Ἐπαφρᾶς (Epaphras)
Epaphras
Epaphras
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Epaphras is the name of a Christian leader mentioned in three New Testament passages: Colossians 1:7, Colossians 4:12, and Philemon verse 23. The sources identify him as a man who was imprisoned with the Apostle Paul in Rome, yet his primary role described in Scripture is that of a minister for the church at Colossae.
The name itself means "lovely" or "gracious," derived from a Greek root suggesting favor or charm. This etymology fits his biblical portrait, where Paul describes him as a faithful minister and a fellow prisoner, highlighting his personal dedication to the faith community he served.
Although the text provides no detailed biography, the repeated mention of Epaphras underscores the importance of local church leadership in the early Christian movement. His presence alongside Paul in captivity illustrates the personal cost and close bonds that characterized the spread of the gospel during that period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Epaphras means 'lovely' or 'gracious,' a fitting title for the man Paul describes as a faithful servant who prayed constantly for the Colossian church. His life shows us that spiritual leadership is not about status but about humble, persistent love. He stood with Paul in prison, proving that true ministry often involves personal sacrifice and shared suffering.
When we read of his prayers, we see a model for how to care for others: striving so they might stand complete in God’s will. This word reminds us that behind every strong church is someone quietly interceding. It encourages us to value the unseen labor of those who serve in our communities.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Epaphras3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἐπαφρᾶς2×
- Ἐπαφρᾶ1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
This verse highlights Epaphras’s active spiritual warfare, showing his dedication to the maturity of believers through persistent prayer.
-
Philemon 1:23
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
Here Paul identifies Epaphras as a fellow prisoner, emphasizing the personal cost and solidarity involved in spreading the gospel.
-
Colossians 1:7
even as you learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on your behalf,
Paul calls him a beloved fellow servant, establishing his role as the primary teacher and leader for the Colossian congregation.