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Κιλικία

Kilikía

G2791 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A region in southeastern Asia Minor (modern-day southern Turkey), situated along the Mediterranean coast east of Pamphylia and west of Syria. The term refers specifically to the geographic territory known as Cilicia, which was recognized in classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods as both a geographic and administrative entity. Contextually, it may indicate the place of origin, residence, or administrative jurisdiction tied to this region.

Semantic Range

Cilicia (region of Asia Minor), the territory or province of Cilicia, land associated with Cilicia, place of origin

Root / Etymology

Probably of Anatolian or Semitic origin, adopted into Greek as Κιλικία. The precise etymology is uncertain, as the name predates Greek occupation and appears in Old Persian and cuneiform records. Greek forms show adaptation to Greek phonology.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Κιλικία refers exclusively to the territory on the southeastern coast of Asia Minor. In classical Greek, the region was noted for its plains, rivers, and strategic importance (notably the Cilician Gates mountain pass). Under Roman rule it was a province and included cities such as Tarsus (the birthplace of Paul of Tarsus). In Septuagint and New Testament usage, Κιλικία consistently denotes this well-defined geographic area rather than an ethnic or cultural group. English translations render it as 'Cilicia,' but this should be understood as the historical Greco-Roman region known at the time. The term is distinct from nearby regions such as Pamphylia, Lycia, and Syria.

Translation Consistency

primary "Cilicia" 8 occurrences

This Greek lemma names a specific geographic region/province; the natural, consistent English rendering is the proper noun 'Cilicia'. It matches the primary sense in SILEX (the territory or place of origin), is already the predominant form in existing renderings, and avoids altering meaning (e.g., 'Cilician') or introducing unnecessary paraphrase.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably of foreign origin; Cilicia, a region of Asia Minor:--Cilicia.

Root Family

Κιλικία (Kilikia) — Cilicia, region, territory

Root uncertain Cilicia, region, territory

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2791-02 Κιλικίας kilikias N GEN F SG Cilicia of Cilicia of Cilicia 5
G2791-01 Κιλικίαν kilikian N ACC F SG Cilicia Cilicia Cilicia 3

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2791-02 Acts 6:9 Κιλικίας kilikias N GEN F SG Cilicia of Cilicia of Cilicia
G2791-01 Acts 15:23 Κιλικίαν kilikian N ACC F SG Cilicia Cilicia Cilicia
G2791-01 Acts 15:41 Κιλικίαν kilikian N ACC F SG Cilicia Cilicia Cilicia
G2791-02 Acts 21:39 Κιλικίας kilikias N GEN F SG Cilicia of Cilicia of Cilicia
G2791-02 Acts 22:3 Κιλικίας kilikias N GEN F SG Cilicia of Cilicia of Cilicia
G2791-02 Acts 23:34 Κιλικίας kilikias N GEN F SG Cilicia of Cilicia of Cilicia
G2791-01 Acts 27:5 Κιλικίαν kilikian N ACC F SG Cilicia Cilicia Cilicia
G2791-02 Galatians 1:21 Κιλικίας kilikias N GEN F SG Cilicia of Cilicia of Cilicia
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