Brief Overview of Σεκοῦνδος (Strong’s G4580: Sekoundos)

Strong’s G4580: A Latin name meaning “second,” transliterated into Greek. Secundus was a Thessalonian Christian who accompanied Paul during part of his third missionary journey, representing the early church’s cultural diversity and the spread of the gospel among various peoples.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σεκοῦνδος represents the Hellenization of the Latin name “Secundus,” meaning “second.” Its appearance in Acts 20:4 as the name of a Thessalonian believer illustrates the multicultural nature of the early church. The name’s Latin origin, used by a Greek-speaking Christian from Thessalonica, demonstrates how the gospel transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries. Early church writers noted how such naming patterns reflected the universal reach of Christianity. Today, it reminds us that Christ’s church embraces people from every cultural background.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σεκοῦνδος, Sekoundos, say-KOON-dos
• Detailed pronunciation: Σεκοῦνδος is pronounced with stress on second syllable: ‘say’ as in say, ‘KOON’ as in moon, ‘dos’ as in dose
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Latin name “Secundus” Hellenized into Greek
• From Latin “secundus” meaning “second”
• No Greek etymological components as it is a borrowed name

D – Defining Meanings

• Personal name “Secundus”
• Literally means “second” in Latin
• Indicates second-born or second in sequence

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a transliterated name

Translation Options:

• “Secundus” – Direct transliteration maintaining Latin origin
• “Second” – Literal meaning in English
• “Sekoundos” – Greek transliteration

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πρῶτος (prōtos, PRO-tos) – first See G4413
• δεύτερος (deuteros, DEU-ter-os) – second See G1208
• τρίτος (tritos, TREE-tos) – third See G5154

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular only (as a personal name)
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: 2nd

Examples of case endings:
Nominative: Σεκοῦνδος
Genitive: Σεκούνδου
Dative: Σεκούνδῳ
Accusative: Σεκοῦνδον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies Σεκοῦνδος as a Thessalonian Christian traveling with Paul. Thayer’s notes its Latin origin. LSJ provides context for Latin names in Greek usage. Vine’s mentions its appearance in Acts as a companion of Paul. Strong’s connects it to its Latin meaning. Moulton-Milligan documents similar Latin names in Greek papyri, showing common practice of Hellenizing Roman names.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.” Acts 20:4

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Plutarch: Lives	“A certain Secundus served as an officer in the Roman legion.”
Dio Cassius: History	“Secundus was appointed governor of the province.”
Lucian: Dialogues	“They called him Secundus as he was born after his brother.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σεκοῦνδος exemplifies how the gospel breaks down cultural barriers. A Thessalonian bearing a Latin name, participating in the spread of a faith rooted in Jewish prophecy, demonstrates the unifying power of Christ. His inclusion in Paul’s missionary team shows how the early church embraced diversity while maintaining unity in Christ, a model for today’s global church.

D – Did You Know?

1. Σεκοῦνδος represents one of the earliest examples of Latin Christian names in Greek texts.
2. The name was popular among both slaves and free persons in the Roman Empire.
3. Archaeological evidence shows this name appearing in early Christian inscriptions throughout Greece and Asia Minor.

Strong’s G4580: A Latin name meaning “second,” transliterated into Greek. Secundus was a Thessalonian Christian who accompanied Paul during part of his third missionary journey, representing the early church’s cultural diversity and the spread of the gospel among various peoples.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Secundus, personal names, Thessalonian Christians, Paul’s companions, missionary journey, cultural diversity, early church, Latin names, biblical characters, Acts of the Apostles, church history, multicultural church​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​