolism?

The text uses it as a factual location rather than a symbol. However, its presence reminds readers that God’s work happens in real historical places and through ordinary human connections.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Acts 1 verse
Acts 20:14

When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and came to Mitylene.