Learn more about Portugal

Introduction to Portugal (Biblical Perspective)

Although the modern nation of Portugal does not appear by name in the Bible, its precursor region—known as “Iberia” in ancient texts—does. This included both modern-day Spain and Portugal. The name “Iberia” and related terms connect the area to biblical and post-biblical references, framing Portugal within a broader understanding of biblical geography and Judeo-Christian history.

Pronunciation of Portugal

The word “Portugal” is pronounced in English as POR-chuh-guhl. In European Portuguese, it's pronounced closer to POR-too-gahl, with a soft "r" and clear vowel sounds.

Portugal in the Bible

While the specific name “Portugal” isn't found in biblical texts, the region is included under:

• Iberia (Ἰβηρία): Mentioned in post-biblical New Testament writings as a province of the Roman Empire encompassing the modern Iberian Peninsula—Spain and Portugal .

Thus, when scripture mentions travels to “Illyricum” or “Iberia,” it may indirectly encompass the land now known as Portugal.

Historical and Theological Significance

Though absent by name in biblical narratives, Portugal's region played a role:

• Early Christian Spread: Christianity arrived within 100 years of Christ’s resurrection, through missions across Roman Lusitania, the region including Portugal .
• Roman & Visigothic Period: Christianity was established before the fall of Rome and lived on under Visigothic rule, with monastic centers in Braga and Évora, steering cultural and religious formation .
• Reconquista & Kingdom Formation: Christian identity reinforced through the Moorish-reconquest from the 8th–12th centuries, paving the way for Portugal’s formation in 1139 as an independent Christian kingdom .
• Bible Translation: Over centuries, Portuguese-speaking people developed Bible translations, such as the Lisbon Bible (1482/83) and most notably the comprehensive João Ferreira de Almeida translation in the 17th century .

Key Biblical and Historical References

• Iberia referenced in Romans and Acts: Considered the western edge of the early Christian mission field .
• João Ferreira de Almeida (1628–1691): A pivotal Protestant translator whose Portuguese NT (1681) and OT (posthumous) became a basis for future translations .
• The Lisbon Bible: A lavish medieval Hebrew codex produced just before the expulsion of Jews, now prized for its artistry and theological importance .

Related Themes and Meanings

Portugal’s biblical resonance connects through several themes:

• Spread of Christianity: Early missionaries, Roman and Visigothic Christians, and medieval bishops established the faith in the region.
• Missionaries & Exploration: During the Age of Discovery, Portugal carried Christianity to Africa, Asia, and the Americas, tying biblical mandate to global exploration.
• Bible Translation Culture: The acclaimed works of D. Dinis, Alcobaça monks, Almeida, and Trinity Society reflect Portugal’s influence in making Scripture accessible in the vernacular .
• Sepharad and Jewish Heritage: Portuguese Jewish communities (Sepharad) appear indirectly in biblical texts, tying cultural memory to Israel’s diaspora.

Trivia & Interesting Facts

• The earliest known Portuguese Bible fragment, the Lisbon Bible (1482), was completed shortly before Portuguese Jews were expelled.
• João Ferreira de Almeida began his translation at just 16 years old and spent decades on the work during his Dutch East Indies ministry.
• Under the Inquisition (1536–1821), vernacular Bible translations were heavily censored; Latin Vulgate remained the sanctioned text.
• The term “Sepharad,” meaning the Iberian Peninsula in Hebrew, embraces Portuguese biblical legacy as part of Jewish diasporic identity.

Conclusion

Though “Portugal” isn’t directly named in Scripture, its ancient region appears under “Iberia.” The land later became a crucial center for Christian preaching, Bible translation, and global ministry through Portuguese explorers. The heritage woven into biblical, historical, and translation traditions shows Portugal’s enduring role in the transmission, preservation, and spread of biblical faith.