Συρία (G4947) — Greek Lexicon

Συρία

Syría

G4947 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Syria; a geographical designation referring to the region north and northeast of Judea, encompassing various territories under different political entities in antiquity. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, 'Syria' generally referred to the Roman province (Provincia Syria), but it could also indicate broader or narrower territories depending on context, including territory of ancient Aram, later Seleucid domains, and regions around Damascus and Antioch. Occasionally, the term extends to include neighboring regions closely associated with Syria culturally or administratively.

Semantic Range

Syria (the country or province); the territory north of Judea; the broader geographical region of the Levant under Hellenistic or Roman administration; Aramean/Assyrian territory (in earlier usage, especially LXX)

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root Συρ- (Syr-), most likely relating to the region known as 'Syria.' The etymological derivation is widely debated: the term occurs in Classical Greek (e.g., Herodotus) and may stem from older Anatolian or Assyrian toponyms (such as the Akkadian 'Aššur'), but there is no secure etymological connection to Hebrew צֹר (Tzor, Tyre). Greek Συρία does not derive from Tyre but is thought to have been used by Greeks and Romans for the land east of the Mediterranean occupied historically by Arameans and others. Thus, the etymology is uncertain, despite suggestions to the contrary in earlier sources.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek texts (e.g., Herodotus), Συρία referred to territories east of the Mediterranean, typically between Asia Minor and Egypt, roughly corresponding to the modern Levant. By the Hellenistic era, Συρία was primarily identified with the Seleucid-controlled territories, later constituting the Roman province. In the New Testament and related literature, Συρία often refers specifically to the Roman administrative province, which included regions such as Antioch (the capital), Damascus, and others north of Judea. In the Septuagint, Συρία sometimes renders Hebrew אֲרָם (Aram), referring to Aramean territories, but not Tyre—which was a Phoenician city and is designated differently. English translations conventionally use 'Syria,' which, while accurate for many Hellenistic and Roman contexts, does not always capture earlier regional nuances or ethnic distinctions (e.g., Aramean vs. broader Syrian). Thus, Συρία reflects a geopolitical region whose boundaries and associations evolved over time; it is distinct from Tyre (Τύρος in Greek). Translation traditions have sometimes confused these, but the linkage in Strong's is linguistically unfounded.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably of Hebrew origin (צֹר); Syria (i.e. Tsyria or Tyre), a region of Asia:--Syria.

Root Family

Συρία (Syria) — Syria, the region of Syria, Syrian territory

Root Συρ- Syria, the region of Syria, relating to Syria

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4947-01`	Συρίαν	surian	`N ACC F SG`	Syria	Syria	Syria	6
`G4947-02`	Συρίας	surias	`N GEN F SG`	Syria	of Syria	Syria	2

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4947-01`	Matthew 4:24	Συρίαν	surian	`N ACC F SG`	Syria	Syria	Syria
`G4947-02`	Luke 2:2	Συρίας	surias	`N GEN F SG`	Syria	of Syria	Syria
`G4947-01`	Acts 15:23	Συρίαν	surian	`N ACC F SG`	Syria	Syria	Syria
`G4947-01`	Acts 15:41	Συρίαν	surian	`N ACC F SG`	Syria	Syria	Syria
`G4947-01`	Acts 18:18	Συρίαν	surian	`N ACC F SG`	Syria	Syria	Syria
`G4947-01`	Acts 20:3	Συρίαν	surian	`N ACC F SG`	Syria	Syria	Syria
`G4947-01`	Acts 21:3	Συρίαν	surian	`N ACC F SG`	Syria	Syria	Syria
`G4947-02`	Galatians 1:21	Συρίας	surias	`N GEN F SG`	Syria	of Syria	Syria

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