3090. Lóis

Lexical Summary

Lóis: Lois

Original Word: Λωΐς
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Lóis
Pronunciation: LO-ees
Phonetic Spelling: (lo-ece')
KJV: Lois
NASB: Lois
Word Origin: [of uncertain origin]

1. Lois, a Christian woman

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Lois.

Of uncertain origin; Lois, a Christian woman -- Lois.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
perhaps akin to Lóión (more desirable, better)
Definition
Lois, a Christian woman
NASB Translation
Lois (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3090: Λωΐς

Λωΐς (WH Λωΐς), Λωισιδος, ἡ, Lois, a Christian matron, the grandmother of Timothy: 2 Timothy 1:5.

Topical Lexicon

Name and Setting

Lois enters the biblical record in 2 Timothy 1:5 as the grandmother of Timothy and the mother of Eunice. Though only mentioned once, her placement in Paul’s final epistle situates her within the close-knit circle of those who shaped the faith of one of the apostle’s most trusted co-workers. The family resided in Lystra (Acts 16:1), a Roman colony in southern Galatia, populated by a blend of Gentile and Jewish influences.

Scriptural Context

Paul writes to Timothy: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and that I am persuaded now lives in you as well” (2 Timothy 1:5). The apostle explicitly traces Timothy’s authentic faith back two generations, treating Lois as the fountainhead of a household legacy that shaped a future pastor-evangelist.

Character and Faith

1. Sincere Faith: Paul affirms that Timothy’s faith is “ἀνυπόκριτον” (unhypocritical). By ascribing that same quality to Lois, he presents her faith as genuine, heartfelt, and free from pretense.
2. Living Faith: The verb “lived” (ἐνέμεινεν) emphasizes vitality; in Lois faith is no abstract creed but a present, animating reality that takes up residence and bears fruit.
3. Intercessory Faith: Though not directly stated, Paul’s thankful remembrance (2 Timothy 1:3-5) implies Lois prayed for Timothy, contributing to his spiritual formation.

Influence upon Timothy

Lois’ influence operated through:
• Instruction in the Scriptures – Timothy “from childhood” knew the “Sacred Writings” (2 Timothy 3:15), a privilege most naturally supplied by his mother and grandmother.
• Example – Her authentic devotion modeled covenantal loyalty before Timothy’s eyes.
• Continuity – By transmitting faith to Eunice first, Lois created a chain of discipleship that reached Timothy and then the churches under his ministry.

Historical Background

A devout Jewish grandmother in a Hellenistic environment faced the pressure of syncretism. Lois evidently honored the Hebrew Scriptures yet embraced Jesus as Messiah, aligning with the diaspora Jewish converts Paul regularly met in synagogues (Acts 13:43). Her acceptance of the gospel suggests openness to apostolic teaching amid cultural tension created by Timothy’s Greek father (Acts 16:1).

Ministry and Theological Significance

• Proof of Household Impact – Lois stands as living evidence that spiritual legacy need not be limited by gender or public office.
• Validation of Multigenerational Discipleship – Paul anchors Timothy’s ministerial credentials not in institutional pedigree but in a family line of authentic faith.
• Illustration of Covenant Continuity – Lois’ faith bridges the Old Covenant Scriptures she taught to Timothy with the New Covenant fulfillment she embraced in Christ.

Legacy in Christian Instruction

The pastoral epistles repeatedly stress teaching “sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:10; Titus 2:1). Lois embodies this mandate within the home, foreshadowing later pastoral charges for older women to teach younger women what is good (Titus 2:3-5). Her silent, faithful labor becomes a template for intergenerational catechesis.

Lessons for Today

• Every believer, regardless of public prominence, can leave an enduring spiritual legacy.
• Grandparents possess strategic influence; intentional Scripture teaching in the home bears fruit far beyond a single generation.
• Authenticity, rather than visibility, marks effective ministry. The church continues to reap the harvest of Lois-like saints whose names seldom grace pulpit or page yet whose faith shapes future leaders.

Forms and Transliterations

Λωιδι Λωίδι Λωΐδι λώμα λώματα λώματος Loidi Loídi Lōidi Lōídi

Englishman's Concordance

2 Timothy 1:5 N-DMS
GRK: μάμμῃ σου Λωίδι καὶ τῇ
NAS: in your grandmother Lois and your mother
KJV: thy grandmother Lois, and thy
INT: grandmother of you Lois and in the

Strong's Greek 3090
1 Occurrence

Λωίδι — 1 Occ.