Ῥόδος
Rhódos
G4499 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Rhodes, a large island in the southeastern Aegean Sea off the coast of Asia Minor; used as a geographic proper noun referring specifically to the island itself. In New Testament and Hellenistic contexts, it designates the island known for its commercial importance, maritime activity, and unique cultural standing.
Semantic Range
Rhodes (island in the Aegean/Mediterranean); the island of Rhodes; place name; rarely, by association, something derived from or pertaining to the island
Root / Etymology
From ῥόδον (rhódon, 'rose'), possibly in reference to the presence or symbolism of roses on the island, though the actual origin may also reflect earlier, pre-Greek or Anatolian roots. Etymology is not fully certain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Ῥόδος appears as a toponym in classical sources, the Septuagint, and the New Testament (notably Acts 21:1, referencing a maritime journey). In antiquity, Rhodes was renowned for its sailors, commercial network, and the famous Colossus of Rhodes. The name was sometimes linked to the Greek word for rose (ῥόδον), but this association may be folk-etymological, as the island's pre-Greek name and identity possibly stem from earlier Anatolian substrates. English translations simply transliterate the name as 'Rhodes,' but ancient audiences would associate it with the distinctive maritime, political, and cultural attributes of the island. The Greek designation is typically geographic, without ethnic connotation (e.g., not designating inhabitants or cultural practices directly).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from (a rose); Rhodus, an island of the Mediterranean:--Rhodes.
Root Family
Ῥόδος (Rhodos) — rose (as root), island name, Rhodes
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4499-01 |
Ῥόδον | rodon | N ACC F SG |
Rhodes | Rhodes | Rhodes | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4499-01 |
Acts 21:1 | Ῥόδον | rodon | N ACC F SG |
Rhodes | Rhodes | Rhodes |