Lexical Summary Smurnaios: Smyrnaean, of Smyrna Original Word: Σμυρναῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance in Smyrna. From Smurna; a Smyrnoean -- in Smyrna. see GREEK Smurna NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Smurna Definition of Smyrna. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4668: ΣμυρναῖοςΣμυρναῖος, Σμυρναιου, ὁ, ἡ, of or belonging to Smyrna, an inhabitant ofSmyrna: Revelation 2:8 Rec. ((Pindar, Herodotus.)) Topical Lexicon Etymology and Scope Σμυρναῖος identifies a person “of Smyrna.” Although the adjective itself is not used in the Greek New Testament, it naturally attaches to every biblical and historical reference to the believers who lived in that renowned Ionian harbor. Historical Setting of Smyrna Founded on a superb natural harbor about thirty-five miles north of Ephesus, Smyrna offered Rome a loyal, prosperous outpost in Asia Minor. Its broad streets, temple to Tiberius, and famous “Golden Street” lined with shrines to Cybele, Zeus, Apollo, and Aphrodite made the city a center of trade and of the imperial cult. Loyalty to Caesar frequently clashed with Christian confession, creating conditions ripe for persecution. By the late first century, Smyrna’s synagogue community was also strong and, at times, hostile to the Gospel message. Biblical Significance Revelation records the risen Lord’s personal message to “the angel of the church in Smyrna” (Revelation 2:8-11). Two themes dominate: 1. Present Suffering: “I know your affliction and your poverty—yet you are rich” (Revelation 2:9). Economic hardship likely resulted from exclusion when believers refused emperor worship. Though Σμυρναῖος never appears, these Smyrnaeans embody steadfast faith, providing a living illustration of the adjective’s meaning. Theological Implications Persecution is not accidental but providential: “The devil is about to put some of you in prison to test you” (Revelation 2:10). The Lord who “was dead and is alive” (Revelation 2:8) stands in sovereign control, using suffering to refine faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). Smyrna teaches that material poverty can coincide with spiritual wealth (James 2:5) and that victory is measured by fidelity, not circumstance (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Early Post-Apostolic Witness The city continued to supply exemplary Σμυρναῖοι. Polycarp, disciple of the Apostle John and bishop of Smyrna, was called “an apostolic and prophetic teacher” (Martyrdom of Polycarp 16). His martyrdom around A.D. 155 echoed Revelation’s exhortation. Irenaeus, once a pupil of Polycarp, preserved Smyrna’s testimony in Gaul, proving how faithfulness in one city nourished the wider church. Eusebius records a succession of steadfast Smyrnan bishops, indicating long-term stability in doctrine. Smyrnaios as a Pattern for Ministry To be a true Σμυρναῖος is to demonstrate: Contemporary Application Believers today who face marginalization for biblical conviction mirror the Smyrnaean experience. Churches in hostile contexts draw strength from the Lord’s words to Smyrna: He knows, He limits the trial’s duration, and He rewards perseverance. Ministries among the persecuted rightly cite Smyrna as a model, encouraging modern Σμυρναῖοι to hold fast. Key Scripture References Revelation 2:8-11; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Acts 14:22; Philippians 3:8; 1 Corinthians 9:25 Forms and Transliterations σμυρνίνωLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance σκύλλε — 1 Occ.σκύλλεις — 1 Occ. σκύλλου — 1 Occ. σκῦλα — 1 Occ. σκωληκόβρωτος — 1 Occ. σκώληξ — 3 Occ. σμαραγδίνῳ — 1 Occ. σμάραγδος — 1 Occ. σμύρναν — 1 Occ. σμύρνης — 1 Occ. Σμύρνῃ — 1 Occ. ἐσμυρνισμένον — 1 Occ. Σόδομα — 3 Occ. Σοδόμων — 4 Occ. Σοδόμοις — 3 Occ. Σολομὼν — 4 Occ. Σολομῶνα — 1 Occ. Σολομῶνος — 5 Occ. Σολομῶντος — 2 Occ. σοροῦ — 1 Occ. |
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