Sacred Service: Τρυφῶσα (Strong’s G5173: Tryphosa) Reveals Transformed Purpose

Strong’s G5173: A feminine proper noun meaning “luxuriating” or “dainty,” Tryphosa appears as a Christian woman worker in Rome. Her name, contrasting with her dedicated service, demonstrates how the gospel transforms worldly values into kingdom purpose.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek name Τρυφῶσα (Tryphosa) derives from words meaning luxury or self-indulgence, suggesting an upper-class background. In the New Testament, she appears alongside Tryphaena in Paul’s greetings to the Roman church, both commended for their hard work in the Lord. The contrast between her aristocratic name and her Christian service powerfully illustrates the gospel’s transformative power. The early church fathers often referenced Τρυφῶσα when discussing how faith transforms social status into service. Today, this name continues to remind believers that the gospel calls all social classes to humble ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Τρυφῶσα, Tryphosa, troo-FO-sah
• Detailed pronunciation: Τρυ (troo) + φῶ (FO) + σα (sah)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τρυφή (tryphe) meaning “luxury”
• Suffix: -ῶσα (-osa) forming feminine participle
• Combined meaning: “luxuriating one”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “luxuriating”
• Dainty one
• Living in luxury
• Delicate lady

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

Translation Options:

1. “Tryphosa” – Transliteration
2. “Luxuriating One” – Meaning translation
3. “Delicate Lady” – Descriptive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

Τρύφαινα (Tryphaena) [TROO-fay-nah] – similar name meaning “delicate” – See G5170
τρυφή (tryphe) [troo-FAY] – luxury – See G5172
τρυφάω (tryphao) [troo-FAH-o] – to live luxuriously – See G5171

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

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

• Nominative: Τρυφῶσα
• Genitive: Τρυφώσης
• Dative: Τρυφώσῃ
• Accusative: Τρυφῶσαν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide insight into Τρυφῶσα’s significance. BDAG emphasizes her role as a Christian worker in Rome. Thayer’s lexicon traces the name’s aristocratic implications. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek society among upper classes. Vine’s expands on its significance regarding transformed values in early Christianity. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds context about similar names in Greek culture. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use among wealthy freed persons.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa [Τρυφῶσαν], those women who work hard in the Lord.” Romans 16:12

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The name Τρυφῶσα powerfully illustrates the transformative power of the gospel. Though her name suggests luxury and ease, she is commended for hard work in the Lord’s service. This promotes the good news by showing how the Messiah transforms worldly values into kingdom purposes. Through Τρυφῶσα, we see that true fulfillment comes not through self-indulgence but through devoted service to God.

D – Did You Know?

1. Τρυφῶσα was a common name among wealthy Roman women
2. Archaeological evidence shows early Christian women leaders with this name
3. The name appears in contrast with “hard work” in Paul’s greeting

Strong’s G5173: A feminine proper noun meaning “luxuriating” or “dainty,” Tryphosa appears as a Christian woman worker in Rome. Her name, contrasting with her dedicated service, demonstrates how the gospel transforms worldly values into kingdom purpose.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: names, women, ministry, service, Roman church, social status, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, transformation, leadership, discipleship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​