Λυκαονία
Lykaonía
G3071 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A geographical region in the interior of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) known in antiquity as Lycaonia. The term designates both the physical region and, by extension, its inhabitants or language.
Semantic Range
the region of Lycaonia in Asia Minor, the cultural or linguistic identity related to Lycaonia, its people or language
Root / Etymology
The name appears to be of Anatolian origin, adapted into Greek as Λυκαονία. There is a traditional association with the Greek word λύκος (wolf), possibly through folk etymology, but the actual origin is likely pre-Greek and unrelated to λύκος; etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Hellenistic and Roman periods, Λυκαονία referred specifically to a large plateau region in south-central Anatolia, bordered by Phrygia, Galatia, Cappadocia, and Cilicia. The term is attested in Greek historiography and geography from at least the 5th century BCE. In the New Testament, Λυκαονία appears in Acts as the homeland of Lystra and Derbe, indicating a highly localized sense. The region was ethnically and linguistically mixed, including speakers of the indigenous Lycaonian language as well as Greek and Phrygian populations. Standard English Bible translations render it 'Lycaonia,' but this does not fully capture the complex sociolinguistic identity of its inhabitants.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps remotely from λύκος; Lycaonia, a region of Asia Minor:--Lycaonia.
Root Family
Λυκαονία (Lykaonia) — Lycaonia (the Anatolian region), relating to Lycaonia
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3071-01 |
Λυκαονίας | lukaonias | N GEN F SG |
Lycaonia | of Lycaonia | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3071-01 |
Acts 14:6 | Λυκαονίας | lukaonias | N GEN F SG |
Lycaonia | of Lycaonia |