Ταρσεύς (Tarseus)
Tarseus
of Tarsus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Tarseus identifies a person as a native or citizen of Tarsus, a prominent city in ancient Cilicia. The term functions strictly as a geographical and ethnic marker, distinguishing individuals by their place of origin rather than describing a profession or spiritual status.
Its usage in the New Testament is narrow, appearing only twice in Acts to highlight Paul’s background. In Acts 9:11, it locates Saul during his conversion, while Acts 21:39 records him identifying himself to a crowd as "a Jew from Tarsus." This self-designation underscores his dual identity, bridging his Jewish heritage with his Roman citizenship and Hellenistic upbringing.
The word derives from the city name Tarsis, which some ancient sources suggest means "flat basket," though this etymology does not influence its biblical usage. Translators consistently render it as "from Tarsus" or "a Tarsian," preserving the specific local reference that was significant to first-century audiences.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Tarseus simply marks someone as coming from Tarsus, a well-known city in ancient Cilicia. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both times pointing to the Apostle Paul. This brief label does more than state a birthplace; it signals a complex identity that shaped his mission.
Paul used this origin to connect with diverse audiences. By identifying as a Jew from Tarsus, he bridged his Jewish heritage with the broader Hellenistic world. This background allowed him to speak effectively to both Jewish communities and Gentile cultures, showing how God can use our unique histories for His purposes.
For you, this reminds us that your own background is not a barrier but a tool. Just as Paul’s city helped him reach many people, your experiences and origins can be used to share hope with those around you. God sees the whole picture of who you are and where you come from.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Tarsus;1×
- of Tarsus1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ταρσέα·1×
- Ταρσεὺς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 9:11
The Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judah for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying,
This verse locates Saul during his conversion, using Tarseus to establish his specific geographic and cultural starting point before his transformation.
-
Acts 21:39
But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.”
Paul uses this self-designation to assert his dual identity as both a Jew and a citizen of a significant city, bridging his heritage with his Roman context.