Sacred Service: Τρύφαινα (Strong’s G5170: Tryphaena) Reveals Women’s Ministry

Strong’s G5170: A feminine proper noun meaning “delicate” or “dainty,” Tryphaena appears as a Christian woman worker in Rome. Her name and commendation by Paul demonstrate the significant role of women in early church ministry and leadership.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek name Τρύφαινα (Tryphaena) comes from the word for luxury or delicacy, suggesting an upper-class background. In the New Testament, she appears in Paul’s greetings to the Roman church, where she is commended for her hard work in the Lord. The contrast between her aristocratic name and her Christian service demonstrates how faith transformed social status into service. The early church fathers often referenced Τρύφαινα when discussing women’s ministry roles and the transformative power of the gospel. Today, this name continues to remind believers that all social classes are called to humble service in God’s kingdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Τρύφαινα, Tryphaena, TROO-fay-nah
• Detailed pronunciation: Τρύ (TROO) + φαι (fay) + να (nah)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τρυφή (tryphe) meaning “softness/luxury”
• Suffix: -αινα (-aina) forming feminine name
• Combined meaning: “delicate one”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “delicate”
• Dainty one
• Luxurious one
• Refined lady

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

Translation Options:

1. “Tryphaena” – Transliteration
2. “Delicate One” – Meaning translation
3. “Dainty Lady” – Descriptive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

Τρυφῶσα (Tryphosa) [troo-FO-sah] – similar name meaning “luxuriating” – See G5173
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: Τρύφαινα
• Genitive: Τρυφαίνης
• Dative: Τρυφαίνῃ
• Accusative: Τρύφαιναν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide insight into Τρύφαινα’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 women’s roles 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 it was a common name among wealthy freed persons.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

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

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The name Τρύφαινα powerfully illustrates how the gospel transforms social status into service. Though her name suggests aristocratic luxury, she is commended for hard work in the Lord. This promotes the good news by showing how the Messiah’s kingdom transcends social barriers, calling all believers to humble service regardless of background. Through Τρύφαινα, we see that true nobility in God’s kingdom is measured by service, not status.

D – Did You Know?

1. Τρύφαινα was a common name among Roman aristocracy
2. Archaeological evidence shows early Christian women leaders with this name
3. The name appears on ancient Christian burial inscriptions

Strong’s G5170: A feminine proper noun meaning “delicate” or “dainty,” Tryphaena appears as a Christian woman worker in Rome. Her name and commendation by Paul demonstrate the significant role of women in early church ministry and leadership.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

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