Strong’s G3969: A contracted form of Patrobius, meaning “life of his father” or “father’s life.” A Christian in Rome greeted by Paul. Possibly a freedman connected to Patrobius, a wealthy freedman in Nero’s court. Name represents early Christian diversity and social connections in Rome.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πατροβᾶς appears in Paul’s greetings to the Roman church, representing the diversity of early Christian communities. Though mentioned briefly, the name suggests connections between the church and imperial household. Early church tradition identifies him as one of the seventy disciples. Today, this name reminds us how the gospel transcended social and cultural boundaries in the early church.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Πατροβᾶς, Patrobas, [pa-tro-BAS]
• Detailed pronunciation: pah-tro-BAHS
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Contracted from Πατρόβιος (Patrobios)
• πατρο- (father)
• βίος (life)
• Shortened form common in Koine Greek

D – Defining Meanings

• Personal name meaning “father’s life”
• Contracted form of Patrobius

For compound words:

• πατρο- indicates connection to father
• -βᾶς contracted from βίος (life)

Translation Options:

• Patrobas – Direct transliteration
• Patrobius – Full form
• Father’s Life – Literal meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Πατρόβιος [Patrobios, pa-TRO-bee-os] – full form of name
• Πατροκλῆς [Patroklēs, pa-tro-KLAYS] – another father-compound name
• Πατρόφιλος [Patrophilos, pa-TRO-fee-los] – similar compound name

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Proper Noun
• Masculine Gender
• Third Declension
• Indeclinable in NT usage
• Always appears as Πατροβᾶς
• Cross-references: None in NT

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG suggests possible connection to Nero’s court. Thayer’s notes its contracted form. LSJ connects it to similar names in Roman society. Vine’s emphasizes its appearance in Christian context. Moulton and Milligan note similar names in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas [Πατροβᾶς], Hermes, and the brethren who are with them.” (Romans 16:14)

Additional References:
No other biblical references

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πατροβᾶς exemplifies how the gospel united people across social boundaries in the early church. His inclusion in Paul’s greetings shows that in Christ, distinctions of status fade as all become one family. This continues to encourage us that the gospel creates true community across social divides.

D – Did You Know?

1. Name appears in inscriptions from Nero’s household
2. Early traditions list him among the seventy disciples
3. Several early Roman churches claimed connection to him

Strong’s G3969: A contracted form of Patrobius, meaning “life of his father” or “father’s life.” A Christian in Rome greeted by Paul. Possibly a freedman connected to Patrobius, a wealthy freedman in Nero’s court. Name represents early Christian diversity and social connections in Rome.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: #BiblicalNames #RomanChristians #PaulGreetings #EarlyChurch #Romans #ChurchHistory #Freedmen #RomanEmpire #ChurchCommunity #RomanChristianity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​