Φοῖνιξ
Phoînix
G5405 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primary meaning: a proper noun denoting the name of a harbor or port on the southern coast of Crete, mentioned as a stopping place or destination for ships. Attested specifically as a geographic toponym (harbor or bay) and not as a common noun. The sole biblical use refers to a harbor where ships might winter, indicating a recognized maritime location in the Roman period.
Semantic Range
(proper noun) name of a harbor or port on Crete; (not in New Testament usage) palm tree, Phoenician, mythical phoenix (see φοῖνιξ for common noun senses)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Greek noun φοῖνιξ (phoînix), meaning 'date-palm' or 'Phoenician,' but in this instance, used as a proper noun for a harbor on Crete. The placename likely originated either from the appearance of palm trees in the vicinity or possibly from associations with the Phoenician people or trade, though direct textual evidence for either derivation is lacking. Hence, the etymology remains ultimately uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word Φοῖνιξ occurs in Acts 27:12 as the name of a harbor on the south coast of Crete, suitable for wintering. The harbor's precise location has been debated, but it has generally been associated with modern Loutro or Phoinikas. Classical sources sometimes mention a place by this name on Crete, underscoring its status as a geographic toponym during the Hellenistic and Roman eras. The term is not to be confused with the common noun φοῖνιξ, which can mean 'palm tree', 'Phoenician,' or the mythical 'phoenix.' English Bible translations often render Φοῖνιξ as 'Phenice' or 'Phoenix,' but this is a mere transliteration, not a translation of its meaning. The term functions solely as a place name in the New Testament and does not bear the broader common noun senses.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably the same as φοῖνιξ; Phœnix, a place in Crete:--Phenice.
Root Family
Φοῖνιξ (Phoinix) — date-palm, Phoenician; proper name of a Cretan harbor
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5405-01 |
Φοίνικα | phoinika | N ACC M SG |
Phenice | Phoenix harbor | Phoenix harbor | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5405-01 |
Acts 27:12 | Φοίνικα | phoinika | N ACC M SG |
Phenice | Phoenix harbor | Phoenix harbor |