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Κυρήνη

Kyrḗnē

G2957 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Cyrene; the principal city and surrounding territory in the North African region of Cyrenaica. Used throughout Greek literature and in the New Testament to refer specifically to the city or its region, as well as to people originating from there (Κυρηναῖος, 'Kyrenaios'). In broader contexts may denote origin, provenance, or associations with the city or its community.

Semantic Range

Cyrene (city), Cyrene (region), place of origin for persons, provenance in ethnic or communal listings

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain. The Greek name Κυρήνη likely predates Greek colonization and may derive from a non-Greek (Libyan) source. Not directly derived from a known Greek root, though later associated by Greeks with the mythological nymph Κυρήνη (Kyrene).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek texts, Κυρήνη (Cyrene) designates a prominent Greek colonial city founded in the 7th century BCE on the coast of North Africa, in present-day Libya. Cyrene was culturally significant as a center of Hellenic learning and commerce. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, it remained a major urban and administrative hub, with a substantial population of Hellenized Judeans (Judeans of the Diaspora). In the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., Acts 2:10; 6:9; 11:20; 13:1), Κυρήνη identifies either the city/region or individuals from there, including those participating in early Judean (Jewish) communities in Jerusalem and Antioch. English translations conventionally use 'Cyrene'; this is a direct transliteration and does not reflect secondary senses such as cultural or ethnic associations linked to the city. The term does not imply any religious or ethnic identity but only geographic origin, unless context specifies otherwise.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; Cyrene, a region of Africa:--Cyrene.

Root Family

Κυρήνη (Kyrēnē) — city name, geographic region, place of origin

Root uncertain city name, geographic region, place of origin

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2957-01 Κυρήνην kurenen N ACC F SG Cyrene Cyrene Cyrene 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2957-01 Acts 2:10 Κυρήνην kurenen N ACC F SG Cyrene Cyrene Cyrene
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