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Παμφυλία (Pamphulia)

Pamphulia

Pamphylia

G3828 · Greek · New Testament · 5 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
5 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun Pamphylia refers to a coastal province in southern Asia Minor, situated between Cilicia and Lycia along the Mediterranean Sea. In the New Testament, this geographical term appears exclusively in the Book of Acts, marking specific locations within the narrative of the early church’s expansion.

Its five occurrences trace key moments in Paul’s missionary journeys. The region is first mentioned among those present at Pentecost (Acts 2:10), highlighting its inclusion in the initial spread of the gospel. Later, it serves as a waypoint for Barnabas and Saul, who preached there before departing for Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:13). The province is noted again when they return through the same area to strengthen new believers (Acts 14:25) and when Paul and Barnabas separate after a disagreement over taking John Mark along (Acts 15:39).

The name itself, derived from roots meaning "all" and "tribe," suggests a diverse population. This diversity is reflected in the scriptural record, where people from Pamphylia are listed among the first hearers of the apostolic message, illustrating the broad reach of the early Christian community across ethnic and regional lines.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Pamphylia was a real place on the map of the ancient world, yet its name reminds us that God’s message travels through diverse communities. The term itself suggests a gathering of many tribes, reflecting a region where different peoples lived side by side. When we read about this area in Acts, we see that the early church did not stay within one cultural bubble but moved into mixed populations.

For your faith, this offers a quiet encouragement. The gospel is not limited to a single ethnicity or background. Just as people from Pamphylia heard the apostles at Pentecost, the invitation to follow Jesus extends across all borders. You are part of that same wide, inclusive story today.

When you encounter differences in your own life, remember that the early believers navigated similar diversity. The spread of the faith relied on connection, not uniformity. This history invites us to welcome others with openness, trusting that God works through many kinds of people.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Pamphylia,2×
  • Pamphylia2×
  • of Pamphylia.1×

Forms in the text

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

  • Παμφυλίαν,2×
  • Παμφυλίας.1×
  • Παμφυλίας1×
  • Παμφυλίαν1×

Key Verses

  • Acts 2:10
    Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

    This verse places Pamphylia among the first listeners at Pentecost, showing the gospel’s immediate reach into diverse regions.

  • Acts 13:13
    Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.

    Here, John Mark leaves Paul’s group in Perga, a key moment that later leads to their separation.

  • Acts 15:38
    But Paul didn’t think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and didn’t go with them to do the work.

    Paul refuses to take Mark because he had previously withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, highlighting the human tensions in early ministry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pamphylia mean?

The name comes from Greek roots meaning "all" or "many" and "tribe," suggesting a land of mixed peoples. It was a coastal province in southern Turkey, known for its diverse population.

Why is Pamphylia mentioned in the Bible?

It appears in Acts to show how far the early church spread. People from there heard the gospel at Pentecost, and Paul’s team traveled through it during his missionary journeys.

What happened to John Mark in Pamphylia?

Acts 13:13 records that John Mark left Paul and Barnabas in Perga, a city in Pamphylia. This departure caused tension later, as Paul did not want to take him on the next journey (Acts 15:38).

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)

Acts 5 verses
Acts 2:10

Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

Acts 13:13

Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John departed from them and returned to…

Acts 14:24

They passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.

Acts 15:38

But Paul didn’t think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and…

Acts 27:5

When we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.