Σμύρνα
Smýrna
G4667 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A proper noun denoting the city of Smyrna, a prominent urban center on the western coast of Asia Minor (modern-day İzmir in Turkey). In New Testament contexts, refers specifically to this city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its commerce, cultural life, and religious pluralism.
Semantic Range
Smyrna (the city in Asia Minor), toponym; in non-biblical Greek may also refer to 'myrrh', the aromatic resin, but as a proper noun exclusively designates the city in the New Testament period.
Root / Etymology
Derived from the noun σμύρνα (smýrna, 'myrrh'), referring to the aromatic resin, likely due to the city's historical association with the production or trade of myrrh. Name attested in local Anatolian usage prior to Greek habitation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Σμύρνα is attested in classical Greek and survives into the Koine period as the standard designation for the city. The city's mention in Revelation 2:8 identifies it as one of the seven congregations addressed in the Apocalypse. In classical and Hellenistic sources, Smyrna was noted for its urban planning and loyalty to Rome. The connection of the name to 'myrrh' may have had symbolic implications, but primarily reflects an ancient toponym. The English translation 'Smyrna' is a direct transliteration from the Greek and does not convey the word's etymological link to the aromatic spice. In the New Testament world, Smyrna was a major Roman city with a significant Judean population. The name never refers to an individual or a non-topographical concept.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as σμύρνα; Smyrna, a place in Asia Minor:--Smyrna.
Root Family
σμυρν- (smýrna) — resin, myrrh, aromatic gum
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4667-01 |
Σμύρναν | smurnan | N ACC F SG |
Smyrna | Smyrna | Smyrna | 1 |
G4667-02 |
Σμύρνῃ | smurne | N DAT F SG |
Smyrna | to Smyrna | Smyrna | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4667-01 |
Revelation 1:11 | Σμύρναν | smurnan | N ACC F SG |
Smyrna | Smyrna | Smyrna |
G4667-02 |
Revelation 2:8 | Σμύρνῃ | smurne | N DAT F SG |
Smyrna | to Smyrna | Smyrna |