λιμήν (G3040) — Greek Lexicon

λιμήν

limḗn

G3040 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A harbor or port; specifically, a sheltered area of water where ships anchor or take refuge. In some contexts, can refer to a haven or safe place for ships, either natural or artificial, generally protected from open sea conditions. By extension, may denote any place of safety or refuge, though this usage is less common.

Semantic Range

harbor, haven, port, sheltered anchorage, place of refuge (rare, metaphorical)

Root / Etymology

etymology uncertain. λιμήν appears in Greek as a self-standing noun without clear derivation from an Indo-European or Semitic ancestor, though possible ancient associations with words for marsh or lake are noted by some scholars.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, λιμήν primarily denoted a physical harbor or anchorage—a place offering protection for ships (e.g., Herodotus, Thucydides). The core sense continues seamlessly into the Hellenistic and Roman periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament usage (notably in Acts 27:12, where Καλοὶ Λιμένες, 'Fair Havens,' is a place name on Crete). The term is used geographically but can sometimes refer more generally to a place of safe arrival or refuge, though such metaphorical extension is rare in Koine. Unlike other related Greek nautical terms (ὄρμος, 'anchorage' or 'bay'), λιμήν specifically implies shelter and safety. Later translations render the word as 'haven' or 'port,' but the nuances of physical safety and geographic specificity may be reduced. The word does not inherently carry ritual or religious connotations. In comparison with Καλοὶ Λιμένες ('Fair Havens'), λιμήν can be both a common noun and a toponym.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently a primary word; a harbor:--haven. Compare Καλοὶ Λιμένες.

Root Family

λιμήν (limēn) — harbor, safe anchorage, sheltered port

Root λιμήν- harbor, safe anchorage, shelter

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3040-03`	λιμένος	limenos	`N GEN M SG`	harbor	of a harbor	harbor	1
`G3040-02`	Λιμένας	limenas	`N ACC M PL`	Havens	harbors	Havens	1
`G3040-01`	λιμένα	limena	`N ACC M SG`	haven	harbor	harbor	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3040-02`	Acts 27:8	Λιμένας	limenas	`N ACC M PL`	Havens	harbors	Havens
`G3040-03`	Acts 27:12	λιμένος	limenos	`N GEN M SG`	harbor	of a harbor	harbor
`G3040-01`	Acts 27:12	λιμένα	limena	`N ACC M SG`	haven	harbor	harbor

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