Cautionary Tale: Φύγελλος (Strong’s G5436: Phugelos) Warns Against Desertion

Strong’s G5436: A person mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:15 who, along with Hermogenes, turned away from Paul. The name, possibly derived from φεύγω (to flee), became symbolic in early church writings of those who abandon the faith under pressure. Represents a warning against apostasy.

U- Unveiling the Word

Φύγελλος appears only once in the New Testament, yet carries significant weight in understanding early church dynamics and the challenges faced by the apostles. As one who turned away from Paul during his imprisonment, the name became emblematic of spiritual desertion. Early church fathers often referenced Φύγελλος when discussing the serious nature of abandoning the faith or fellow believers under persecution. The name’s possible etymology, connected to the concept of fleeing, adds deeper meaning to his actions. Today, this name serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of perseverance in faith and the reality that not all who begin the journey will remain faithful to the end.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Φύγελλος, Phugelos, foo’-gel-los
• Pronunciation: ‘foo’ as in ‘food’, ‘gel’ as in ‘gel’, ‘los’ as in ‘loss’
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Possibly derived from φεύγω (pheugo) meaning “to flee”
• -ελλος (-ellos): Greek personal name suffix

D – Defining Meanings

• Personal name of a man who deserted Paul
• Symbolic representation of apostasy
• Example of unfaithfulness in ministry

For compound words: Not a compound word, but possibly combines the root meaning “to flee” with a personal name suffix.

Translation Options:

• “Phygellos” – standard transliteration
• “Fugellus” – Latin form
• “The Deserter” – interpretive translation based on context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Ἑρμογένης (Hermogenes) [her-mog-en’-ace] – mentioned alongside Phygellos. See G2061
• Δημᾶς (Demas) [day-mas’] – another who deserted Paul. See G1214
• φεύγω (pheugo) [fyoo’-go] – related verb meaning “to flee”. See G5343

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Nominal Features:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

The name appears in various cases:

• Nominative: Φύγελλος (Phygellos)
• Genitive: Φυγέλλου (of Phygellos)
• Accusative: Φύγελλον (Phygellos as object)

Cross-references:

• φυγή (phuge) – noun meaning “flight”
• φυγάς (phugas) – noun meaning “fugitive”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide valuable context about Φύγελλος and his significance. BDAG treats him as a historical figure who abandoned Paul during his Roman imprisonment. Thayer’s suggests a possible connection between his name and his actions. LSJ notes the name’s occurrence in secular Greek sources. Vine’s emphasizes the contextual significance of his desertion alongside Hermogenes. Strong’s connects the name etymologically to the concept of fleeing. Moulton and Milligan note similar names in papyri from the period. Together, these sources paint a picture of someone whose name became synonymous with desertion from the faith, though little is known about him beyond Paul’s brief mention.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are [Phygellus (Φύγελλος)] and Hermogenes. (2 Timothy 1:15)

Additional References:
No additional references in Scripture.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Φύγελλος stands as a cautionary figure in early Christian history, reminding us that even those close to the apostles could fall away. His story, though brief, powerfully illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of perseverance. Yet, the gospel message shines brighter through this account, showing that Christ’s church prevails despite human failures. It reminds us that our hope lies not in human faithfulness but in Christ’s unchanging faithfulness to His people, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith regardless of others’ actions.

D – Did You Know?

1. His name may be a play on words, reflecting his action of fleeing
2. Early church traditions suggest he was once a prominent leader in Asia Minor
3. He is often paired with Hermogenes in early Christian cautionary tales

Strong’s G5436: A person mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:15 who, along with Hermogenes, turned away from Paul. The name, possibly derived from φεύγω (to flee), became symbolic in early church writings of those who abandon the faith under pressure. Represents a warning against apostasy.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: desertion, apostasy, Paul, persecution, warning, faithfulness, Asia Minor, early church, abandonment, cautionary tale​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​