Brief Overview of Στάχυς (Strong’s G4720: Stachys)

Strong’s G4720: A proper name meaning “ear of corn,” given to a male Christian in Rome whom Paul describes as “beloved” in his letter to the Romans. The name reflects the common Greek practice of using agricultural terms as personal names.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στάχυς represents both a personal name and a meaningful metaphor. As a proper name derived from the common noun for “ear of grain,” it reflects the Greek custom of giving agricultural names that carried connotations of fruitfulness and prosperity. In the New Testament, this believer is specifically mentioned as “beloved” by Paul, suggesting a close relationship in ministry. Early church traditions saw significance in his agricultural name as representing spiritual fruitfulness. Today, it reminds us how early Christians often bore names that reflected spiritual qualities or aspirations.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Στάχυς, Stachys, STAKH-oos
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stand) + akh (as in Bach) + oos (as in loose)
• Part of Speech: Noun (proper name, masculine)

Etymology:

• From στάχυς (stachys) – ear of grain
• Used as a personal name
• Identical to common noun for grain

D – Defining Meanings

• Personal name “Ear of Grain”
• Male proper name
• Name symbolizing fruitfulness

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

Translation Options:

• “Stachys” – transliteration
• “Ear of Grain” – literal meaning
• “Corn-Ear” – alternate translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Κάρπος (Karpos) [KAR-pos] – another name meaning “fruit” – See G2591
• στάχυς (stachys) [STAKH-oos] – common noun for ear of grain – See G4719
• σπόρος (sporos) [SPO-ros] – seed, related agricultural term – See G4703

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this proper noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular only (as personal name)
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: Στάχυς (Stachys)
• Genitive: Στάχυος (of Stachys)
• Accusative: Στάχυν (Stachys as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes its unique appearance as a proper name. Thayer’s connects it to agricultural meaning. LSJ documents use as personal name in Greek culture. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical significance. Strong’s connects it to grain imagery. LEH notes absence in Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show examples in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 16:9: “Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys [Στάχυς], my beloved.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στάχυς reminds us that our identity in the Messiah can reflect spiritual truth even through our names. It proclaims the good news that in Christ’s kingdom, every believer has the potential for spiritual fruitfulness. This name challenges us to live up to the metaphorical meaning it carries – bearing fruit for God’s kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

• Agricultural names were considered auspicious in Greek culture
• Early Christian tradition suggests Stachys became a bishop in Byzantium
• The name appears in ancient Greek inscriptions before its New Testament usage

Strong’s G4720: A proper name meaning “ear of corn,” given to a male Christian in Rome whom Paul describes as “beloved” in his letter to the Romans. The name reflects the common Greek practice of using agricultural terms as personal names.

Part of speech: Noun (proper name)

Tags: names, proper-names, Roman-church, Pauls-friends, early-Christians, agricultural-names, Greek-names, church-members, beloved, fellow-workers, Romans-epistle, Christian-names, personal-names, biblical-people, church-history​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​