Romans - The Meaning and Background of the Names of the Men and Women in Romans Chapter 16 & Bibliography

Walter Cummins

The Meaning and Background of the Names of the Men and Women in Romans 16 Verse 1 PHEBE – “the radiant one,” “brilliant like the sun” In Greek mythology: one of the daughters of Uranus and Gaia. The feminine form of the masculine names Phoebus, Apollo (the Greek sun god) and Artemis. Because she is mentioned first, it is said she probably carried the Epistle of Romans. Verse 3 PRISCILLA – “highly respected ancestry,” “a family tree of age old honor, ancient, long ancestry” It is the diminutive of Prisca, denoting smallness or endearment. Since Priscilla is usually mentioned before Aquila, which is unusual in Eastern culture, she was probably of a higher and larger family than Aquila, as her name suggests. AQUILA – “the eagle” (Hebrew) – “I shall be nourished” This is the name of a northern constellation and ties in with Jesus Christ as “the smitten one falling.” The principle standard of a Roman legion – the office of a standard bearer. Verse 5 EPAENETUS – “a general,” “to be praised or lauded” Verse 6 MARY – (Greek) Maria, “myrrh: precious, living fragrance, incense used in worship of God” (Hebrew) Mariam, “bitterness” (Aramaic) Maryam, “rebellious, contentious, contend, emulate” (Egyptian) Marie, “beloved” Verse 7 ANDRONICUS – “conqueror,” “man of victory” andro: (Greek) aner = male, vital force, masculine nikē = victory JUNIA – “youth” Related names – Julia, Junian, Junias Verse 8 AMPLIAS – “affectionate greeting,” “large, wide” Diminutive of Ampliatus. A common Latin slave name. Same root as “amplified.” (Latin) From the word ampliatio = deferring the decision of a judge. Verse 9 URBANE – “freed by imperial decree,” “of a city,” “refined, suave, courteous and polite” (Latin) – “a citizen” Verse 9 STACHYS – “ear of corn,” “head of grain standing out from the stalk,” “of high honor and standing” An uncommon Greek name. From the Greek word histeemi = to stand. Corn, in the East, is inclusive of all grains. Name linked with imperial households. Verse 10 APELLES – “s