Ἀμφίπολις
Amphípolis
G295 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A proper noun denoting 'Amphipolis,' a prominent city in the region of Macedonia, named for its geographical position near the Strymon River. The core meaning is the city called Amphipolis. In broader usage, the name designates a civic and administrative entity, often with historical and geographical implications, rather than any metaphorical or extended senses.
Semantic Range
Amphipolis (proper noun: a specific city in Macedonia), city name referencing a place surrounded by the Strymon River
Root / Etymology
From ἀμφί ('around, on both sides') and πόλις ('city'), so named because the Strymon River runs around it. The name thus literally means 'city surrounded on both sides.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Ἀμφίπολις occurs as a toponym designating a specific city in Macedonia, founded by Athenians in 437 BCE, later passing under Spartan, then Macedonian then Roman control. It is mentioned in Acts 17:1 as a stop on the Via Egnatia visited by Paul and his companions. In classical sources, 'Amphipolis' refers exclusively to this Macedonian city and carried no metaphorical sense. Septuagint and New Testament use is always literal, and standard translations transliterate the name rather than translate it, as its meaning was not relevant for interpretation. For local context, Amphipolis was known for its strategic location, its importance in trade and military affairs, and its diverse population. There is no evidence that the name 'Amphipolis' was applied to other cities in antiquity. Comparison: unlike πόλις (city), which is generic, Ἀμφίπολις is a fixed proper noun.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of ἀμφότερος and πόλις; a city surrounded by a river; Amphipolis, a place in Macedonia:--Amphipolis.
Root Family
Ἀμφίπολις (Amphipolis) — Amphipolis (city name), settlement surrounded by water
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G295-01 |
Ἀμφίπολιν | amphipolin | N ACC F SG |
Amphipolis | Amphipolis | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G295-01 |
Acts 17:1 | Ἀμφίπολιν | amphipolin | N ACC F SG |
Amphipolis | Amphipolis |