Cenchreae
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient port city located on the Saronic Gulf, serving as the eastern harbor for the polis of Corinth.
What is the meaning of Cenchreae in the Bible?
Cenchreae was the eastern port of Corinth on the Saronic Gulf, where the Apostle Paul cut his hair in accordance with a vow before sailing to Syria, and where the early Christian community included Phoebe as a deaconess.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Cenchreae provides geographical context for Paul's missionary journeys and illustrates the integration of women in leadership roles within the early Christian movement.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Cenchreae (located near modern Kechries, Corinth, Greece) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Cenchreae in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cenchreae clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Cenchreae." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/cenchreae/