Ἀρίσταρχος (Aristarchos)
Aristarchos
Aristarchus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Aristarchus is a proper name meaning "best ruler," derived from Greek roots for excellence and leadership. He appears five times in the New Testament, identified as a Christian from Thessalonica who traveled with the Apostle Paul.
His presence in Acts highlights his close association with Paul’s ministry during the third missionary journey (Acts 19:29; 20:4) and his dangerous companionship on the sea voyage to Rome (Acts 27:2). Later, Paul lists him as a fellow prisoner and coworker in Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24, indicating a deep bond forged through shared hardship and service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Aristarchus was a man of quiet loyalty who stood beside Paul through storms both physical and spiritual. His name means "best ruler," yet his story shows that true leadership in the early church often looked like faithful companionship rather than public acclaim. He traveled from Thessalonica to Asia, faced mob violence in Ephesus, and endured a perilous sea voyage to Rome alongside the Apostle.
This word reminds us that Christian ministry is rarely a solo endeavor. When Paul called Aristarchus his "fellow prisoner" in Colossians 4:10, he highlighted a bond forged in shared hardship. Such relationships provide strength when the path becomes difficult, showing that we are designed to carry burdens together rather than alone.
May you find friends who stand with you in both joy and trial, reflecting this same steadfast love. Trust that God places faithful companions on your road, ready to walk with you through whatever lies ahead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Aristarchus4×
- Aristarchus,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀρίσταρχος2×
- Ἀρίσταρχος,1×
- Ἀρίσταρχον1×
- Ἀριστάρχου1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:2
Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica being with us.
This verse highlights Aristarchus's physical presence during the dangerous voyage to Rome, showing his willingness to share Paul's perilous journey.
-
Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions, “if he comes to you, receive him”),
Paul identifies him as a "fellow prisoner," emphasizing that their shared suffering created a deep spiritual bond beyond mere friendship.
-
Acts 19:29
The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel.
Here Aristarchus is seized by the mob in Ephesus, illustrating the immediate physical danger his close association with Paul entailed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Aristarchus in the Bible?
What does the name Aristarchus mean?
Why is Aristarchus called a fellow prisoner?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 3 books)
Acts 3 verses
The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and…
Acts 20:4These accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea, Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, Gaius of Derbe,…
Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus,…