Φοινίκη (Phoinikē)
Phoinikē
Phoenicia
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Phoinikē refers to Phoenicia, a narrow coastal strip along the Mediterranean Sea in ancient Syria. Situated between the River Eleutherus and Mount Carmel, this territory was roughly thirty miles long and only three miles wide. The name itself derives from the Greek word for "palm," reflecting the region’s agricultural character.
In the New Testament, this place appears exclusively in the Acts of the Apostles, marking key stages in the early church’s expansion. Believers scattered after Stephen’s martyrdom reached as far as Phoenicia (Acts 11:19), and Paul traveled through it on his final journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:3). The references highlight its role as a geographic bridge between Jewish communities and the wider Gentile world.
Though brief, these mentions underscore Phoenicia’s strategic position. It served not just as a physical location but as a conduit for the gospel message moving from Judea toward the Roman Empire. The text presents it as a place where early Christians established footholds before reaching major urban centers like Antioch and Tyre.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Phoenicia comes from a Greek word meaning palm, pointing to a narrow strip of land along the Mediterranean coast. In the New Testament, this region serves as a quiet but vital bridge in the story of the early church. It was not a destination for grand theological debates, but a pathway where ordinary believers carried the message of Jesus to new places.
When persecution scattered Christians from Jerusalem, they did not retreat into hiding. Instead, they traveled through Phoenicia, sharing their faith with Jewish communities along the way. This simple act of speaking the word turned a geographic corridor into a conduit for grace. The gospel moved steadily forward, carried by those who trusted God to guide their steps.
Later, the apostle Paul sailed past this same coast on his final journey to Jerusalem. These brief mentions remind us that God uses everyday locations and ordinary journeys to advance His purposes. Whether you are facing displacement or simply walking through your daily routine, your path can become a place where hope is shared.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Phoenicia3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Φοινίκην2×
- Φοινίκης1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 11:19
They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only.
This verse shows how persecution became the catalyst for spreading the gospel beyond Jerusalem into Phoenicia.
-
Acts 15:3
They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.
Here the word highlights the church’s collective joy as they report Gentile conversions while passing through the region.
-
Acts 21:2
Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
Paul’s boarding of a ship to Phoenicia marks a specific moment in his journey toward Jerusalem, showing the route he took.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Phoenicia mean in the Bible?
Why is Phoenicia important in the book of Acts?
Where does the word Phoenicia appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Acts 3 verses
They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia,…
Acts 15:3They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of…
Acts 21:2Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.