Φοίβη
Phoíbē
G5402 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper name, Phoebe; a woman's personal name derived from a term meaning 'bright' or 'radiant.' In the New Testament, refers to a specific woman recognized as a notable member and benefactor of the early assembly at Cenchreae. The core meaning relates to brightness or shining, but as a proper noun, it functions as a name rather than a common noun.
Semantic Range
proper name (Phoebe), brightness (by etymological association only); no non-personal uses in Koine Greek corpus
Root / Etymology
From the adjective φοῖβος (phoîbos), meaning 'bright, radiant, pure,' ultimately connected to φῶς (phōs), 'light.' In Greek mythology, Φοίβη (Phoebe) was also the name of a Titan goddess associated with brightness and the moon. The personal name draws upon these associations. Not directly related to a common noun or verb root, but to the adjectival idea of brightness.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Φοίβη appears only in Romans 16:1, where she is identified as a prominent woman in the community at Cenchreae, near Corinth, variously described as διάκονος ('servant, minister') and προστάτις ('benefactor, patron') of many, including Paul. The name was common in Hellenistic and Roman society, often alluding to the mythological Titan Phoebe. Later tradition often refers to her as 'Phebe' and attributes to her various roles, including the legendary first deaconess, but such designations develop after the New Testament period. English translations render her name phonetically (Phebe, Phoebe) and do not translate the underlying meaning ('bright, radiant'). Unlike most NT names with Semitic or biblical backgrounds, Φοίβη is of Greek pagan origin, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of early members of Jesus-movement communities.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine of (bright; probably akin to the base of φῶς); Phœbe, a Christian woman:--Phebe.
Root Family
Φοίβη (Phoíbē) — bright, radiant, shining
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5402-01 |
Φοίβην | phoiben | N ACC F SG |
Phoebe | Phoebe | Phoibe | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5402-01 |
Romans 16:1 | Φοίβην | phoiben | N ACC F SG |
Phoebe | Phoebe | Phoibe |