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G4949 (Συροφοίνισσα)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4949
Original Word: Συροφοίνισσα
Transliteration: Syrophoínissa
Pronunciation: soo-rof-oy'-nis-sah
Part of Speech: Name/g.
Category: Bible Names > Nations & People Groups
Root / Etymology: feminine of a compound of G4948 (Σύρος) and the same as G5403 (Φοινίκη);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 1811

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 a Syro-phœnician woman, i.e. a female native of Phœnicia in Syria

Syrophenician

feminine of a compound of G4948 (Σύρος) and the same as G5403 (Φοινίκη);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4949: A compound noun combining Syrian and Phoenician origins, denoting a woman from Syrophoenicia. In Mark's Gospel, describes a Gentile woman whose faith in Jesus transcends ethnic boundaries, demonstrating the universal scope of divine grace.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συροφοινίκισσα embodies the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers in the Messiah's ministry. This compound term identifies a woman from the region where Syria and Phoenicia meet, marking her as a double outsider to Jewish society. In Mark's Gospel, her encounter with Jesus becomes a powerful demonstration of faith transcending cultural boundaries. The early church saw this word as prophetic of Gentile inclusion in God's kingdom. Today, it continues to challenge our prejudices and remind us of the gospel's universal reach.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: Συροφοινίκισσα, Syrophoinikissa, see-roh-foy-NIK-is-sa
Pronunciation Guide: 'see' as in 'see', 'roh' as in 'row', 'foy' as in 'foil', 'nik' as in 'nick', 'is' as in 'is', 'sa' as in 'saw'
Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

Σύρο- (Syro-) - prefix relating to Syria
Φοινίκισσα (Phoinikissa) - feminine form of "Phoenician"
The compound indicates dual cultural heritage
The feminine ending -ισσα denotes female gender

D - Defining Meanings

Syrophoenician woman
Woman from Syrophoenicia
Female of Syrian-Phoenician origin
Woman from Syrian Phoenicia

For compound words:
Σύρο- identifies Syrian connection, while Φοινίκισσα indicates Phoenician heritage, together describing someone from the border region between these cultures.

Translation Options:

"Syrophoenician woman" - Most accurate compound translation
"Woman of Syrophoenicia" - Emphasizes regional origin
"Syrian-Phoenician woman" - Highlights dual cultural background

E - Exploring Similar Words

Φοίνισσα (Phoinissa, FOY-nis-sa) - Phoenician woman - See G5403
Σύρος (Syros, SEE-ros) - Syrian - See G4948
Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnis, hel-LAY-nis) - Greek woman - See G1674

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

As a feminine noun, Συροφοινίκισσα exhibits these features:

Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
Number: Singular
Gender: Feminine
Declension: First

The word would appear as:

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Nominative: Συροφοινίκισσα
Genitive: Συροφοινικίσσης
Dative: Συροφοινικίσσῃ
Accusative: Συροφοινίκισσαν

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its significance in marking Gentile identity. Thayer's notes its unique composition indicating mixed heritage. LSJ documents usage in regional identification. Vine's connects it to faith beyond borders. Strong's highlights the compound nature suggesting cultural intersection. LEH traces similar ethnic designations. Moulton and Milligan find it rare but significant in identity contexts.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
The woman was a Greek, a [Συροφοινίκισσα] Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. Mark 7:26

Additional References:
None - This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Lucian: Syrian Goddess	"A [Συροφοινίκισσα] Syrophoenician priestess served at the temple."
Strabo: Geography	"The [Συροφοινίκισσα] women maintain distinct customs of both regions."
Polybius: Histories	"A [Συροφοινίκισσα] merchant woman traded along the coast."

N - Noteworthy Summary

Συροφοινίκισσα powerfully illustrates how the Messiah's love transcends all cultural barriers. This woman's faith and Jesus' response demonstrate that God's kingdom welcomes all who come in faith, regardless of ethnicity or background. Her story continues to challenge cultural prejudices and proclaim the gospel's universal scope.

D - Did You Know?

The term reflects the complex cultural mixing in ancient coastal regions
Early church writers used her story to defend Gentile inclusion
The word appears in ancient trade documents describing multicultural commerce

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: Syrophoenician, Gentiles, faith, inclusion, women, Mark, cultural barriers, divine grace, ethnicity, universal salvation

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