Brief Overview of Πρίσκιλλα (Strong’s G4252: Priskilla)

Strong’s G4252: A feminine proper noun, the diminutive form of Prisca. In New Testament usage, she appears as a prominent early Christian teacher and leader, often mentioned before her husband Aquila. Her name variations (Prisca/Priscilla) suggest both formal and familiar relationships in early church circles.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πρίσκιλλα represents the diminutive, more familiar form of Prisca, indicating both intimacy and respect in early Christian communities. Her introduction in Acts 18:2 begins a narrative of significant ministry involvement, including teaching Apollo the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26). The early church celebrated her as an example of female leadership and theological instruction. Today, her ministry continues to inform discussions about women’s roles in teaching, leadership, and theological education.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Πρίσκιλλα, Priskilla, pris-KILL-ah
• Detailed Pronunciation: pris (as in ‘prism’) + KILL (stressed) + ah (as in ‘father’)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: From Latin Prisca (“ancient, venerable”)
• Suffix: -ιλλα (-illa) – Latin diminutive suffix
• Combination creates an endearing or familiar form of the name

D – Defining Meanings

• Little Prisca
• Dear Prisca
• Familiar form of “ancient one”

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but uses diminutive suffix to create affectionate form.

Translation Options:

1. Priscilla – Traditional English rendering
2. Priskilla – Transliteration
3. Prisca – Formal version

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Πρίσκα (Priska) [PRIS-kah] – formal version of the name
• Δρούσιλλα (Drusilla) [droo-SILL-ah] – similar Latin diminutive ending
• See G4252

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun:

• Case: Various forms
• Nominative: Πρίσκιλλα
• Genitive: Πρισκίλλης
• Dative: Πρισκίλλῃ
• Accusative: Πρίσκιλλαν
• Number: Singular only
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Cross-references:

• Formal form: Πρίσκα (Prisca)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes her prominence in early Christian ministry. Thayer’s notes the interchangeable use with Prisca. LSJ discusses the Latin diminutive form. Vine’s highlights her role in teaching Apollo. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of both name forms in Roman society.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife [Πρίσκιλλα] Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome.” Acts 18:2

Additional References:
Acts 18:18, Acts 18:26

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πρίσκιλλα demonstrates how the good news of King Jesus empowers all believers for ministry regardless of gender. Her life proclaims that in Christ’s kingdom, women can be both learners and teachers, both followers and leaders. This name reminds us that God’s gifts and calling transcend cultural barriers, and that couples can serve together as equal partners in advancing the gospel.

D – Did You Know?

1. She is named before her husband in several New Testament passages, unusual for that time.
2. Archaeological evidence suggests locations of their house churches in Rome and Ephesus.
3. Early church traditions credit her with significant influence on early Christian theology.

Strong’s G4252: A feminine proper noun, the diminutive form of Prisca. In New Testament usage, she appears as a prominent early Christian teacher and leader, often mentioned before her husband Aquila. Her name variations (Prisca/Priscilla) suggest both formal and familiar relationships in early church circles.

Part of speech: Proper Noun (feminine)

Tags: women in ministry, early church, teaching ministry, house churches, couples in ministry, theological education, Paul’s companions, tentmaking, Roman Christians, female leadership, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​