2458. Iounias

Lexicon

Iounias: Junias

Original Word: Ἰουνίας
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Iounias
Pronunciation: ee-oo-NEE-as
Phonetic Spelling: (ee-oo-nee'-as)
Definition: Junias
Meaning: Junia, Junias, a Roman Christian.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Junias.

Of Latin origin; Junias, a Christian -- Junias.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of Latin origin
Definition
Junias, a kinsman of Paul
NASB Translation
Junias (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2458: Ἰουνιᾶς

Ἰουνιᾶς (others, Ἰουνιᾶς, as contracted from Junianus; cf. Winer's Grammar, 102f (97)), Ἰουνια (but cf. Buttmann, 17f (16)), ὁ, Junias, a convert from Judaism, Paul's kinsman and fellow-prisoner: Romans 16:7 ((here A. V. Junia (a woman's name) which is possible). The name occurs again as the name of a Christian at Rome in Romans 16:15 Lachmann marginal reading (where others, Ἰουλίαν).)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: The name Ἰουνίας is of Latin origin, likely derived from the Roman family name "Junius."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Hebrew equivalents for the Greek name Ἰουνίας, as it is of Latin origin and specific to the New Testament context. However, the concept of apostleship can be related to Hebrew terms for "sent ones" or "messengers," such as שָׁלוּחַ (shalach) in the Old Testament context.

Usage: The name Ἰουνίας appears in the New Testament in Romans 16:7, where Paul sends greetings to Andronicus and Ἰουνίας, describing them as "outstanding among the apostles."

Context: The name Ἰουνίας is mentioned in Romans 16:7: "Greet Andronicus and Junias, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was" (BSB). This verse has been the subject of considerable scholarly debate, particularly regarding the gender of Ἰουνίας and the interpretation of "outstanding among the apostles."

Traditionally, Ἰουνίας has been considered a male name, "Junias," and thus interpreted as a male apostle. However, some modern scholars argue that the name could be feminine, "Junia," suggesting that Paul was referring to a female apostle. The debate centers on the grammatical and historical context of the name, as well as early church writings and translations.

The phrase "outstanding among the apostles" has also been discussed extensively. Some interpret this to mean that Andronicus and Ἰουνίας were highly regarded by the apostles, while others suggest that they were themselves considered apostles, indicating a broader understanding of apostolic ministry in the early church.

Regardless of the gender or specific role, Ἰουνίας is recognized as a significant figure in the early Christian community, noted for their faith and service.

Forms and Transliterations

Ιουνιαν Ἰουνιᾶν Ἰουνίαν Iounian Iounían

Englishman's Concordance

Romans 16:7 N-AFS
GRK: Ἀνδρόνικον καὶ Ἰουνίαν τοὺς συγγενεῖς
NAS: Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen
KJV: Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen,
INT: Andronicus and Junias kinsmen

Strong's Greek 2458
1 Occurrence

Ἰουνίαν — 1 Occ.