Καλοὶ Λιμένες
Kaloì Liménes
G2568
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper name: 'Good Harbors,' a coastal locality in southern Crete. The name indicates a place recognized for its safe or pleasant anchorages suitable for ships—harbors regarded as favorable or secure. In the context of Acts 27:8, Καλοὶ Λιμένες specifically designates a particular anchorage on Crete known for its suitability as a maritime haven; does not denote a general class of harbors but functions as a toponym. The phrase may also carry the broader connotation of 'well-sheltered bays' in non-literary usage, but in the New Testament it is strictly geographical.
Semantic Range
good harbors, safe harbors, favorable anchorages, the specific coastal place called 'Good Harbors' (Καλοὶ Λιμένες) on Crete
Root / Etymology
From the adjective καλός ('good, beautiful, favorable') and the noun λιμήν ('harbor, haven'), forming a plural noun phrase meaning 'good harbors.' No further derivation; standard Koine Greek compounding of descriptive adjective plus noun in plural.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Καλοὶ Λιμένες appears only as a place name in the New Testament (Acts 27:8), referring to a natural harbor on the southern coast of Crete, east of Lasaia. The name itself is not unique to this location, as similar compounds are found in both Greek and Latin geographic toponyms to describe favorable anchorages. In antiquity, such descriptive names were commonly given to ports considered safe or advantageous for shipping. The standard English translation 'Fair Havens' follows older traditions; however, the Greek indicates more literally 'Good Harbors.' In extra-biblical sources, the name may have been employed more generically for any such favorable harbor sites. There is no theological significance attached to the toponym; its significance is primarily geographical and nautical.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
plural of καλός and λιμήν; Good Harbors, i.e. Fairhaven, a bay of Crete:--fair havens.
Root Family
καλ-, λιμ- (Kaloì Liménes) — good, favorable, beautiful, harbor, haven
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.