789. Assos

Lexicon

Assos: Assos

Original Word: Ἄσσος
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Assos
Pronunciation: AS-sos
Phonetic Spelling: (as'-sos)
Definition: Assos
Meaning: Assos, a port of Mysia, in the Roman province Asia.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Assos.

Probably of foreign origin; Assus, a city of Asia minor -- Assos.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
Assos, a city on the W. coast of Asia Minor
NASB Translation
Assos (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 789: Ασσος

Ασσος (so all editions, perhaps better Ασσος; Chandler § 317, cf. § 319; Pape, Eigennamen under the word), Ἀσσου, ἡ, Assos, a maritime city in Asia Minor, on the Aegean Sea (Gulf of Adramyttium), and nine (according to Tab. Peuting. (edited by Fortin d'Urban, Paris 1845, p. 170) 20 to 25) miles (see Hackett on Acts as below) distant (to the south) from Troas, a city of Lesser Phrygia: Acts 20:13f; (formerly read also in Acts 27:13 after the Vulg.; cf. ἆσσον. See Papers of the Archaeol. Inst. of America, Classical Series i. (1882) especially, pp. 60ff).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Of uncertain origin; possibly derived from a local name or term used in the region.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Hebrew equivalents for the Greek term Ἄσσος, as it is a proper noun specific to a geographical location in the New Testament context.

Usage: The term Ἄσσος appears in the New Testament in the context of Paul's missionary journeys. It is specifically mentioned in the Book of Acts.

Context: Assos was an ancient city situated on the northwestern coast of Asia Minor, in the region known as Mysia. It was strategically located on the Gulf of Adramyttium, opposite the island of Lesbos. The city was known for its steep cliffs and strong fortifications, making it a significant port and trade center in antiquity.

In the New Testament, Assos is mentioned in Acts 20:13-14. The Apostle Paul, during his third missionary journey, traveled from Troas to Assos by land, while his companions sailed around the cape. The passage reads: "We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had arranged this because he was going there on foot. When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene" (Acts 20:13-14, BSB).

This journey highlights Paul's dedication and strategic planning in his missionary work. The decision to travel on foot from Troas to Assos, a distance of about 20 miles, may have been for personal reflection, prayer, or to meet with believers along the way. Assos served as a key point in Paul's travels as he continued his journey to Jerusalem.

The archaeological remains of Assos include a well-preserved theater, a temple dedicated to Athena, and city walls, reflecting its historical significance. The city's location and historical context provide insight into the early Christian missionary activities and the spread of the Gospel in the Roman Empire.

Forms and Transliterations

Ασσον Ἄσσον Ἆσσον Asson Ásson

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 20:13 N-AFS
GRK: ἐπὶ τὴν Ἄσσον ἐκεῖθεν μέλλοντες
NAS: set sail for Assos, intending
KJV: and sailed unto Assos, there intending
INT: to Assos there being about

Acts 20:14 N-AFS
GRK: εἰς τὴν Ἄσσον ἀναλαβόντες αὐτὸν
NAS: he met us at Assos, we took him on board
KJV: with us at Assos, we took him
INT: at Assos having taken in him

Strong's Greek 789
2 Occurrences

Ἄσσον — 2 Occ.