2747. Kegchreai

Lexicon

Kegchreai: Cenchreae

Original Word: Κεγχρεαί
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Kegchreai
Pronunciation: keng-khreh-ahee
Phonetic Spelling: (keng-khreh-a'-hee)
Definition: Cenchreae
Meaning: Cenchreae, the port of Corinth on the Saronic Gulf.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Cencrea.

Probably from kegchros (millet); Cenchreae, a port of Corinth -- Cencrea.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
perhaps from kegchros (millet)
Definition
Cenchrea, a port of Corinth
NASB Translation
Cenchrea (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2747: Κεγχρεαί

Κεγχρεαί (T WH Κενχρεαί (cf. WH's Appendix, p. 150)), Κεγχρεων, αἱ, Cenchreae or Kenchreae, a port of Corinth, about 60 (70; Strabo (as below)) stadia from the city, on the eastern side of the isthmus, the emporium of its trade with Asia (Strabo 8, p. 380): Acts 18:18; Romans 16:1. (It still retains the ancient name; cf. B. D. American edition, under the word; Lewin, St. Paul, i. 299f.)

STRONGS NT 2747: Κενχρεαί [Κενχρεαί, see Κεγχρεαί.]

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word "kegchros," meaning millet, which may refer to the millet-like appearance of the pebbles on the shore or the grain cultivated in the area.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Hebrew equivalents for Κεγχρεαί, as it is a specific geographical location in the Greek context of the New Testament. However, the concept of a port or harbor can be related to Hebrew terms such as "נָמֵל" (namel), meaning harbor or haven, though this is not a direct correspondence.

Usage: The term Κεγχρεαί is used in the New Testament to refer to the location where the Apostle Paul had his hair cut due to a vow he had taken. It is mentioned in the context of Paul's missionary journeys.

Context: Kenchreai was a significant port in the ancient world, situated approximately 7 miles east of Corinth on the Saronic Gulf. It served as the eastern harbor of Corinth, complementing the western port of Lechaion on the Corinthian Gulf. This strategic location made Kenchreai a bustling hub for commerce and travel, facilitating trade between the Aegean and Adriatic seas.

In the New Testament, Kenchreai is mentioned in Acts 18:18, where it is recorded that Paul "had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken." This act likely signifies the completion of a Nazirite vow, a practice rooted in Jewish tradition, which involved abstaining from cutting one's hair for a period of time as a sign of dedication to God.

Kenchreai was also home to an early Christian community. In Romans 16:1, Paul commends Phoebe, a deaconess of the church in Kenchreai, highlighting the presence and activity of the early church in this port town. The mention of Phoebe underscores the role of Kenchreai as a center for early Christian mission and fellowship.

Archaeological evidence from Kenchreai includes remains of ancient docks, warehouses, and religious sites, reflecting its historical significance as a maritime and cultural center. The town's connection to Corinth, a major city in the Roman Empire, further emphasizes its importance in the spread of Christianity during the apostolic era.

Forms and Transliterations

Κεγχρεαῖς κέγχρον κέδρινα κέδριναι κεδρίνην κεδρίνοις κέδρινον κεδρίνω κεδρίνων Κενχρεαις Κενχρεαῖς Kenchreais Ken'chreaîs

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 18:18 N-DFP
GRK: κειράμενος ἐν Κενχρεαῖς τὴν κεφαλήν
NAS: and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair
KJV: [his] head in Cenchrea: for he had
INT: having shaved in Cenchrea the head

Romans 16:1 N-DFP
GRK: τῆς ἐν Κενχρεαῖς
NAS: of the church which is at Cenchrea;
KJV: which is at Cenchrea:
INT: in Cenchrea

Strong's Greek 2747
2 Occurrences

Κενχρεαῖς — 2 Occ.