Syene
LocationsGeographical Setting
Syene, known today as Aswan, was a strategic frontier city in southern Egypt situated near the first cataract of the Nile River.
What is the meaning of Syene in the Bible?
Syene, identified with the modern city of Aswan, served as a vital commercial hub and military outpost at the southern border of ancient Egypt, controlling trade routes into Nubia and the interior of Africa.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Syene's geographical position as the southernmost point of ancient Egypt clarifies the extent of the Roman Empire's reach and provides context for the travel routes described in the New Testament, such as the journey of the Ethiopian eunuch.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Syene in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Syene clarify?
Related Topics
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.