Σάμος (Samos)
Samos
Samos
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The proper noun Samos refers to a prominent island in the Aegean Sea, located just off the western coast of Asia Minor near Ionia and Caria. Lexical sources describe its name as possibly deriving from a word meaning "sandy bluff," reflecting its physical geography. It sits strategically close to major ports like Ephesus and Miletus, making it a natural waypoint for maritime travel in the ancient world.
In Scripture, this island appears only once, serving as a specific geographical marker in Acts 20:15. The text notes that Paul’s team sailed past Samos on their journey from Miletus to Assos. This brief mention anchors the narrative in real history, showing the precise route taken by early Christian missionaries as they moved through the eastern Mediterranean.
The word functions strictly as a place name, carrying no abstract theological meaning or metaphorical weight. Its significance lies entirely in its historical reality, grounding the account of Paul’s travels in tangible locations that readers could identify on a map. It reminds us that the spread of the gospel occurred along actual sea lanes and through known cities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Samos appears in Acts 20:15 as a specific stop on Paul’s journey. This island sits in the Aegean Sea, near the coast of Asia Minor. Its mention reminds us that the gospel spread through real places and across actual seas.
God used ordinary travel routes to carry His message. Paul’s team sailed past Samos, moving from one port to another. These details show that faith is lived out in the world, not apart from it. Your daily path may feel routine, but God is present in the journey itself.
We can trust that He guides our steps just as He guided Paul’s ship. The same Lord who watched over that voyage watches over you today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Samos1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Σάμον1×
Key Verses
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Acts 20:15
Sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium, and the day after we came to Miletus.
This verse records Paul's team touching at Samos, anchoring the narrative in a real geographical location.