Greece

Greece (Javan), a nation and culture mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments.

Greece, also known as Javan in the Old Testament, is mentioned several times in the Bible. In the book of Daniel, Greece is symbolized by a male goat in a vision (Dan.8.21) and is described as a kingdom that will rise after Persia (Dan.10.20; 11:2). The prophet Zechariah speaks of Judah being like a bow and Ephraim like an arrow against Greece (Zechariah 9:13). Greece is also listed among the nations to which God will send survivors to proclaim His glory (Isaiah 66:19). In Ezekiel's prophecy, Javan is mentioned as a trading partner of Tyre, providing slaves and bronze vessels (Ezk.27.13,19).

In the New Testament, Greece is mentioned as a region visited by Paul during his missionary journeys (Act.20.2). The term "Hellenist" is used to describe Greek-speaking Jews who had adopted Greek culture (Act.6.1; 9:29; 11:20). These references highlight the significant influence of Greek culture and language in the ancient world, as well as the tension between Greek and Jewish cultures during the time of the early church.

Orginally consisted of the four provinces of Macedonia, Epirus, Achaia, and Peleponnesus. In Acts 20:2 it designates only the Roman province of Macedonia. Greece was conquered by the Romans B.C. 146. After passing through various changes it was erected into an independent monarchy in 1831.

Moses makes mention of Greece under the name of Javan (Gen. 10:2-5); and this name does not again occur in the Old Testament till the time of Joel (3:6). Then the Greeks and Hebrews first came into contact in the Tyrian slave-market. Prophetic notice is taken of Greece in Dan. 8:21.

The cities of Greece were the special scenes of the labours of the apostle Paul.