Cnidus
LocationsGeographical Setting
Cnidus was an ancient Dorian city-state located on the southwestern tip of the Anatolian peninsula, strategically positioned between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
What is the meaning of Cnidus in the Bible?
Cnidus was a prominent Dorian city in Caria, Asia Minor, situated on a peninsula at the southwestern extremity of Anatolia. The settlement featured two natural harbors and was renowned for its temple of Aphrodite and the famous statue of the goddess by Praxiteles. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul's voyage to Rome included a stop near Cnidus, where unfavorable winds prevented him from making landfall.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the geography of Cnidus clarifies the navigational challenges Paul faced during his journey to Rome, illustrating how seasonal wind patterns and coastal topography directly influenced the timeline and route of his final voyage as recorded in Acts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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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.