Lexical Definition
Σάρδεις Sárdeis (sar'-dice) Sardis N:N-F-L
plural of uncertain derivation
Sardis.
- Sardis, a place in Asia Minor
Abbott-Smith
Σάρδεις, -εων, αἱ
Sardis, the chief city of Lydia: Re 1:11 3:1, 4.†
Abbott-Smith References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Revelation | 1:11 · 3:1 · 3:4 |
Liddell-Scott-Jones
Greek of: סְפָרָד
Σάρδεις, εων, αἱ,
“Sardes”, the capital of Lydia, [Refs 4th c.BC+]:—Ionic dialect Σάρδιες [Refs], etc. (Σάρδῑς is only falsa lectio in [Refs 5th c.BC+]; genitive Σαρδίων, dative Σάρδῐσι, [Refs 5th c.BC+]; accusative Σάοδιας [Refs 5th c.BC+]:— adjective Σαρδιᾱνός, Ionic dialect Σαρδι-ηνός, ή, όν, [Refs 5th c.BC+]; οἱ Σαρδιανοί [Refs 5th c.BC+]:—Σαρδιᾱνικός, ή, όν, [Refs 5th c.BC+]
Profile
Sardis • City in Asia Minor; destination of exiled Jews
Sepharad, possibly referring to Sardis, was a destination of exiled Jews (Obad. 1:20) and one of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation (Rev. 1:11; 3:1, 4).
Sepharad is mentioned in the Bible as a place where exiled Jews were located (Obad. 1:20). The exact location of Sepharad is uncertain, but many scholars believe it refers to Sardis, an ancient city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia and later became an important city in the Persian and Roman empires.
In the book of Revelation, Sardis is mentioned as one of the seven churches addressed by Jesus (Rev. 1:11; 3:1, 4). The church in Sardis is rebuked for its spiritual deadness and is called to repent and strengthen what remains (Rev. 3:1-3). However, there were a few faithful believers in Sardis who had not defiled their garments, and they are promised to walk with Jesus in white (Rev. 3:4).
If Sepharad and Sardis are indeed the same place, the reference in Obadiah suggests that a Jewish community existed there, possibly as a result of the Babylonian exile. The mention of Sardis in Revelation highlights the city's significance in early Christian history and the challenges faced by the church in that location.