Λυδία
Lydía
G3070 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper noun used as a female personal name; refers specifically to an individual woman from the region of Lydia in western Asia Minor. In New Testament usage, primarily a woman identified as Lydía, described as a resident of Thyatira, a dealer in purple fabric, and a worshiper of God in Philippi.
Semantic Range
Lydia (proper name of a woman), woman from Lydia (regional designation); by extension, personal name with no reference to geographic origin in later usage
Root / Etymology
Derived from Λυδός (Ludos, masculine form), which itself relates to the ancient region and people of Lydia in western Asia Minor. The name Λυδία is formed as the feminine variant meaning 'woman from Lydia' or 'Lydian woman.' Of Anatolian origin; adopted into Greek contexts after Hellenization of the region.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In its earliest usage, Λυδία denoted a woman from Lydia—a region well known in antiquity for its wealth, trade in dyestuffs, and distinct culture. By the period of the New Testament, Lydia was firmly within the Greek-speaking world, and the name Λυδία could function as both an ethnonym (signifying regional origin) and a personal name. In Acts 16:14, Λυδία refers to a specific woman of Thyatira living in Philippi, notable for her commercial activity and hospitality. Although English translations often treat the name simply as 'Lydia,' it originally could carry both personal and ethnogeographic connotations. The use of geographic-origin names as personal names was common in the Hellenistic world. There is no evidence to suggest religious or ethnic overtones embedded in the name itself beyond regional identity. Ancient Lydia was incorporated into the Persian and later Hellenistic empires, and its population included both locals and Hellenized settlers. Unlike some Greek names, Λυδία is not attested as a Jewish name in the Second Temple period. Standard English translations accurately render the name as 'Lydia,' though the cultural background of the name is often left unspoken.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
properly, feminine of Ludios (of foreign origin) (a Lydian, in Asia Minor); Lydia, a Christian woman:--Lydia.
Root Family
Λυδία (Lydia) — Lydia, woman from Lydia, Lydian woman
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3070-02 |
Λυδίαν | ludian | N ACC F SG |
Lydia | Lydia | 1 |
G3070-01 |
Λυδία | ludia | N NOM F SG |
Lydia | Lydia | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3070-01 |
Acts 16:14 | Λυδία | ludia | N NOM F SG |
Lydia | Lydia |
G3070-02 |
Acts 16:40 | Λυδίαν | ludian | N ACC F SG |
Lydia | Lydia |