ὅριον (horion)
horion
region
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word horion refers to a boundary, mark, or district. In the New Testament, it appears in the plural form to describe regions or territories rather than single lines on a map. This usage reflects its Old Testament background, where it translates the Hebrew word for border or territory.
The term carries a sense of defined space and limits. It is used in several key passages to locate events geographically. For example, Matthew 4:13 mentions Jesus leaving Nazareth and settling in Capernaum, which was by the sea in the region (horion) of Zebulun and Naphtali. Similarly, Mark 5:17 describes people from the entire region (horion) surrounding the Gadarenes asking Jesus to leave their area.
This word highlights how early Christian narratives were grounded in real places. The boundaries mentioned are not just abstract concepts but actual locations where ministry took place. By naming specific regions, the texts connect spiritual events to tangible geography, showing that faith was lived out within defined communities and landscapes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word horion points to the specific places where God’s work takes shape in our lives. It is not just a line on a map but a defined space where people gather, struggle, and encounter Jesus. In Matthew 4:13, we see Jesus settling in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, showing that His ministry was grounded in real communities with real needs.
These boundaries remind us that faith is lived out within tangible limits. Whether it is the borders of Judea or the territory of Tyre and Sidon, these locations mark where grace meets humanity. They invite us to see our own neighborhoods as places where God is present and active.
Understanding horion helps us appreciate the concrete nature of the Gospel. It was not an abstract idea but a movement through specific towns and regions. This grounding in place encourages us to find God’s presence in our own local contexts, trusting that He works within the boundaries of our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- region9×
- vicinity1×
- district1×
- [the] region1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὁρίων6×
- ὅρια4×
- ὁρίοις2×
Key Verses
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Matthew 4:13
Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
This verse identifies Capernaum as being in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, fulfilling prophecy by locating Jesus’ ministry in a specific geographical area.
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Mark 5:17
They began to beg him to depart from their region.
Here the word describes the entire surrounding area of the Gadarenes, highlighting how a local community collectively responded to Jesus' power by asking Him to leave.
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Mark 7:24
From there he arose and went away into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. He entered into a house and didn’t want anyone to know it, but he couldn’t escape notice.
Jesus moving into the borders of Tyre and Sidon shows His ministry extending beyond Jewish territory into Gentile regions, breaking traditional boundaries.
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Acts 13:50
But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their borders.
This occurrence uses the term to describe Paul and Barnabas being expelled from a city, illustrating how political and social boundaries could restrict the spread of the Gospel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does horion mean in the New Testament?
How is horion different from other words for land?
Why are specific regions mentioned in the Gospels?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 6 verses
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out and killed all the male…
Matthew 4:13Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
Matthew 8:34Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged that he would depart from their borders.
Matthew 15:22Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My…
Matthew 15:39Then he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala.
Matthew 19:1When Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.