Πάταρα (Patara)
Patara
Patara
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Patara refers to a specific maritime city located in the ancient region of Lycia, along the southern coast of modern-day Turkey. In the New Testament, it appears only once, serving as a geographical marker in Acts 21:1 where Paul and his companions disembarked after sailing from Cos.
Etymologically, the name is thought to derive from foreign roots, with some sources suggesting meanings like "scattering" or "cursing," though its precise linguistic origin remains uncertain. Historically, Patara was a significant port town known for its temple of Apollo and as the birthplace of the prophet Zechariah.
While the text does not elaborate on the city's features, its inclusion highlights the practical realities of Paul’s missionary journeys. The mention of this specific stop underscores the route taken by early Christian travelers as they moved from the Aegean islands toward the Asian mainland, connecting biblical narrative with tangible historical geography.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Patara was a key port in ancient Lycia, where Paul and his companions landed after sailing from Rhodes. This specific location marks a turning point in Acts 21, as the group prepared to cross to Syria. The mention of this stop highlights the practical realities of Paul’s missionary journeys, showing how early Christian travelers moved through tangible historical geography.
For your faith, Patara reminds us that God’s plans unfold through real places and ordinary travel. Paul’s journey was not just spiritual but physical, involving ships, winds, and ports. This connection between the divine mission and earthly routes encourages us to see our own daily paths as part of God’s larger story.
When we read about Patara, we are invited to trust that God guides our steps, even in the mundane details of life. Just as Paul’s ship docked at this specific port, your life is held in His care. May you find peace in knowing that every journey, no matter how small, is under His watchful eye.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Patara.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Πάταρα.1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 21:1
When we had departed from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
This verse marks the moment Paul’s group disembarks at Patara, signaling their approach to Jerusalem and the culmination of their sea voyage.