Ἄσσος

Ássos

G789 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A city named Assos; specifically, a well-known settlement located on the northwestern coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) in the ancient region of Mysia. In Koine Greek contexts, the term functions as a proper noun, designating this geographic location, rather than bearing an inherent dictionary meaning beyond its place-name usage. Assos is chiefly referenced as a coastal city visited or mentioned in travel itineraries.

Semantic Range

Assos (city in Mysia/Asia Minor), specific geographic location; proper noun/place name

Root / Etymology

The term Ἄσσος is a proper noun, and its etymology is uncertain. The name is generally understood to be of pre-Greek (likely Anatolian) origin, not derived from native Greek roots.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Ἄσσος appears in Greek literature and historical records as a well-established city, founded in the archaic period and significant during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Its most notable biblical mention is in Acts 20:13-14 as part of Paul's journey, highlighting its role as a recognizable city on maritime routes. Classical sources, such as Strabo and later Roman itineraries, affirm its importance as an urban center. The standard English translation uses 'Assos' as a direct transliteration, accurately reflecting the specific locale but offering no additional nuance regarding its historical or cultural context. Its place-name usage does not convey broader semantic or symbolic meanings within biblical Greek; it simply identifies a physical location. The term is not to be confused with unrelated Greek lexemes and appears exclusively as a toponym in ancient Greek literature and inscriptions.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably of foreign origin; Assus, a city of Asia MInor:--Assos.

Root Family

Ἄσσος (Assos) — proper name, city, toponym

Root uncertain proper name, city; toponym

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G789-01 Ἆσσον asson N ACC F SG Assos Assos Assos 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G789-01 Acts 20:13 Ἆσσον asson N ACC F SG Assos Assos Assos
G789-01 Acts 20:14 Ἆσσον asson N ACC F SG Assos Assos Assos