Κεγχρεαί
Kenchreaí
G2747 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Kenchreaí refers specifically to the port town of Kenchreai, one of the two harbors of ancient Corinth, located on the Saronic Gulf (eastern side of Corinth). The word functions as a geographic proper noun, denoting this particular location. In context, it may refer to the community associated with the port or the area adjacent to it.
Semantic Range
the port town of Kenchreai; the harbor of eastern Corinth; the community at Kenchreai
Root / Etymology
The etymology is likely from the Greek κέγχρος (kénchros, 'millet'), though the connection is not certain. The form Kenchreaí is a plural proper noun and reflects the standard Greek practice of naming towns in a plural form. The exact historical reason for this choice of name is not fully attested.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Kenchreaí is attested primarily as the name of the eastern port of Corinth during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. In New Testament contexts (especially Acts 18:18; Romans 16:1), it is the location from which Paul set sail and the community where Phoebe served as a διάκονος (diakonos). The word appears only as a place name and does not have a broader semantic range. English Bible translations typically render it as 'Cenchreae' or 'Cenchrea,' but this can obscure its function as a prominent commercial harbor servicing trade between the Peloponnese and the eastern Mediterranean. No theological or ethnic connotations are associated with Kenchreaí in primary sources.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from kegchros (millet); Cenchreæ, a port of Corinth:--Cencrea.
Root Family
Κεγχρεαί (Kenchreaí) — Kenchreai, port town, harbor
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2747-01 |
Κενχρεαῖς | kenchreais | N DAT F PL |
Cenchrea | to Kenchreai | Cenchrea | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2747-01 |
Acts 18:18 | Κενχρεαῖς | kenchreais | N DAT F PL |
Cenchrea | to Kenchreai | Cenchrea |
G2747-01 |
Romans 16:1 | Κενχρεαῖς | kenchreais | N DAT F PL |
Cenchrea | to Kenchreai | Kenchreai |