Lexical Summary Numpha: Numpha Original Word: Νύμφαν 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 Originfrom numphé Definition Nympha, a Christian of Laodicea NASB Translation Nympha (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3564: νύμφαςνύμφας, Νύμφα, ὁ (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. 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 NýmphanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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