Syrophenician
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Syrophenician in the Bible?
A term referring to non-Jewish inhabitants of the Phoenician coast within the region of Syria. These individuals were ethnically Canaanite or Phoenician and often spoke Greek.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this group clarifies the cultural and ethnic distinctions between Jewish communities and their Gentile neighbors in the first century, providing essential context for interpreting social interactions and theological boundaries in New Testament narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Syrophenician reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Syrophenician in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Syrophenician 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
"Syrophenician." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/syrophenician/