Lexical Summary Sidónios: Sidonian Original Word: Σιδώνιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of Sidon. From Sidon; a Sidonian, i.e. Inhabitant of Sidon -- of Sidon. see GREEK Sidon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadjective from Sidón Definition of Sidon NASB Translation Sidon (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4606: ΣιδώνιοςΣιδώνιος, Σιδωνία, Σιδώνιον (Σιδών), belonging to Sidon, of Sidon: τῆς Ζιδωνιας namely, χώρας (R. V. in the land of Sidon), Luke 4:26 L T Tr WH (Homer, Odyssey 13, 285 (but Σιδονιος)); Σιδώνιοι, the inhabitants of Sidon, Acts 12:20. Topical Lexicon Geography and Cultural Setting Sidon was a principal Phoenician port on the Mediterranean coast, about twenty-five miles north of Tyre and roughly fifty miles northwest of Galilee. Its people, the Sidonians, were renowned sailors, merchants, and craftsmen (especially in purple dye, glass, and timber). Commercial wealth fostered both lavish culture and entrenched paganism centered on Baal, Astarte, and Melqart. Sidon lay outside Israel’s territorial allotments yet inside the world of the prophets, traders, and travelers who crisscrossed the eastern Mediterranean. Sidonians in Old Testament History From the days of the conquest, Sidonians appeared as persistent neighbors (Joshua 13:4-6). Israel never fully displaced them; instead, economic and marital ties often opened the door to idolatry (Judges 10:6). The most infamous link came through Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, whose marriage to Ahab imported aggressive Baal worship into the Northern Kingdom (1 Kings 16:31). Yet even amid spiritual darkness the Lord reached into Sidonian territory for the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-24), showing mercy to an unlikely Gentile during Israel’s drought-induced judgment. Prophetically, Sidon stood under the same scrutiny as other Phoenician cities (Isaiah 23:2-4; Ezekiel 28:20-24; Joel 3:4). Destruction and humiliation were foretold, yet Ezekiel also saw the Lord’s ultimate purpose: “Thus they will know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 28:23). Judgment and grace walked together. Jesus’ Use of the Sidonian Example (Luke 4:26) While preaching in Nazareth, Jesus reminded His audience: “Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon” (Luke 4:26). By highlighting this Sidonian woman, He confronted Jewish exclusivism and anticipated the gospel’s reach to Gentiles. The citation underscored two truths: God’s sovereign freedom in choosing His beneficiaries and His compassion toward those outside Israel who respond in faith. Sidonians and Apostolic Era Politics (Acts 12:20) “Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon” (Acts 12:20). Dependent on Herod Agrippa’s domain for food, the coastal cities sought reconciliation through diplomatic channels. The Sidonians therefore intersected the account of the early church as the backdrop to Herod’s fatal pride and the subsequent advance of the word (Acts 12:23-24). The episode illustrates how geopolitical events—grain supplies, royal egos, and international negotiations—serve God’s larger redemptive agenda. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty over Nations: Whether by drought in Elijah’s day, prophecy through Ezekiel, or famine politics in Acts, the Lord directs Sidon’s fortunes to reveal His glory. Practical Ministry Insights • Outreach must transcend cultural and ethnic borders; Christ Himself cited a Sidonian convert to challenge parochialism. Key Related References Joshua 13:4-6; Judges 3:3; Judges 10:6; 1 Kings 16:31; 1 Kings 17:8-24; Isaiah 23:2-4; Jeremiah 25:22; Ezekiel 28:20-23; Joel 3:4; Zechariah 9:2; Matthew 11:21-22; Mark 3:8; Mark 7:24-30; Luke 6:17; Luke 10:13-14; Luke 4:26; Acts 12:20. Summary Strong’s Greek 4606 designates the Sidonians, inhabitants of an influential Phoenician city notorious for idolatry yet repeatedly drawn into God’s purposes. Scripture records their role as adversaries, allies, converts, and political negotiators. Through them, the Lord demonstrates His justice, extends His grace, and advances His kingdom beyond Israel’s borders—anticipating the worldwide scope of the gospel. Forms and Transliterations Σιδωνιας Σιδωνίας Σιδωνιοις Σιδωνίοις σίελα σιελός Sidonias Sidonías Sidōnias Sidōnías Sidoniois Sidoníois Sidōniois SidōníoisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 4:26 N-GFSGRK: Σάρεπτα τῆς Σιδωνίας πρὸς γυναῖκα NAS: to Zarephath, [in the land] of Sidon, to a woman INT: Zarephath of Sidon to a woman Acts 12:20 Adj-DFP Strong's Greek 4606 |
    |