3959. Patara

Lexicon

Patara: Patara

Original Word: Πάταρα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: Patara
Pronunciation: PAH-tah-rah
Phonetic Spelling: (pat'-ar-ah)
Definition: Patara
Meaning: Patara, a town on the coast of the Roman province Lycia.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Patara.

Probably of foreign origin; Patara, a place in Asia Minor -- Patara.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
probably of foreign origin
Definition
Patara, a city of Lycia
NASB Translation
Patara (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3959: Πάταρα

Πάταρα, Παταρων, τά (cf. Winers Grammar, 176 (166)), Patara, a maritime city of Lycia, celebrated for an oracle of Apollo: Acts 21:1. (B. D. under the word ; Lewin, St. Paul, ii. 99f.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from ancient Greek, the name of a city in Lycia, a region in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Hebrew equivalents for the Greek term Πάταρα, as it is a proper noun specific to a geographical location in the Greco-Roman world. However, the concept of cities and regions as centers of trade and cultural exchange can be found throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly in references to ancient cities like Tyre and Sidon.

Usage: The term Πάταρα is used in the New Testament to refer to the city where the Apostle Paul changed ships during his third missionary journey.

Context: • Historical Context: Patara was an important maritime city in the ancient region of Lycia, located on the southwestern coast of Asia Minor. It was known for its strategic harbor, which facilitated trade and travel across the Mediterranean. The city was also famous for its temple and oracle of Apollo, which attracted visitors from across the ancient world.

• Biblical Significance: In the New Testament, Patara is mentioned in the context of the Apostle Paul's travels. In Acts 21:1-2 (BSB), it is recorded that Paul and his companions sailed from Miletus and arrived at Patara, where they found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia. This brief mention highlights Patara's role as a key transit point in Paul's missionary journeys, underscoring the interconnectedness of early Christian communities across the Mediterranean region.

• Archaeological Insights: Excavations at Patara have revealed significant remains, including a well-preserved theater, a lighthouse, and various public buildings, which provide insight into the city's prominence during the Roman period. These findings corroborate the historical and geographical context of the New Testament narrative.

• Theological Reflection: The mention of Patara in the Acts of the Apostles serves as a reminder of the expansive reach of the early Christian mission. It illustrates the Apostle Paul's dedication to spreading the Gospel and the logistical challenges faced by early Christians in their efforts to connect with distant communities.

Forms and Transliterations

Παταρα Πάταρα Patara Pátara

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 21:1 N-ANP
GRK: κἀκεῖθεν εἰς Πάταρα
NAS: and from there to Patara;
KJV: and from thence unto Patara:
INT: and from there to Patara

Strong's Greek 3959
1 Occurrence

Πάταρα — 1 Occ.