Τύρος (Turos)

Turos

Tyre

G5184 · Greek · New Testament · 11 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 11 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

Turos refers to Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city situated on the Mediterranean coast. The name itself means "rock," reflecting its location on a prominent stone outcrop that made it a natural harbor and a center for maritime trade. In the New Testament, this wealthy port is mentioned eleven times, appearing primarily in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Jesus frequently used Tyre as a point of comparison to illustrate the severity of spiritual rejection. He noted that if the miracles performed in his own hometowns had occurred in Tyre, the people there would have repented long ago (Matthew 11:21-22; Luke 10:13-14). This reference highlights Tyre’s reputation for prosperity and influence, contrasting its potential responsiveness with the stubbornness of Jewish leaders who witnessed his works firsthand.

The city also appears in the narrative of Jesus’ ministry beyond Judea. Mark records that Jesus traveled to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where he encountered a Syrophoenician woman whose faith he praised (Mark 7:24-30). Later, Acts notes that Paul visited Tyre during his final journey to Jerusalem, staying with disciples there (Acts 21:3-7). These passages show Tyre not just as a geographic marker, but as a place where the Gospel message reached Gentile communities and faithful believers.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Tyre appears in Scripture not merely as a distant port city, but as a mirror for our own spiritual condition. Jesus used this wealthy, influential place to show that proximity to divine power does not guarantee repentance. In fact, He suggested that those who heard less yet responded with humility would fare better than those who witnessed miracles and remained hard-hearted. This warns us against assuming that religious exposure alone secures God’s favor.

Yet the story of Tyre also reveals God’s wide reach. When Jesus met the Syrophoenician woman there, He praised her faith, showing that genuine trust in Him crosses all cultural and ethnic boundaries. Later, Paul found a community of believers waiting for him in this same city. The Gospel does not stay within expected borders; it finds home wherever hearts are open to receive it.

This word invites us to examine where we stand. Are we resting on past religious experiences, or are we actively seeking God with the humility of those who knew they needed mercy? May we be like the early disciples in Tyre, welcoming Christ into our lives and sharing His peace with others.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.

of Tyre4×
Tyre4×
for Tyre2×
Tyre;1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

Τύρου5×
Τύρῳ4×
Τύρον·1×
Τύρον1×

Key Verses

Matthew 11:22
But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

Jesus uses Tyre to illustrate that greater revelation brings greater responsibility, warning that judgment will be stricter for those who reject clear signs.
Mark 7:31
Again he departed from the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and came to the sea of Galilee through the middle of the region of Decapolis.

This verse marks Jesus’ movement into Gentile territory, highlighting His intentional engagement with non-Jewish communities beyond traditional Jewish borders.
Acts 21:7
When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day.

Paul’s stay here shows that a mature church community existed in this pagan city, demonstrating the early spread of Christianity into Gentile regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tyre represent in the New Testament?

Tyre represents a Gentile city known for wealth and influence. Jesus frequently mentions it to contrast spiritual receptivity with stubbornness, suggesting that even pagan cities would have responded better to His miracles than unrepentant Jewish towns.

Why did Jesus go to the region of Tyre?

Jesus traveled to the borders of Tyre and Sidon on two occasions. First, to withdraw from public crowds (Mark 7:24), and second, to minister to a Syrophoenician woman whose faith He praised (Mark 7:31). These trips show His ministry extending beyond Israel.

Is Tyre mentioned in the Old Testament?

Yes, Tyre appears frequently in the Old Testament, particularly in Ezekiel and Zechariah. It is often portrayed as a proud trading center that faces judgment for its arrogance, yet also as a place where God’s people might find refuge or trade.

What happened to Paul in Tyre?

During his final journey to Jerusalem, Paul landed at Tyre because the ship needed to unload cargo. He stayed there for a few days, meeting with local disciples who urged him through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:3-6).

Every Occurrence (11 verses across 4 books)

Matthew 3 verses

Matthew 11:21

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done…

Matthew 11:22

But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

Matthew 15:21

Jesus went out from there and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon.

Mark 3 verses

Luke 3 verses

Acts 2 verses