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Κύπρος

Kýpros

G2954 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

An island in the eastern Mediterranean known as Cyprus; the chief referent is the geographic entity—a sizable island northwest of the Levantine coast, frequently mentioned as a place of origin, destination, or residence in Hellenistic and Roman period literature. In biblical contexts, Κύπρος denotes the island itself, its inhabitants (Kyprians), or as an adjectival designation describing origin or connection to Cyprus.

Semantic Range

the island of Cyprus; an inhabitant or something pertaining to Cyprus; an origin or designation connected to Cyprus

Root / Etymology

The precise etymology of Κύπρος is uncertain. The name is attested in Homer and Mycenaean sources (Linear B: 'ku-pi-ri-jo'), suggesting a pre-Greek, possibly Eastern Mediterranean or Anatolian origin. The term does not appear to have an internally Greek derivation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Κύπρος is already attested in Greek epic and historical writing as the standardized nomenclature for the island. In classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods, it consistently refers to the island of Cyprus—a major center for trade, culture, and religious activities in the eastern Mediterranean. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term always refers to the well-known island and is not used metaphorically. In New Testament usage, individuals described as being from Κύπρος were understood as hailing from the island (e.g., Barnabas, Acts 4:36). Ancient Kypros was notable for its multicultural population including Greeks and other eastern Mediterranean peoples, and it served as a geographic and cultural bridge between the Levant and the Greek world. Most English translations simply render the term as 'Cyprus,' which accurately preserves the referential scope. There are no major differences between Septuagint and New Testament usage.

Translation Consistency

primary "Cyprus" 5 occurrences

The primary and most natural referent is the island itself; biblical uses typically denote the geographic entity, its people, or origin. Using the place name 'Cyprus' provides the clearest, most consistent English rendering across noun and adjectival senses (rather than switching to 'Cypriot' or other forms).

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain origin; Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean:--Cyprus.

Root Family

Κύπρος (Kýpros) — island, Cyprus

Root uncertain island, Cyprus

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2954-01 Κύπρον kupron N ACC F SG Cyprus Cyprus (island) Cyprus (island) 4
G2954-02 Κύπρου kuprou N GEN F SG Cyprus of Cyprus Cyprus 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2954-02 Acts 11:19 Κύπρου kuprou N GEN F SG Cyprus of Cyprus Cyprus
G2954-01 Acts 13:4 Κύπρον kupron N ACC F SG Cyprus Cyprus (island) Cyprus (island)
G2954-01 Acts 15:39 Κύπρον kupron N ACC F SG Cyprus Cyprus (island) Cyprus (island)
G2954-01 Acts 21:3 Κύπρον kupron N ACC F SG Cyprus Cyprus (island) Cyprus (island)
G2954-01 Acts 27:4 Κύπρον kupron N ACC F SG Cyprus Cyprus (island) Cyprus (island)
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