Σαμάρεια (Samareia)
Samareia
Samaria
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Samareia refers to the central region of Palestine, named after its capital city. The sources indicate it carries the sense of "guardianship," reflecting the strategic importance of this territory situated between Galilee and Judea. In Scripture, the term is used flexibly to denote either the specific urban center or the broader geographical district inhabited by the Samaritans.
This dual usage appears clearly in the New Testament narrative. The Gospels often place Jesus traveling through the region itself, as seen when He passes through Samaria on His way to Galilee (Luke 17:11) or engages with a woman at a well near the city (John 4:4-5). In Acts, the focus shifts slightly; the apostles are described as preaching in the city of Samaria (Acts 8:5), while other passages refer to the churches throughout the entire region (Acts 9:31).
The geographical significance of this area is highlighted in Acts 1:8, where Jesus instructs His followers that they will be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. This progression underscores the region's role as a crucial bridge in the spread of the early Christian message, moving from the Jewish heartland toward the Gentile world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Samaria sits at the heart of the biblical narrative, acting as a physical bridge between Galilee and Judea. Yet its spiritual significance runs deeper. In John’s Gospel, Jesus chooses to travel through this region, stopping to speak with a woman at Jacob’s well. This moment reveals that God’s grace crosses ethnic boundaries, reaching those who might otherwise be overlooked by religious society.
The early church understood this geography as a blueprint for mission. Acts 1:8 outlines a clear path: from Jerusalem to Judea, and then into Samaria. The scattering of believers during persecution (Acts 8) turned tragedy into opportunity, as Philip preached in the cities there. This history reminds us that our faith is not confined to one place or people group.
Today, this word invites us to look beyond our own circles. Just as the early Christians moved into Samaria, we are called to engage with those who are different from us. The region stands as a testament to God’s desire for unity, showing that the message of Jesus is meant for every corner of the earth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Samaria6×
- of Samaria4×
- Samaria.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Σαμαρείας7×
- Σαμάρειαν1×
- Σαμάρεια1×
- Σαμαρείᾳ1×
- Σαμαρείας.1×
Key Verses
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John 4:5
So he came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
This verse grounds the narrative in a specific location, Sychar, where Jesus initiates a dialogue that redefines worship beyond traditional boundaries.
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Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”
Here Samaria marks the second stage of the Gospel’s expansion, serving as the geographical and cultural bridge to the wider world.
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Acts 8:5
Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
Philip’s arrival in the city demonstrates how persecution scattered believers, turning them into missionaries who proclaimed Christ in new territories.
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Luke 17:11
As he was on his way to Jerusalem, he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee.
The mention of passing along the borders highlights Jesus’ deliberate movement through this contested region to reach those on the margins.