Ἀδρίας
Adrías
G99 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The Adriatic Sea; specifically, the body of water known in antiquity as 'the Adria,' which encompassed what is now the Adriatic Sea and, more broadly, the central Mediterranean region between Italy and the western Balkans, extending at times to include parts of the Ionian Sea. In the New Testament, refers to the open sea south of Italy, not only the modern Adriatic but the greater expanse between Crete and Sicily.
Semantic Range
Adriatic Sea, sea between Italy and Greece, central Mediterranean, the open sea south of Italy
Root / Etymology
Derived from Ἄδριας (Adrias), likely taken from the ancient city of Adria near the mouths of the Po river. The name may originally denote the region around this city, later extending to the adjoining sea. Possibly of pre-Greek (Illyrian or Venetic) origin.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek literature, Ἀδρίας used both to designate the sea near the ancient city of Adria and, increasingly, to refer to the wider sea area between Italy and Greece. By the Roman and New Testament periods, 'the Adria' referred inclusively to the sea between Crete, Sicily, and southern Italy, overlapping the area now known as both the Adriatic and parts of the Ionian Sea. This broader usage is reflected in Acts 27:27, where 'the Adriatic' is the open Mediterranean south of Italy—contrasting with modern geographical definitions. English Bibles often translate 'the Adriatic' or 'Adria,' but this can mislead readers expecting the modern narrower sense. The word is rare in the Greek biblical corpus, noted primarily in New Testament nautical contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (a place near its shore); the Adriatic sea (including the Ionian):--Adria.
Root Family
Ἀδρίας (Adrias) — Adriatic Sea, the sea called Adria
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G99-01 |
Ἀδρίᾳ | adria | N DAT M SG |
Adria | in the Adriatic Sea | Adria | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G99-01 |
Acts 27:27 | Ἀδρίᾳ | adria | N DAT M SG |
Adria | in the Adriatic Sea | Adria |