Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies allows readers to delve into the historical and cultural contexts of Scripture. The Greek word Κούαρτος (Kouartos), first appearing in Romans 16:23, is significant due to its connection with the early Christian community and its Roman cultural context. It represents a personal name, a reminder of the diverse and interconnected nature of the early church. Knowing the people mentioned by Paul provides insight into the church’s structure, relationships, and ministry during the Apostolic Age.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: Κούαρτος (Kouartos) [KOO-ar-tos].

Etymology: The name Κούαρτος is derived from the Latin word “Quartus,” meaning “fourth.” It was commonly used as a Roman personal name, especially for the fourth son or child in a family.

Part of Speech: Noun, Proper Noun, Masculine. Proper nouns in Greek, like Κούαρτος, are often inflected based on their grammatical role in a sentence, following the standard rules for Greek declension.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Quartus: The name Kouartos is directly translated as “Quartus,” which simply identifies the person. There are no additional meanings beyond its use as a proper noun referring to a specific individual in the New Testament.
2. A Christian Brother: In the context of Romans 16:23, Quartus is identified as a “brother” within the Christian community, highlighting his association with the early believers in the Roman world.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Τρέτος (Tretos) [TRE-tos]: Meaning “Third” in Greek, this name might be used similarly to Quartus. However, Tretos would indicate a different order within a family or a grouping.
2. Σεκοῦνδος (Sekoundos) [se-KOUN-dos]: This Greek name, derived from the Latin “Secundus,” means “Second.” It is another personal name reflecting Roman naming conventions that numbered children or individuals.
3. Πρίμος (Primos) [PREE-mos]: This name translates as “First” or “Primary.” It differs in its usage as it might indicate a primacy or leading position among siblings or groups, unlike Quartus, which indicates the fourth.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Κούαρτος is a masculine noun and follows the standard declension pattern for second-declension nouns in Greek.

Given its function as a proper noun, Quartus is typically used in the nominative or accusative forms in the New Testament, depending on the context of its mention. For further insight into Greek grammar and how these forms function, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Quartus is mentioned briefly in the New Testament, with his name appearing in Romans 16:23. The Greek lexicons confirm that Quartus is simply a name derived from Latin, commonly used in Roman society. In the New Testament context, the mention of Quartus as a “brother” implies he was an early Christian, possibly involved in the Roman church or connected to Paul’s ministry in some capacity. Theological implications of Quartus are minimal due to the brevity of his mention, but his presence in Paul’s greetings underlines the inclusivity and reach of the early Christian movement across different cultures. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Romans 16:23: “Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus [Κούαρτος] greet you.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word Κούαρτος (Kouartos) primarily refers to an individual named Quartus, a Christian brother mentioned in Romans 16:23. His presence in Paul’s letter serves as a reminder of the diverse makeup of the early church, which included people from various backgrounds and cultures. The name itself is Roman in origin, reflecting the historical context of early Christianity’s spread across the Roman Empire. Though Quartus is mentioned only once, his inclusion in the scriptural record highlights the interconnectedness of the early Christian community.

Did You Know?

1. The name “Quartus” is Latin in origin, indicating a strong Roman cultural influence even within the early Christian church.
2. Quartus’s mention in Romans suggests that he was well-known enough among the early Christians to be included in Paul’s closing greetings, showing the importance of personal relationships in the spread of the Gospel.
3. The use of numeric names like Quartus was not uncommon in Roman society, particularly among freedmen and those of lower status, reflecting their structured societal roles.