Φίλιπποι (Philippoi)
Philippoi
Philippi
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Philippoi refers to the ancient Macedonian city of Philippi, situated on the Via Egnatia between the rivers Strymon and Nestus. Its name translates to "lover of horses," reflecting its historical connection to equestrian culture in the region.
This place name appears five times in the New Testament, primarily within Acts, where it marks the location of Paul’s first European mission (Acts 16:12). The city also features in Paul’s letters to the Philippians and Thessalonians, serving as a geographical anchor for communities that held significant theological weight for the early church.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Philippi stands as a landmark in the spread of the Gospel, marking where Paul first stepped onto European soil. This city was not just a stop on a map but the place where the Good News took root in a new continent. It reminds us that God often uses ordinary travel and unexpected detours to establish His presence in places He has chosen.
The believers there faced conflict yet grew bold in their faith. Their story shows that courage does not come from avoiding hardship but from trusting God within it. When we feel overwhelmed by opposition or uncertainty, we can look to Philippi as a reminder that the Gospel advances even through struggle. God’s work often begins in small, faithful steps rather than grand displays.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Philippi3×
- Philippi,2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Φιλίππων2×
- Φιλίππους,1×
- Φιλίπποις,1×
- Φιλίπποις1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 16:12
and from there to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the foremost of the district, a Roman colony. We were staying some days in this city.
This verse identifies Philippi as the first European city where Paul established a Christian community, highlighting its role as a starting point for the Gospel's spread into Europe.
-
I Thessalonians 2:2
but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict.
Paul recalls how suffering at Philippi strengthened his boldness to preach, showing that adversity can deepen spiritual courage rather than diminish it.
-
Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:
The letter opens by addressing the saints in Philippi, demonstrating the enduring bond between Paul and this church despite his imprisonment and distance.