Lexical Summary Hermas: Hermas Original Word: Ἑρμᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hermas. Probably from Hermes; Hermas, a Christian -- Hermas. see GREEK Hermes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Hermés Definition Hermas, a Christian at Rome NASB Translation Hermas (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2057: ἙρμᾶςἙρμᾶς, accusative Ἑρμᾶν (cf. Buttmann, 20 (18)), ὁ (Doric for Ἑρμῆς), Hermas, a certain Christian (whom Origen and others thought to be the author of the book entitled The Shepherd (cf. Salmon in Dict. of Chris. Biog. under the word Hermas 2)): Romans 16:14. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Appearance and Setting Hermas is named once in the New Testament, within Paul’s closing greetings to the Roman believers: “Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them.” Romans 16:14. His placement among a cluster of five other men, together with “the brothers with them,” indicates a house-church circle or ministry team active in the imperial capital during the mid-first century. Social and Cultural Background The name Hermas was common in the Greco-Roman world, suggesting Gentile origin. That Paul addresses him without ethnic qualifier or title reflects the gospel’s power to transcend social and cultural boundaries (Galatians 3:28). The Roman church was famously diverse (Romans 1:13-15); Hermas’s inclusion showcases the integrated nature of early Christian fellowship, uniting Jews, Greeks, freedmen, and nobles around Christ. Ministry Profile Although Scripture gives no direct biography, several clues emerge: Historical Traditions Second-century writers knew of a Hermas linked to Rome: the author of The Shepherd of Hermas, an influential devotional work. The Muratorian Fragment identifies that author as the brother of Bishop Pius I (circa AD 140). While intriguing, no firm evidence equates Paul’s companion with the later writer; at most, the tradition shows how the name Hermas remained associated with faithful service in Rome. Doctrinal and Pastoral Significance 1. Recognition of Hidden Labor. Hermas reminds believers that God records every act of service, however unnoticed by history (Hebrews 6:10). Legacy and Application For pastors and lay workers, Hermas exemplifies perseverance where the need is greatest. Rome’s environment—political scrutiny, cultural pluralism, and moral decadence—mirrors many contemporary urban contexts. Faithful believers who support gospel witness in such places stand in Hermas’s lineage. Remembered forever by one biblical line, he nevertheless shares eternity’s reward with apostles and prophets, encouraging all disciples to “abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not futile” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Related References for Study Acts 18:24-28; Romans 16:3-16; 1 Corinthians 12:4-27; Philippians 4:3; Colossians 4:7-14; Hebrews 6:10; 1 Peter 4:10-11. Forms and Transliterations Ερμαν Ἑρμᾶν Erman Herman HermânLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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