Ἀμπλίας (Amplias)
Amplias
Ampliatus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Amplias appears only once in the New Testament, listed among those greeting Paul in Romans 16:8. It is a Greek transliteration of the Latin name Ampliatus, which Thayer’s Lexicon notes means "large" or "enlarged." This was a common practice for freedmen in the Roman Empire, where a former slave would take the nomen (family name) of their master.
Its presence in Paul’s letter suggests that the early Christian community in Rome included people from various social strata, potentially even those connected to the imperial household as Dodson’s Lexicon suggests. The name itself serves as a quiet marker of the gospel’s reach into everyday life and social structures of the first century.
While the text provides no further details about Amplias’s personal faith or role, his inclusion in the greeting highlights the diversity of the early church. It reminds readers that the Christian community was not limited to a single class but encompassed individuals from different backgrounds, all united in their connection to Paul and Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Amplias is a name that reminds us the gospel crosses every social boundary. In the first century, this Latin name often belonged to someone who had been freed from slavery and took their former master’s family name. Paul includes him in a list of greetings in Romans 16:8, calling him beloved in the Lord. This simple mention shows that early Christians came from all walks of life, united by faith rather than status.
When you read this greeting, it is easy to feel connected to that first-century community. Amplias may have worked alongside others in Rome, sharing meals and prayers with people from different backgrounds. His presence in Scripture encourages us to value every believer, regardless of their past or social standing. The church has always been a place where diverse lives meet in Christ.
This word invites us to see the breadth of God’s grace. It is not about our own achievements but about being part of a larger family. As you reflect on Amplias, consider how your own community reflects this unity. May you find comfort in knowing that your place in the church is secure and valued.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ampliatus1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀμπλιᾶτον1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 16:8
Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.
This verse uniquely identifies Amplias as 'beloved in the Lord,' highlighting his personal connection to Paul and the early Christian community without further biographical detail.