Μιτυλήνη
Mitylḗnē
G3412 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Mitylene: a prominent city located on the southeast coast of the island of Lesbos in the northeastern Aegean Sea. The term refers specifically to the city itself, though it could, by extension, denote inhabitants of the city or matters pertaining to it. In the context of ancient texts, Mitylene functions as a geographical designation, identifying a specific urban center.
Semantic Range
the chief city on Lesbos; by extension, the people or things pertaining to Mitylene; proper noun designating a specific location
Root / Etymology
The name Μιτυλήνη (Mitylēnē) is of uncertain etymology. Classical sources suggest possible legends behind the origin of the name, including mythological founders, but there is no clear link to other Greek roots. Ancient commentators sometimes connected it to words denoting shellfish due to local abundance, but these derivations are speculative and not linguistically certain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic sources, Μιτυλήνη is the principal city of Lesbos and noted for its political, cultural, and economic significance. The city appears in Herodotus, Thucydides, and other writers as an influential polis. In the context of the New Testament (Acts 20:14), Μιτυλήνη is referenced as one of the ports visited by Paul. The name does not carry any religious or ethnic identification—it functions solely as a proper noun. In English translation traditions, 'Mitylene' accurately reflects a simple transliteration of the Greek name, though alternate spellings like 'Mytilene' (closer to modern usage) may also appear. The city's association with shellfish is noted in some ancient travel literature as a feature of its harbor but is not part of the lexical meaning.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
for (abounding in shellfish); Mitylene (or Mytilene), a town on the island of Lesbos:--Mitylene.
Root Family
Μιτυλήνη (Mitylēnē) — city name, place name, toponym
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3412-01 |
Μιτυλήνην | mitulenen | N ACC F SG |
Mitylene | Mitylene | Mitylene | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3412-01 |
Acts 20:14 | Μιτυλήνην | mitulenen | N ACC F SG |
Mitylene | Mitylene | Mitylene |