Flaming for the Faith: Φλέγων (Strong’s G5393: phlegon) Ignites Christian Service

Strong’s G5393: A personal name meaning “burning” or “flaming,” derived from φλέγω (phlego). Appears in Paul’s greetings in Romans, likely referring to a Christian worker whose zealous service metaphorically burned bright in the early Roman church.

U- Unveiling the Word

Φλέγων represents more than just a personal name in the New Testament – it embodies the characteristic of burning zeal in service to the Messiah. Derived from φλέγω (phlego), meaning “to burn” or “to flame,” this name likely reflected the bearer’s passionate dedication to the early church. In Romans 16:14, Paul mentions Φλέγων among a group of faithful believers, suggesting he was part of a house church or ministry team in Rome. The metaphorical connection between spiritual fervor and flame appears throughout Scripture, echoing the Holy Spirit’s appearance as tongues of fire at Pentecost. This name serves as a reminder that our service to the Lord should burn bright with passionate devotion.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Φλέγων, phlegon, flee’-gōn
• Pronunciation: FLEE-gohn (long o as in “gone”)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (Masculine)

Etymology:

• Root: φλέγω (phlego) – to burn, to flame
• Suffix: -ων (-ōn) – common ending for masculine proper names, indicating personal attribution

D – Defining Meanings

• A personal name meaning “burning one” or “flaming one”
• Metaphorically represents zealous or passionate service

For compound words: Not a compound word, but derives from the verb φλέγω with the addition of the -ων suffix common in Greek masculine names.

Translation Options:

• Phlegon – Best preserved as transliterated name
• Burning One – Literal meaning but not used in translation
• Flaming – Captures etymology but not used as proper name

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φλέγω (phlego, FLEH-go) – to burn, kindle See G5394
• πυρόω (puroō, poo-RO-oh) – to burn with fire, to be inflamed See G4448
• καίω (kaiō, KAI-oh) – to light, kindle, burn See G2545

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative (subject)
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Third declension

As a proper noun, Φλέγων follows third declension patterns:
Nominative: Φλέγων
Genitive: Φλέγοντος
Dative: Φλέγοντι
Accusative: Φλέγοντα

Cross-reference to verbal form: φλέγω (to burn)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG and other lexicons consistently identify Φλέγων as a proper name derived from φλέγω, emphasizing its connection to burning or flaming. Thayer’s notes its significance as a common slave name in the Roman period, suggesting the bearer may have been a freed person serving in the early church. LSJ provides broader classical usage, showing its metaphorical applications to passionate activity or zealous behavior. Vine’s connects it to the broader New Testament theme of spiritual fervor, while Moulton and Milligan document its usage in papyri as both a personal name and descriptor. The consistent thread through lexical sources is the connection between the name’s meaning and the concept of burning zeal or passion.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon [Φλέγων], Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them.” Romans 16:14

Additional References:
None – this is the only occurrence in Scripture.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Φλέγων exemplifies how even a name can carry profound spiritual significance in Scripture. Though mentioned only once, this name meaning “burning one” reminds us of the fervent spirit that should characterize believers’ service to the Lord. Just as the Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire, and just as Paul exhorts us to be “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,” Φλέγων’s name embodies the passionate dedication that marks true discipleship. This burning zeal for the Lord reflects the transformative power of the good news of King Jesus, which ignites hearts with divine purpose and unquenchable devotion.

D – Did You Know?

• Φλέγων was a relatively common name for slaves in Roman society
• The name shares its root with the modern English word “phlegmatic,” though ironically this means calm or stoic
• Archaeological evidence suggests there was a early Christian catacomb in Rome where a person named Φλέγων was buried

Strong’s G5393: A personal name meaning “burning” or “flaming,” derived from φλέγω (phlego). Appears in Paul’s greetings in Romans, likely referring to a Christian worker whose zealous service metaphorically burned bright in the early Roman church.

Part of speech: Proper Noun (Masculine)

Tags: names, proper-nouns, roman-church, paul, greetings, zeal, service, fire, burning, flame, metaphor, biblical-names, christian-workers​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​