3071. Lukaonia
Lexical Summary
Lukaonia: Lycaonia

Original Word: Λυκαονία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Lukaonia
Pronunciation: loo-kah-o-NEE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (loo-kah-on-ee'-ah)
KJV: Lycaonia
NASB: Lycaonia
Word Origin: [perhaps remotely from G3074 (λύκος - wolves)]

1. Lycaonia, a region of Asia Minor

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Lycaonia.

Perhaps remotely from lukos; Lycaonia, a region of Asia Minor -- Lycaonia.

see GREEK lukos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
perhaps from lukos
Definition
Lycaonia, a region in Asia Minor
NASB Translation
Lycaonia (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3071: Λυκαονία

Λυκαονία, Λυκαονίας, , Lycaonia, a region of Asia Minor, situated between Pisidia, Cilicia, Cappadocia, Galatia and Phrygia, whose chief cities were Lystra, Derbe and Iconium (cf. references in Lightfoot on Colossians, p. 1). Its inhabitants spoke a peculiar and strange tongue the character of which cannot be determined: Acts 14:6. Cf. Winer's RWB, under the word; Lassen, Zeitschr. d. deutsch. morgenl. Gesellsch. x. ('56), p. 378; (Wright, Hittites (1884), p. 56).

Topical Lexicon
Geographical Setting

Lycaonia lay on the high plateau of central Asia Minor, bordered by Pisidia on the west, Phrygia on the northwest, Cappadocia on the east, Cilicia and Isauria on the south, and Galatia on the north. Its landscape of broad, treeless plains made it ideal for grazing, while a network of Roman roads—especially the imperial highway from Ephesus to the Euphrates—brought steady traffic through its cities of Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.

Historical Overview

Centuries before New Testament times the region came under Hittite, Persian, and Macedonian control, but by the first century it had been reorganized by Augustus into the Roman province of Galatia. Although politically in “Galatia,” the inhabitants retained a strong regional identity, reflected in the distinct “Lycaonian language” mentioned in Acts 14:11. Cities were granted varying civic statuses: Iconium a Roman colonia, Lystra a military colony, and Derbe a lesser civic center, each contributing soldiers to Rome’s eastern frontier.

Ethno-Linguistic Context

The population was a blend of indigenous Anatolian tribes, Hellenistic settlers, and transplanted Roman veterans. Greek served commerce and administration, Latin was heard in the colonies, yet the local tongue persisted. This multicultural mosaic helps explain how the same crowd in Acts 14 could understand Paul’s Greek preaching yet erupt in Lycaonian speech when interpreting the miracle through their own mythological lens.

Biblical Occurrence (Acts 14:6)

Acts 14:6 records that Paul and Barnabas, threatened in Iconium, “fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region”. The single occurrence of “Lycaonia” (Λυκαονία) anchors the narrative geographically while introducing one of the most dramatic episodes of the first missionary journey.

Apostolic Ministry in Lycaonia

• Lystra: A cripple is healed (Acts 14:8-10), prompting the locals to hail Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes (14:11-12). The apostles respond, “We are also men, with the same nature as you. We proclaim the good news to you, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God” (14:15).
• Derbe: After being stoned at Lystra and presumed dead, Paul departs for Derbe, where “they preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples” (14:21).
• Return Journey: Paul revisits Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith” (14:22), appointing elders in every church (14:23).

Interaction with Pagan Religion

Lycaonia’s people interpreted apostolic miracles through Greco-Roman mythology, a reminder that evangelism must confront and transform prevailing worldviews. Paul’s sermon at Lystra appeals to natural revelation—“the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them” (14:15)—anticipating themes later developed in Romans 1:19-20.

Formation of Enduring Churches

The congregations birthed in Lycaonia became strategic outposts. Timothy, from Lystra (Acts 16:1), joined Paul’s team and later received the pastoral epistles. Even under opposition, these believers remained steadfast, illustrating the power of discipleship and local leadership (“elders in every church,” Acts 14:23).

Legacy in Later Church History

By the fourth century the region hosted bishops at Iconium and Lystra, and church councils drew representatives from its cities. Although political boundaries shifted (Lycaonia was eventually made a distinct province under Diocletian), the gospel influence endured, testified by early Christian inscriptions and martyr accounts.

Theological Themes and Ministry Lessons

1. Sovereignty of God in Missions: Persecution in Iconium reroutes the apostles to Lycaonia, displaying God’s use of adversity to advance the gospel.
2. Contextualized Witness: Paul adapts his message, moving from synagogue exposition (13:16-41) to creation theology suitable for Gentile hearers (14:15-17).
3. The Church’s Indigenous Strength: Lycaonian assemblies quickly formed leadership structures, showing that mature faith can develop in newly evangelized contexts.
4. Perseverance in Suffering: Paul’s stoning at Lystra followed by immediate return visit models courage and pastoral concern (14:19-22).

Practical Application

Modern ministry in culturally diverse settings echoes Lycaonia’s challenges: crossing language barriers, confronting syncretism, and nurturing fledgling congregations to self-govern. The Lycaonian narrative encourages believers to proclaim Christ boldly, trust the Spirit to open hearts in every culture, and invest in local leadership for lasting gospel impact.

Forms and Transliterations
Λυκαονιας Λυκαονίας Lukaonias Lykaonias Lykaonías
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 14:6 N-GFS
GRK: πόλεις τῆς Λυκαονίας Λύστραν καὶ
NAS: to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra
KJV: cities of Lycaonia, and
INT: cities of Lycaonia Lystra and

Strong's Greek 3071
1 Occurrence


Λυκαονίας — 1 Occ.

3070
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