Brief Overview of Ἀπολλῶς (G625: Apollōs)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apollōs

Root Words: The name Ἀπολλῶς (Apollōs) is a form of Ἀπόλλων (Apóllōn), referring to the Greek god Apollo. The suffix -ς indicates a personal name.

Primary Meanings:

• Ἀπολλῶς (Apollōs) is a personal name, often used as a variant of Ἀπόλλων (Apollo).
• In the context of the New Testament, it refers to a Christian teacher or preacher mentioned in the Epistle to the Corinthians.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG describes Ἀπολλῶς as a name for Apollo, but in the New Testament context, it is a reference to a prominent Christian teacher, Apollos. BDAG notes that Apollos was a learned Alexandrian who was an eloquent speaker and knowledgeable in the Scriptures.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon identifies Ἀπολλῶς as the name of an early Christian figure, Apollos, and emphasizes his role in the early church as a significant preacher and teacher.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary refers to Ἀπολλῶς primarily as the name of Apollos in the New Testament, highlighting his influence in the early church and his role in spreading the Gospel.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ confirms that Ἀπολλῶς is a variant of Apollo’s name, but in Christian texts, it denotes Apollos, a notable early Christian figure.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes Ἀπολλῶς as a name for Apollos in the New Testament, recognizing him as a significant early church figure known for his eloquence and understanding of the Scriptures.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

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Homer (Iliad, 8th century BCE): Although Homer’s works primarily reference Apollo, the name Apollōs is less frequently used; however, Apollos may be seen in broader contexts as a variant.

Herodotus (Histories, 5th century BCE): Herodotus refers to Apollo in his works, and the name Apollōs can be understood as an adaptation or variant of Apollo’s name.

Euripides (Tragedies, 5th century BCE): Euripides’ plays occasionally use variations of Apollo’s name, illustrating its usage in the broader literary and cultural context of ancient Greece.

4. Summary:

Ἀπολλῶς (Apollōs) primarily functions as a variant of Apollo’s name, but in the New Testament, it refers to Apollos, an influential early Christian preacher and teacher. His role as a significant figure in the early church highlights the transition of the name from a mythological context to an important role within early Christianity. The name’s usage in classical literature further emphasizes its origins and adaptations across different contexts.