Φύγελλος
Phýgellos
G5436 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A personal name, Phygellus; the only attested use is as a proper noun referring to an individual associated with Paul's circle. The name carries no inherent lexical meaning within the New Testament, but is understood as a Greek personal name, possibly connoting 'one who flees' or 'the fugitive' if derived from the verb φεύγω ('to flee').
Semantic Range
a proper noun (personal name, Phygellus); possibly 'one who flees' by derivation, but not functioning as a common noun in the New Testament
Root / Etymology
From φεύγω ('to flee'), compounded with a nominal suffix, forming a personal name. The precise formation and meaning are not fully certain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Phygellus is only mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:15, where Paul refers to him as one who turned away from him ('all those in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes'). The context associates the name with someone who deserted or abandoned Paul, which would align with the possible etymological hint of 'fleeing' or 'desertion.' However, as a personal name, Φύγελλος does not function lexically with the meaning 'fugitive' or 'apostate' in the text; this interpretation is influenced by the context and etymology. The name is rare or unattested elsewhere in Greek literature. English translations sometimes use 'Phygellus' without elaboration; the translation 'apostate Christian' is interpretive and not inherent to the Greek word itself.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from φεύγω; fugitive; Phygellus, an apostate Christian:--Phygellus.
Root Family
φυγ- (Phýgellos) — to flee, to escape
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5436-01 |
Φύγελος | phugelos | N NOM M SG |
Phygelus | Phygellus | Phygellos | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5436-01 |
2 Timothy 1:15 | Φύγελος | phugelos | N NOM M SG |
Phygelus | Phygellus | Phygellos |