Divine Partnership: Τρόφιμος (Strong’s G5161: Trophimos) Reveals Missionary Fellowship

Strong’s G5161: A masculine proper noun meaning “nourished” or “foster child,” Trophimos was an Ephesian Christian who accompanied Paul on his journeys. His name represents the nurturing relationships within early Christian missions and church planting.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek name Τρόφιμος (Trophimos) carries deep significance as both a personal name and a theological concept. Derived from the word for nourishment, it suggests one who has been nurtured or brought up. In the New Testament, Trophimos appears as a Gentile Christian from Ephesus who became one of Paul’s trusted companions. His presence in Paul’s mission team demonstrates the early church’s cross-cultural nature and the nurturing relationships that characterized early Christian ministry. The early church fathers often referenced Τρόφιμος when discussing Gentile inclusion and missionary partnerships. Today, this name continues to exemplify the importance of discipleship and cross-cultural ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Τρόφιμος, Trophimos, TRO-fee-mos
• Detailed pronunciation: Τρό (TRO) + φι (fee) + μος (mos)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Proper Name)

Etymology:

• Root: τροφή (trophe) meaning “nourishment”
• Suffix: -ιμος (-imos) forming adjective/noun
• Combined meaning: “nourished one”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “foster child”
• Nourished one
• Well-brought up person
• Nursling

For compound words: Not applicable as Τρόφιμος is a proper name derived from a simple root

Translation Options:

1. “Trophimus” – Transliteration
2. “Nourished One” – Meaning-based translation
3. “Foster Child” – Conceptual translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

τροφή (trophe) [tro-FAY] – nourishment – See G5160
τροφός (trophos) [tro-FOS] – nurse – See G5162
σύντροφος (syntrophos) [SYN-tro-fos] – foster brother – See G4939

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

As a proper name, it follows standard Greek declension patterns:

• Nominative: Τρόφιμος
• Genitive: Τροφίμου
• Dative: Τροφίμῳ
• Accusative: Τρόφιμον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide insight into Τρόφιμος’s significance. BDAG emphasizes his role as Paul’s Gentile companion. Thayer’s lexicon traces the name’s meaning and its significance in early church history. LSJ documents the name’s use in classical Greek society. Vine’s expands on its theological significance regarding Gentile inclusion. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds context from Hellenistic usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows it was a common name among freed persons and adoptees.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and [Τρόφιμος] from the province of Asia.” Acts 20:4

Additional References:
Acts 21:29, 2 Timothy 4:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The name Τρόφιμος powerfully illustrates the inclusive and nurturing nature of early Christian ministry. As a Gentile believer who became Paul’s trusted companion, he represents how the gospel breaks down cultural barriers and creates new family relationships in the Messiah. Through Τρόφιμος, we see that the good news creates a new community where all believers, regardless of background, are nourished and equipped for service in God’s kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. Τρόφιμος was commonly given to adopted children in ancient times
2. His presence in Jerusalem caused a riot due to Jewish concerns about Gentiles
3. Early church tradition holds he became a bishop in Gaul (modern France)

Strong’s G5161: A masculine proper noun meaning “nourished” or “foster child,” Trophimos was an Ephesian Christian who accompanied Paul on his journeys. His name represents the nurturing relationships within early Christian missions and church planting.

Part of speech: Noun (Proper Name)

Tags: Trophimus, names, Gentile Christians, missions, Paul’s companions, Ephesus, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, church history, discipleship, cross-cultural ministry​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​