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Ἑρμῆς

Hermēs

G2060 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Hermēs (Ἑρμῆς): (1) The name of a figure from Greek mythology, recognized as the herald or messenger of the deities, characterized by swiftness and eloquence; (2) A personal name borne by an individual mentioned in early Christian communities, notably in Romans 16:14. The meaning in such contexts is that of a proper name without mythological attribution, unless contextually implied; (3) Does not carry a lexical meaning apart from its function as a proper noun identifying a person.

Semantic Range

Hermes (the deity); Hermes (personal name); Mercury (Roman equivalent); a Christian named Hermes

Root / Etymology

Name of uncertain etymology. In Greek culture, Ἑρμῆς is the name of the deity associated with communication, boundaries, commerce, and messengers. Etymological proposals connect it with ἐρῶ (“to say, speak”) but are not widely accepted and remain speculative.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, Ἑρμῆς referred to the deity Hermes, an important figure in popular mythology as divine messenger and guide. The name was widespread in the Greco-Roman world as a personal name, independent of religious function. In the New Testament (Romans 16:14), Ἑρμῆς refers to a member of the Roman Christian community, indicating the usage of Greek theophoric names among early followers of Jesus. English translations routinely transliterate as 'Hermes.' The use of 'Mercury' reflects Roman syncretism (Hermes = Mercury), but this is not a lexical feature of the Greek term itself. There is no evidence that the New Testament use of the name carried explicit mythological connotation beyond personal identification. No significant contrast with related Greek names; simply a theophoric name common in the wider Hellenistic world.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

perhaps from ἐρέω; Hermes, the name of the messenger of the Greek deities; also of a Christian:--Hermes, Mercury.

Root Family

Ἑρμ- (Hermâs) — Hermas (personal name), proper name formation from Hermes

Root Ἑρμ- personal name, herald, messenger (as in the deity's role)
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G2057 Ἑρμᾶς Hermas

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2060-01 Ἑρμῆν ermen N ACC M SG Hermes Hermes Hermes 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2060-01 Acts 14:12 Ἑρμῆν ermen N ACC M SG Hermes Hermes Hermes
G2060-01 Romans 16:14 Ἑρμῆν ermen N ACC M SG Hermes Hermes Hermes
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