4504. Rhouphos

Lexicon

Rhouphos: Rufus

Original Word: Ῥοῦφος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Rhouphos
Pronunciation: HROO-fos
Phonetic Spelling: (hroo'-fos)
Definition: Rufus
Meaning: Rufus, a Christian man in Rome, probably to be identified with the brother of Alexander and son of Simon of Cyrene.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Rufus.

Of Latin origin; red; Rufus, a Christian -- Rufus.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of Latin origin
Definition
"red," Rufus, a Christian at Rome
NASB Translation
Rufus (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4504: Ῥοῦφος

Ῥοῦφος, Ῥούφου. ὁ, Rufus (i. e. 'red', 'reddish'), a Latin proper name of a certain Christian: Mark 15:21; Romans 16:13. (B. D. under the word .)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from Latin "Rufus," meaning "red" or "reddish."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Hebrew equivalents for the Greek name Rufus, as it is of Latin origin and used specifically in the context of the New Testament. However, the concept of naming and personal identity can be explored through various Hebrew names and their meanings in the Old Testament.

Usage: The name Rufus appears in the New Testament as a Christian in Rome, greeted by the Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Romans.

Context: Rufus is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the early Christian community. The Apostle Paul sends greetings to Rufus in Romans 16:13, where he writes, "Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well" (BSB). This reference suggests that Rufus was a prominent member of the Roman church and that his family had a close relationship with Paul.

The identity of Rufus is further speculated upon due to a possible connection with Mark 15:21, where Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus, is described as the father of Alexander and Rufus. While it is not definitively established that this Rufus is the same individual mentioned in Romans, the possibility is considered by some scholars, suggesting a link between the early Christian communities in Jerusalem and Rome.

Rufus's mention in Romans highlights the personal nature of Paul's letters and the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities. His mother is also noted for her nurturing role towards Paul, indicating the familial bonds that were formed among believers.

Forms and Transliterations

Ρουφον Ῥοῦφον Ρουφου Ῥούφου Rhouphon Rhoûphon Rhouphou Rhoúphou Rouphon Rouphou

Englishman's Concordance

Mark 15:21 N-GMS
GRK: Ἀλεξάνδρου καὶ Ῥούφου ἵνα ἄρῃ
NAS: of Alexander and Rufus), to bear
KJV: of Alexander and Rufus, to bear
INT: of Alexander and Rufus that he might carry

Romans 16:13 N-AMS
GRK: ἀσπάσασθε Ῥοῦφον τὸν ἐκλεκτὸν
NAS: Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord,
KJV: Salute Rufus chosen in
INT: greet Rufus the chosen

Strong's Greek 4504
2 Occurrences

Ῥοῦφον — 1 Occ.
Ῥούφου — 1 Occ.