3564. Numpha
Lexical Summary
Numpha: Numpha

Original Word: Νύμφαν
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Numpha
Pronunciation: NOOM-fah
Phonetic Spelling: (noom-fas')
KJV: Nymphas
NASB: Nympha
Word Origin: [probably contracted for a compound of G3565 (νύμφη - bride) and G1435 (δῶρον - gifts)]

1. nymph-given (i.e. -born)
2. Nymphas, a Christian

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Nymphas.

Probably contracted for a compound of numphe and doron; nymph-given (i.e. -born); Nymphas, a Christian -- Nymphas.

see GREEK numphe

see GREEK doron

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from numphé
Definition
Nympha, a Christian of Laodicea
NASB Translation
Nympha (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3564: νύμφας

νύμφας, Νύμφα, (perhaps contracted from νυμφοδωρος; cf. Winers Grammar, 102f (97); on accent cf. Chandler § 32), Nymphas, a Christian inhabitant of Laodicea: Colossians 4:15 (L WH Tr marginal reading read Νύμφαν, i. e. Nympha, the name of a woman; see especially Lightfoot ad loc, and p. 256).

Topical Lexicon
Name and Occurrence

Nympha is named once in the New Testament, in Colossians 4:15, where Paul writes, “Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.”

Context within Colossians

Paul’s closing greetings in Colossians link three congregations—Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis—emphasizing cooperation and mutual encouragement (Colossians 4:13). By singling out Nympha, Paul highlights a believer whose household served as a meeting place for the Laodicean assembly. The greeting both honors her faithfulness and reinforces the interconnectedness of neighboring churches.

House Churches and Hospitality

First-century believers commonly gathered in homes (Acts 12:12; Romans 16:5; Philemon 1:2). Nympha’s house church exemplifies the pattern of hospitality that facilitated fellowship, teaching, and evangelism before dedicated church buildings existed. Her willingness to open her home echoes Lydia’s invitation, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” (Acts 16:15) Such hospitality advanced the gospel by providing safe places for worship and discipleship.

Gender and Manuscript Variance

Most modern translations, following early Alexandrian manuscripts, read the feminine name Nympha with the pronoun “her.” A minority tradition preserves the masculine form Nymphas and the pronoun “his.” Either reading affirms the principle that both men and women exercised significant ministries in the apostolic church. The rendering reflects the majority scholarly decision favoring the feminine.

Relationship to Laodicea

Laodicea lay roughly ten miles from Colossae, and Paul expected the two congregations to share letters (Colossians 4:16). Nympha’s house likely functioned as a strategic hub for believers in a prosperous commercial center later rebuked for spiritual lukewarmness (Revelation 3:14-22). Her faithful service therefore stands in contrast to the city’s later complacency, underscoring the importance of steadfast commitment in every generation.

Lessons for Ministry Today

1. The gospel advances through ordinary homes offered in service to Christ.
2. Individual believers—regardless of gender—play indispensable roles in local church life.
3. Inter-church cooperation strengthens doctrine, fosters accountability, and guards against stagnation.
4. Hospitality remains a vital spiritual discipline that tangibly expresses love for the saints (Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:9).

Though briefly mentioned, Nympha’s legacy encourages believers to steward their resources for the gathered people of God, demonstrating that a single household devoted to Christ can leave an enduring mark on the church’s history.

Forms and Transliterations
Νυμφαν Νύμφαν νυμφεύσεως Numphan Nymphan Nýmphan
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Colossians 4:15 N-AMS
GRK: ἀδελφοὺς καὶ Νύμφαν καὶ τὴν
NAS: who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church
KJV: Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church
INT: brothers and Nympha and the

Strong's Greek 3564
1 Occurrence


Νύμφαν — 1 Occ.

3563
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