Σελεύκεια
Seleúkeia
G4581 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Seleucia, a prominent urban center founded during the Hellenistic period, specifically referring to the city located on the coast of Syria near the mouth of the Orontes River; can refer to other cities of the same name but in the New Testament context designates Seleucia near Antioch. The term denotes a geographical and administrative center and is used primarily as a place name.
Semantic Range
Seleucia (city near Antioch in Syria); any of several Hellenistic cities named for Seleucus; urban center; administrative capital
Root / Etymology
Derived from the proper name Σελεῦκος (Seleukos), the dynastic name of several Hellenistic rulers, particularly Seleucus I Nicator, founder of the Seleucid dynasty. The suffix -εια (-eia) forms a toponym, indicating place or location associated with an individual.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Σελεύκεια is found in the New Testament (Acts 13:4) as the departure point of Paul and Barnabas after leaving Antioch. The most prominent Seleucia in biblical and Hellenistic literature is Seleucia Pieria, founded at the end of the 4th century BCE by Seleucus I Nicator as the principal port of his empire’s Syrian capital, Antioch. The city served as a major hub for trade and communication. Multiple cities bore the name Seleucia across the Seleucid domains, reflecting dynastic claims and Hellenistic urban policy. In the New Testament context, it specifically denotes the strategic port city near Antioch, not to be confused with other Seleuciae in Mesopotamia or Cilicia. English translations usually reproduce the name as 'Seleucia,' which accurately reflects its use as a Greek place name.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (Seleucus, a Syrian king); Seleuceia, a place in Syria:--Seleucia.
Root Family
Σελεύκεια (Seleukeia) — Seleucia, city named for Seleucus, Hellenistic urban center
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4581-01 |
Σελεύκιαν | seleukian | N ACC F SG |
Seleucia | Seleucia | Seleukeia | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4581-01 |
Acts 13:4 | Σελεύκιαν | seleukian | N ACC F SG |
Seleucia | Seleucia | Seleukeia |