Pronunciation Guide: al-ex-an-DREE-nos
Basic Definition
Strong’s G222: Ἀλεξανδρίνος refers to something of Alexandrian origin, specifically used in the New Testament to describe ships that sailed from Alexandria, Egypt. These were among the largest and most impressive vessels of the ancient Mediterranean world, primarily used for transporting grain from Egypt to Rome and other major ports.
Etymology and Morphology
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Origin: Derived from Ἀλεξάνδρεια (Alexandria), named after Alexander the Great
- Primary Usage: Maritime and commercial contexts
- Found in narrative sections of Acts
Ἀλεξανδρίνος Morphology:
- Ἀλεξανδρίνος (nominative singular masculine) – Alexandrian
- Ἀλεξανδρίνῳ (dative singular masculine) – to/for the Alexandrian
- Ἀλεξανδρίνον (accusative singular masculine) – Alexandrian (as object)
Origin & History
The term Ἀλεξανδρίνος emerged following the establishment of Alexandria by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE. The city quickly became the premier maritime center of the ancient world, and its ships became legendary for their size and engineering. Classical writers like Lucian of Samosata in his work “The Ship” described these vessels as maritime marvels, some capable of carrying over 1,000 passengers and 70,000 measures of grain.
The term gained particular prominence during the Roman period when Alexandria became the primary grain supplier for Rome. The historian Strabo in his “Geography” detailed how these Alexandrian ships were distinct from other vessels, noting their superior construction and impressive size.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
- Something originating from or belonging to Alexandria
- Specifically relating to Alexandrian ships
- Characteristic of Alexandrian engineering and maritime expertise
Ἀλεξανδρίνος Translation Options:
- “Alexandrian” – Most direct translation, emphasizing origin
- “of Alexandria” – When emphasizing the connection to the city
- “Alexandria-based” – For modern contextual understanding
- “from Alexandria” – When emphasizing point of origin
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, Ἀλεξανδρίνος appears exclusively in the context of maritime travel, specifically in the book of Acts. The term’s usage provides valuable historical context for Paul’s journey to Rome and the significant role of Alexandrian ships in ancient Mediterranean commerce and travel.
The specific mentions in Acts describe vessels that were part of the Roman grain fleet, which was crucial for feeding the empire’s capital. These ships followed well-established trading routes and were among the few vessels large enough to safely transport hundreds of passengers across open seas.
- “[The centurion] found a ship of Alexandria [πλοῖον Ἀλεξανδρῖνον] sailing for Italy” Acts 27:6
- “We sailed in an Alexandrian ship [πλοίῳ Ἀλεξανδρίνῳ] which had wintered at the island” Acts 28:11
Cultural Insights
Alexandrian ships were the ancient equivalent of modern cargo supercarriers. These vessels were easily identifiable by their distinctive construction, massive size, and often elaborate decorations. They typically bore figureheads of Egyptian deities or the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux), whom sailors believed offered protection during sea voyages.
The ships’ construction represented the pinnacle of ancient naval engineering, featuring multiple sails, advanced steering mechanisms, and sophisticated hull designs. They were so crucial to Rome’s food supply that they received special privileges and protection, including naval escorts during dangerous seasons.
Theological Significance
The appearance of Alexandrian ships in Acts demonstrates God’s sovereign use of human infrastructure and commerce to advance His kingdom purposes. Just as these massive vessels carried life-sustaining grain to Rome, they also transported the gospel message through Paul’s journey. This reminds us how יהוה (Yahweh) often works through ordinary means—even pagan commercial enterprises—to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
The reliability and significance of these ships also serves as a metaphor for God’s providence. Just as He provided a secure vessel for Paul’s journey to Rome, He provides secure passage for His people through life’s storms, using even the world’s systems to accomplish His perfect will.
Personal Application
When we encounter this term in Scripture, we’re reminded that God often uses the most unexpected vessels to carry His message and accomplish His purposes. Just as He used these massive grain ships to transport Paul and the gospel, He can use any circumstance or situation in our lives to advance His kingdom.
Consider how God might be using your current “vessel”—whether it’s your job, your location, or your circumstances—to transport His truth and love to others who need it.
Related Words
- ναῦς (naus) [nous] – ship, vessel (emphasizes the vessel itself rather than its origin) See G3491
- πλοῖον (ploion) [ploy-on] – boat, ship (general term for watercraft) See G4143
- σκάφη (skaphē) [ska-fay] – small boat, skiff (contrasts with large Alexandrian vessels) See G4627
Did you Know?
- The average Alexandrian grain ship was longer than a football field, measuring up to 180 feet in length—truly massive vessels for their time.
- These ships typically carried specialized crews of up to 50 people, including specialized sailors called “divers” who would inspect and repair the hull during journey stops.
- The Romans considered Alexandrian ships so important that they granted special citizenship rights to ship owners who dedicated their vessels to the grain trade for at least six years.
Remember This
Ἀλεξανδρίνος reminds us that God’s providence often sails to us on unexpected ships, using the world’s ordinary vessels for His extraordinary purposes.
