Κλαύδη

Klaúdē

G2802 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A small island located near Crete in the Mediterranean Sea, identified by name in maritime contexts. In Greek literature, principally signifies a geographic location rather than serving as a descriptor for people or objects. The name itself denotes the specific island referenced in ancient travel narratives.

Semantic Range

island near Crete, navigational reference-point, toponym

Root / Etymology

The etymology is uncertain. The name Κλαύδη does not have an attested derivation from common Greek roots, nor is it directly linked to a well-known Greek lexical base. It is more likely to be of pre-Greek, possibly Semitic or local origin, reflecting regional naming conventions for Mediterranean islands.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Κλαύδη appears in Greek literature chiefly in geographical and navigational contexts. In the New Testament, specifically Acts 27:16, it is mentioned as a navigational reference point for Paul's voyage to Rome, indicating its familiarity to seafarers of the era. The name is consistent with Greek practice of rendering local toponyms phonetically rather than through semantic translation. Some ancient manuscripts use the variant spelling Καῦδα (Kauda). The translation 'Clauda' or 'Claude' is traditional in English Bibles, but the term is best understood as the proper name of the island south of Crete. Its precise location is identified with modern-day Gavdos. There are no broader metaphorical or symbolic uses of the term in extant literature.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; Claude, an island near Crete:--Clauda.

Root Family

Κλαύδη (Klaudē) — island name, geographical place-name

Root uncertain island name, geographical place-name

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2802-01 Καῦδα kauda N ACC N SG Cauda Cauda Cauda 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2802-01 Acts 27:16 Καῦδα kauda N ACC N SG Cauda Cauda Cauda