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Σάμος

Sámos

G4544 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Sámos: the island of Samos, a large and prominent island off the coast of Asia Minor in the eastern Aegean Sea. In the context of the New Testament and other contemporary literature, it designates the geographic location and sometimes metonymically refers to people or matters associated with the island. The term functions as a proper noun and does not indicate inhabitants ('Samian'), but solely the place itself.

Semantic Range

island of Samos, the geographic entity known as Samos, metonymically for things or persons associated with Samos

Root / Etymology

Of uncertain origin; the name appears in Greek mythological and historical sources as Σάμος. Etymology uncertain, possibly pre-Greek or of Anatolian origin, as is common with many place names in the eastern Aegean.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Σάμος is unattested outside as a place name in ancient Greek and always refers to the well-known island. In classical Greek, Samos was famous for its sanctuary to Hera (the Heraion), for being a naval power, and for notable figures such as Pythagoras. The name appears in Greek authors from at least the 8th century BCE onward (e.g., in Homeric Hymns, Herodotus, and Thucydides). In Hellenistic and Roman periods, Samos retained significance as a cultural and strategic location. In the New Testament (Acts 20:15), Σάμος marks a waypoint during Paul's travels; it is purely a geographic reference, with no connotation beyond location. English Bible translations transliterate the name as 'Samos' according to longstanding convention. The term never refers to ethnic or religious identity, and should not be confused with terms for population (e.g., 'Samian') or different locales (such as Samaria/Samareia).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain affinity; Samus, an island of the Mediterranean:--Samos.

Root Family

Σάμος (Sámos) — island, place name, geographic location

Root uncertain island, place name, geographic location

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4544-01 Σάμον samon N ACC F SG Samos Samos Samos 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4544-01 Acts 20:15 Σάμον samon N ACC F SG Samos Samos Samos
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