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Φίλιπποι

Phílippoi

G5375 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A city in the region of Macedonia. In New Testament and Hellenistic contexts, 'Φίλιπποι' refers specifically to the prominent Roman colony established northeast of Neapolis, known for its strategic and historical significance. The term is a toponym formed as a plural, denoting 'the settlement of Philip' or 'the Philip towns'.

Semantic Range

Philippi (city in Macedonia), settlements belonging to Philip, specific site of historical and religious activity in Macedonia

Root / Etymology

From the proper name Φίλιππος (Philippos), meaning 'lover of horses' (from φίλος 'loving' + ἵππος 'horse'), with the plural suffix -οι indicating a place or settlement associated with a person (here, Philip II of Macedon). Thus, Φίλιπποι literally means 'the (places) of Philip.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

Φίλιπποι was founded by King Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century BCE, after previously being known as Krenides. The city developed further under Roman rule, ultimately becoming a Roman colony following the Battle of Philippi (42 BCE). In the New Testament, Φίλιπποι is notable as the first major Macedonian city where Paul the Apostle established a community (Acts 16). The plural form is a feature seen occasionally in names of cities or settlements, reflecting an earlier or literary convention. English translations uniformly render Φίλιπποι as 'Philippi,' yet the plural ending (often omitted in translation) is preserved in Greek sources. No reference to inhabitants' ethnicity or religious identity is embedded in the word itself; it is purely a place name. Earlier usage in Greek and Hellenistic sources aligns with the city's evolving political and colonial identity.

Translation Consistency

primary "Philippi" 4 occurrences

Φίλιπποι is a place-name (the city of Philippi). The natural, consistent English rendering is the proper name "Philippi," which matches the majority usage and preserves the toponym; the alternate reading "took" reflects a different lexical item/context and should not replace the place-name.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"took leave" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

plural of Φίλιππος; Philippi, a place in Macedonia:--Philippi.

Root Family

Φίλιπποι (Phílippoi) — associated with Philip, belonging to Philip, settlements of Philip

Root Φίλιππ- associated with Philip, belonging to Philip

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5375-02 Φιλίπποις philippois N DAT M PL Philippi in the settlements of Philip Philippi 2
G5375-01 ἀπησπασάμεθα apespasametha V AOR MID IND 1P PL had taken our leave the settlements of Philip we took leave 1
G5375-03 Φιλίππων philippon N GEN M PL Philippi Philip Philippi 1
G5375-04 Φιλίππους philippous N ACC M PL Philippi the Philip towns Philippi 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5375-04 Acts 16:12 Φιλίππους philippous N ACC M PL Philippi the Philip towns Philippi
G5375-03 Acts 20:6 Φιλίππων philippon N GEN M PL Philippi Philip Philippi
G5375-01 Acts 21:6 ἀπησπασάμεθα apespasametha V AOR MID IND 1P PL had taken our leave the settlements of Philip we took leave
G5375-02 Philippians 1:1 Φιλίπποις philippois N DAT M PL Philippi in the settlements of Philip Philippi
G5375-02 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Φιλίπποις philippois N DAT M PL Philippi in the settlements of Philip Philippi
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