Σάρεπτα
Zarephath
Definition
Σάρεπτα (Zarephath) is a proper noun referring to a Phoenician town in the region of Sidon, known in the Old Testament as the location where the prophet Elijah was sustained by a widow during a famine (1 Kings 17:9-10). In the New Testament, it is mentioned by Jesus in Luke 4:26 as an example of God's grace extending beyond Israel to Gentiles, highlighting that Elijah was sent to this foreign widow. The name itself signifies a place of 'smelting' or 'refining,' which carries metaphorical weight in its biblical narrative.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 4:26, within Jesus' sermon at the synagogue in Nazareth. Jesus references the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath to illustrate that prophets were sometimes sent to Gentiles rather than to Israelites, provoking the anger of his Jewish audience. Its usage is strictly as a geographical proper noun to recall a specific Old Testament event.
Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew צָרְפַת (Tsarephath), meaning 'smelting place' or 'refinery,' likely referring to metalworking activities in the area. The Greek Σάρεπτα is a direct transliteration of this Semitic place-name, adopted into the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) and then into the New Testament.
Semantic Range
The mention of Σάρεπτα in Luke 4:26 is theologically significant as it underscores the theme of God's mercy extending to all nations, a key point in Jesus' ministry. By citing this Gentile town, Jesus challenges ethnic exclusivity and highlights divine sovereignty in choosing recipients of grace. Understanding this reference enriches reading by connecting Jesus' message to Elijah's prophetic action, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan for salvation beyond Jewish boundaries.
In its original setting, Zarephath was a Phoenician (Gentile) town, culturally and religiously distinct from Israel. Jesus' audience would have viewed it as a foreign, pagan place. His reference was provocative because it implied God favored a Gentile widow over many needy Israelites during Elijah's time, challenging Jewish expectations of privileged status.
Σιδών (Sidōn, G4605) — The larger district or city near Zarephath, often mentioned together in biblical contexts (Luke 4:26).
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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