Brief Overview of ῥώννυμι (Strong’s G4517: rhōnnymi)

Strong’s G4517: A verb meaning “to strengthen, make strong,” appearing in the New Testament only in its perfect passive imperative form ἔρρωσθε (“farewell, be strong”). Used as a standard closing formula in letters, particularly in Acts, conveying both a blessing and encouragement.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term ῥώννυμι, while literally meaning “to strengthen,” appears in the New Testament exclusively in its perfect passive imperative form ἔρρωσθε as a farewell greeting. In Acts 15:29, it concludes the Jerusalem Council’s letter to Gentile believers, carrying both formal and pastoral significance. The use of this conventional Greek farewell formula in an apostolic letter demonstrates how early Christians adapted cultural conventions while infusing them with spiritual meaning. Early church letters often concluded with this greeting, combining respect for formal communication with Christian blessing. Today, this word reminds us how Christian communication can embrace cultural forms while conveying spiritual encouragement.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥώννυμι, rhōnnymi, /rho’-noo-mee/
• Pronunciation Guide: “rho” (like ‘row’), “noo” (like ‘new’), “mee” (like ‘me’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: Proto-Indo-European *wer- (to raise, lift)
• Reduplicated present stem ῥω-
• Suffix: -νυμι (present tense suffix for certain verbs)
• Combined meaning: to make strong, strengthen

D – Defining Meanings

• To strengthen
• To make strong
• To bid farewell (in perfect passive form)
• To express good wishes

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but uses the -νυμι suffix characteristic of certain Greek verbs

Translation Options:

• “farewell” – standard translation of the epistolary formula
• “be strengthened” – more literal translation
• “be well” – capturing the well-wishing aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χαίρω (chairō) /khah’-ee-ro/ – to rejoice, greet See G5463 – another greeting formula
• ὑγιαίνω (hygiainō) /hoog-ee-ah’-ee-no/ – to be healthy See G5198 – related to well-being
• ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai) /as-pad’-zom-ahee/ – to greet See G782 – formal greeting

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Perfect (in NT usage)
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Imperative
• Person: Second
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Stative

Example forms:

• Present active: ῥώννυμι (I strengthen)
• Perfect passive: ἔρρωμαι (I have been strengthened)
• Perfect passive imperative: ἔρρωσθε (farewell/be strong)

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: ῥωμαλέος (strong)
• Related noun: ῥώμη (strength)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes ῥώννυμι’s epistolary usage in formal correspondence. Thayer’s notes its development from physical strengthening to farewell formula. LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use in classical letters. Vine’s highlights its specialized use in Acts. Strong’s connects it to the concept of strengthening. LEH notes its common use in Hellenistic Jewish letters. Moulton and Milligan demonstrate its widespread use in papyrus letters.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell. (Acts 15:29)

Additional References:
Acts 23:30

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ῥώννυμι beautifully illustrates how King Jesus’s message can be conveyed through cultural forms while maintaining spiritual depth. Its use in the Jerusalem Council’s letter shows how the early church combined formal respect with Christian love. This reminds us that the gospel message can be communicated through various cultural expressions while maintaining its transformative power.

D – Did You Know?

1. The perfect passive form ἔρρωσθε became so standard in letters that it was often abbreviated to a single letter.
2. Early Christian letters sometimes modified this farewell with additions like “in the Lord.”
3. The word influenced the development of farewell formulas in several ancient Christian communities.

Strong’s G4517: A verb meaning “to strengthen, make strong,” appearing in the New Testament only in its perfect passive imperative form ἔρρωσθε (“farewell, be strong”). Used as a standard closing formula in letters, particularly in Acts, conveying both a blessing and encouragement.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: farewell, strengthen, letter closing, Acts, epistolary formula, Jerusalem Council, formal communication, blessing, encouragement, cultural adaptation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​