Lexical Summary Onésiphoros: Onesiphorus Original Word: Ὀνησίφορος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Onespiphorus. From a derivative of oninemi and phoros; profit-bearer; Onesiphorus, a Christian -- Onespiphorus. see GREEK oninemi see GREEK phoros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as Onésimos and pheró Definition "bringing advantage," Onesiphorus, a Christian NASB Translation Onesiphorus (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3683: ὈνησίφοροςὈνησίφορος, Ὀνησιφόρου, ὁ (i. e. 'profit-bringer'), Onesiphorus, the name of a certain Christian: 2 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:19. Topical Lexicon Identity and Setting Onesiphorus emerges in the Pastoral Epistles as a trusted friend of the apostle Paul during Paul’s final Roman imprisonment. The evidence suggests he was a resident of Ephesus who traveled to Rome for business or ministry and purposefully sought out the apostle once he learned of Paul’s incarceration. Scriptural Occurrences “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well how many ways he served me in Ephesus.” “Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.” Character and Virtues 1. Courage. In an era when association with a condemned prisoner could mean suspicion or persecution, Onesiphorus “was not ashamed” of Paul’s chains. Ministry to Paul Onesiphorus stands as an example of lay support that sustained apostolic mission. Paul was nearing the end of his earthly race (2 Timothy 4:6–8), yet Onesiphorus treated the imprisoned apostle not as a liability but as a servant of Christ in need of encouragement. The friendship embodies the principle that gospel advance relies not only on preachers but also on steadfast helpers (Philippians 4:14–17). The Household of Onesiphorus Paul petitions mercy specifically for the household, implying that the family shared in, or at least supported, the head’s ministry. This fits the New Testament pattern in which entire households align themselves with the faith (Acts 16:31-34; 1 Corinthians 1:16). When Paul greets the household in 2 Timothy 4:19, he does so alongside Prisca and Aquila, another ministry-minded couple, suggesting a network of devoted families in Ephesus. Historical Implications Paul wrote 2 Timothy during Emperor Nero’s persecution (circa AD 64-68). Identifying with a condemned leader of a despised movement posed real danger. Onesiphorus therefore illustrates the resilience of the early church under imperial hostility and highlights the trans-local connections that bound scattered believers together. Theological Significance 1. Embodied Mercy. Paul’s prayer “May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day” shows that divine mercy is often mirrored by human mercy in the present age. Lessons for the Church Today • Pursue those who suffer for Christ, even when it is socially or legally dangerous. Related Biblical Parallels • Philippians 2:25-30 – Epaphroditus risked his life to serve Paul. Summary Though appearing only twice in Scripture, Onesiphorus offers a compelling portrait of sacrificial friendship, perseverance, and family-based ministry in the face of persecution. His diligence refreshed the apostle during the darkest hours of his life, and his example calls every generation to honor suffering believers, support gospel workers, and trust that the Lord will not forget works of mercy done in His name. Forms and Transliterations Ονησιφορου Ὀνησιφόρου Onesiphorou Onesiphórou Onēsiphorou OnēsiphórouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Timothy 1:16 N-GMSGRK: κύριος τῷ Ὀνησιφόρου οἴκῳ ὅτι NAS: to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often KJV: unto the house of Onesiphorus; for INT: Lord to the of Onesiphorus house because 2 Timothy 4:19 N-GMS |
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