Lexical Summary Priska: Prisca, Priscilla Original Word: Πρίσκα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Prisca, PriscillaOf Latin origin; feminine of Priscus, ancient; Priska, a Christian woman -- Prisca. See also Priscilla. see GREEK Priscilla NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Prisca, a Christian and the wife of Aquila NASB Translation Prisca (3), Priscilla (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4251: ΠρίσκαΠρίσκα, ἡ (accusative, Πρίσκαν), Prisca (a Latin name (literally, 'ancient')), a Christian woman, wife of Aquila (concerning whom see Ἀκύλας): Romans 16:3 G L T Tr WH; 1 Corinthians 16:19, Lachmann's stereotyped edition; T Tr WH; 2 Timothy 4:19. She is also called by the diminutive name Πρίσκιλλα (better (with all editions) Πρίσκιλλα, see Chandler § 122; Etym. Magn. 19, 50f) (cf. Livia, Livilla; Drusa, Drusilla; Quinta, Quintilla; Secunda, Secundilla): Acts 18:2, 18, 26; besides, Romans 16:3 Rec.; 1 Corinthians 16:19 R G L. Topical Lexicon Identity and MeaningPrisca (Greek Πρίσκα, Priska) is the formal name of the woman more commonly called Priscilla (see Strong’s Greek 4252). Both forms refer to the same Jewish believer who, together with her husband Aquila, became a prominent co-laborer of the Apostle Paul. The couple’s background in Pontus (Acts 18:2) and sojourn in Rome place them among the dispersed Jews who embraced Jesus as Messiah and played a vital role in the spread of the gospel across the Mediterranean. Occurrences of the Form “Prisca” • 1 Corinthians 16:19 In each passage the name appears in the more official form “Prisca,” while Luke’s narrative in Acts and the author of 2 Timothy elsewhere employ the diminutive “Priscilla.” The interchangeable use underscores both personal familiarity and respectful recognition within the early churches. Scriptural Portrait 1. Corinth (Acts 18:1–11; 1 Corinthians 16:19) Claudius’ edict expelled Jews from Rome around A.D. 49. Aquila and Prisca took up their trade of tentmaking in Corinth, where Paul “stayed and worked with them, for they were tentmakers by trade” (Acts 18:3). Their shared labor fostered a spiritual partnership that matured into missionary collaboration. 2. Ephesus (Acts 18:18–28) Prisca accompanied Paul to Ephesus, remaining there with Aquila to establish a house church (1 Corinthians 16:19). Their discernment and doctrinal precision are highlighted when they “explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26) to the eloquent Apollos. 3. Rome (Romans 16:3–5) By the mid-fifties the couple had returned to the imperial capital, where Paul greets them warmly: “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life” (Romans 16:3–4). The gratitude of “all the churches of the Gentiles” testifies to their widespread influence. 4. Final Years (2 Timothy 4:19) Near the end of Paul’s ministry, he still thinks affectionately of the couple: “Greet Prisca and Aquila.” Tradition places their later ministry again in Ephesus, consistent with Timothy’s presence there (1 Timothy 1:3). Partnership with Aquila Scripture almost always names Prisca alongside Aquila, and in several instances lists her first (Acts 18:18, Romans 16:3). The pairing reflects a marriage marked by spiritual equality and united purpose. Their common occupation provided mobility and self-support, enabling them to plant and strengthen churches without burdening local congregations. Hospitality and House Churches Prisca opened her home to believers in both Ephesus and Rome: • “Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets at their house” (1 Corinthians 16:19). These texts reveal the essential role of household assemblies during the apostolic era. Prisca’s hospitality furnished a stable base for worship, teaching, and outreach in two of the most strategic cities of the first-century world. Teaching Ministry Acts 18:26 records Prisca collaborating with Aquila to instruct Apollos privately, correcting gaps in his understanding of “the way of God.” Her inclusion underscores the biblical pattern of mature women contributing to doctrinal clarity within appropriate settings, thereby strengthening the wider mission of the church. Faithful Sufferers and Co-Workers Paul’s testimony that Prisca and Aquila “risked their necks” (Romans 16:4) signals tangible sacrifice—whether by sheltering Paul during persecution, interceding with civil authorities, or publicly identifying with the apostle in hostile climates. Their steadfastness exemplifies the cost of discipleship and the bond forged among early Christian workers. Legacy and Ministry Significance • Model of husband-wife ministry teams who combine vocation, hospitality, and mission. Through the three brief mentions of the name form “Prisca,” the New Testament captures a life of quiet yet far-reaching impact. Her commitment to the Lord, partnership with Aquila, and service alongside Paul continue to inspire believers toward courageous, hospitable, and doctrinally sound ministry. Forms and Transliterations Πρισκα Πρίσκα Πρισκαν Πρίσκαν Priska Príska Priskan PrískanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 16:3 N-AFSGRK: Ἀσπάσασθε Πρίσκαν καὶ Ἀκύλαν NAS: Greet Prisca and Aquila, INT: greet Prisca and Aquila 1 Corinthians 16:19 N-NFS 2 Timothy 4:19 N-AFS Strong's Greek 4251 |
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