Lexical Definition
Ἀθῆναι Athēnai (ath-ay-nahee) Athens N:N-F-L
plural of
Athens.
- Athenæ, the capitol of Greece
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Ἀθηνῶν | Athens | Acts.17.15 • Acts.18.1 • 1Thess.5.28 • 2Thess.3.18 |
| Ἀθήναισ | Athens | Acts.17.16 • 1Thess.3.1 |
Abbott-Smith
Ἀθῆναι, -ῶν, αἱ (plural because consisting of several parts),
Athens: Ac 17:15, 16 18:1, I Th 3:1.†
Abbott-Smith References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Acts | 17:15 · 17:16 · 18:1 |
| 1 Thessalonians | 3:1 |
Liddell-Scott-Jones
Ἀθῆναι,
Doric dialect Ἀθᾶναι, ῶν, αἱ, the city of Athens (for the plural compare Θῆβαι, Μυκῆναι), [Refs 8th c.BC+] —Ἀθῆναι generally, ={Ἀττική}, of the whole country, [Refs 5th c.BC+]
__II adverbs, Ἀθήναζε, to Athens, [Refs 5th c.BC+]: Ἀθήνηθεν, from Athens, [Refs 5th c.BC+]; poetry Ἀθηνόθεν, [Refs]: Ἀθήνησιν,
__A at Athens, [Refs 4th c.BC+]
Profile
Athens • A major city in Greece, visited by Paul.
Athens, the intellectual and cultural center of ancient Greece, where Paul preached the gospel and addressed the Areopagus.
- A location first mentioned at Act.17.15;
- referred to as Athens or - (KJV= Athens) Ἀθῆναι, or Athenian or Athens Ἀθηναῖος.
Athens was a prominent city in ancient Greece, known for its rich history, cultural achievements, and philosophical traditions. In the New Testament, Athens is mentioned primarily in connection with the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey.
According to Acts 17:15-16, Paul was brought to Athens by some believers from Berea, who then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible. While waiting for them in Athens, Paul was deeply distressed to see that the city was full of idols.
Paul's time in Athens was marked by his interactions with the local philosophers and his famous sermon at the Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill (Acts 17:19-34). He engaged in discussions with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who were intrigued by his teaching about Jesus and the resurrection. Some of them brought Paul to the Areopagus, where he delivered a discourse, starting with a reference to an altar dedicated to an unknown god.
In his sermon, Paul proclaimed the one true God, the Creator of all things, and called for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. While some mocked Paul's message, others believed, including Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris.
After his time in Athens, Paul traveled to Corinth (Acts 18:1), where he continued his ministry. Later, in his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul mentioned sending Timothy to them from Athens to strengthen and encourage them in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2).