Πέργαμος (Pergamos)
Pergamos
Pergamum
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word Pergamos refers to Pergamum, a significant city in the ancient region of Mysia within Asia Minor. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both times in the Book of Revelation as one of the seven churches addressed by John (Revelation 1:11; 2:12). The name itself carries the meaning of "height" or "elevation," likely reflecting its geographical position on a high ridge overlooking the surrounding landscape.
During the first century, Pergamum was a major cultural and political center. It was renowned for its extensive royal library, which rivaled that of Alexandria, and for its role as a hub for the imperial cult. The city also hosted a famous temple dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, whose symbol remains associated with medicine today. These historical details provide important context for the challenges faced by the early Christian community there, who lived in "where Satan's throne is" (Revelation 2:13).
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Pergamos means "height" or "elevation," which fits a city built on a high ridge overlooking the surrounding land. In Revelation, John uses this location to describe a church living in a place of intense cultural pressure. The text calls it a spot where "Satan's throne is," pointing to the powerful imperial cult and pagan temples that dominated daily life.
For believers today, this word reminds us that faithfulness often happens in high-pressure environments. We do not need to isolate ourselves from the world to stay true to Jesus. Instead, we are called to stand firm, like the early Christians in Pergamum, holding fast to our confession even when surrounding values pull us in different directions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Pergamum2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Πέργαμον1×
- Περγάμῳ1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 1:11
saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
This verse establishes Pergamum as one of the seven specific communities receiving direct instruction from the risen Christ.
-
Revelation of John 2:12
“To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write: “He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:
The address begins by identifying Jesus as the one holding the sharp two-edged sword, emphasizing His authority to judge and protect the church in this hostile city.