Σάρεπτα (Sarepta)
Sarepta
Zarephath
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Sarepta appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in Luke 4:26 as part of Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue at Nazareth. It serves as the Greek form of the Hebrew word Zarephath, a Phoenician town located between Tyre and Sidon, though closer to Sidon itself. In this context, Jesus references the prophet Elijah’s stay there during a severe famine, highlighting that God’s provision extended even to a Gentile community outside Israel.
The name itself carries a vivid meaning, derived from a root associated with smelting or refining metal. This etymology offers a subtle but powerful image: just as ore is purified through fire, the narrative suggests a season of testing and refinement for both Elijah and the widow who hosted him. The town’s identity as a place of "smelting" underscores the transformative nature of God’s intervention in difficult circumstances.
By mentioning Sarepta, Jesus challenges the expectations of his listeners, pointing to a time when divine favor bypassed many Israelites to reach a foreigner. This single reference anchors a significant theological point about the scope of God’s mercy, using a specific geographic location known for its refining fire to illustrate spiritual purification and unexpected grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sarepta, found only in Luke 4:26, points to a Phoenician town known for refining metal. Jesus mentions this place when explaining how the prophet Elijah was sent to a widow there during a famine. This detail highlights that God’s care often reaches those outside expected boundaries.
Just as ore is purified by fire, difficult seasons can refine our faith. The widow in Sarepta showed hospitality when she had little, and God provided for her needs. Her story reminds us that divine favor is not limited by geography or status.
When life feels scarce or testing, remember that God sees and provides. His grace extends to all who trust Him, even in unexpected places. This promise offers hope that no situation is beyond His reach.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zarephath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Σάρεπτα1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 4:26
Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.
This verse explicitly identifies Sarepta as the location where Elijah was sent, emphasizing God's choice to bless a Gentile widow during Israel's famine.