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Ἀπελλῆς

Apellēs

G559 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A proper noun designating an individual named Apellēs; used as a personal name in the Roman world. In the New Testament, it refers specifically to one individual greeted by Paul in Romans 16:10, who is described as being 'approved in Christ.' Outside of New Testament context, the name is an attested Greco-Roman personal name.

Semantic Range

personal name, Greco-Roman male individual, specific individual greeted by Paul in Romans 16:10

Root / Etymology

Of Latin origin; borrowed into Greek as Ἀπελλῆς (Apellēs) from the Latin Apelles or possibly Greek Ἀπελλής. The Greek name itself existed prior to the Latin period, known notably for the classical Greek painter Apelles. Ultimately, the origin is pre-Roman but widely used in Latin-speaking regions.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the New Testament, Ἀπελλῆς appears only in Romans 16:10, a passage in which Paul sends greetings to several believers in Rome. The name, though of Greco-Roman origin, is not specific to one ethnic or religious group; it was used throughout the Mediterranean world. In classical Greek, Ἀπελλῆς is best known as the name of a prominent 4th-century BCE painter. The Septuagint does not attest this name. The New Testament usage likely reflects the adoption of common Greco-Roman names among early Christ-followers and does not itself encode religious or ethnic identity. Standard English translations transliterate the name and may include traditional interpretations of identity ('a Christian'), but the Greek text simply offers a personal greeting without further description. There is no evidence within New Testament or early Christian literature to link the name to any particular group.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Latin origin; Apelles, a Christian:--Apelles.

Root Family

Ἀπελλῆς (Apellēs) — personal name; to call; assembly (etymological root)

Root ἀπελλ- to call, assembly (see etymological note); personal name

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G559-01 Ἀπελλῆν apellen N ACC M SG Apelles Apellēs Apelles 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G559-01 Romans 16:10 Ἀπελλῆν apellen N ACC M SG Apelles Apellēs Apelles
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