Ἰουλία (Ioulia)
Ioulia
Julia
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Ioulia, rendered as Julia in English, appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Romans 16:15. It is a feminine proper noun derived from the Roman gens Julia, meaning "soft-haired" or downy, reflecting a common naming convention in ancient Rome that often described physical traits.
Paul includes this woman among those who greet the Roman believers, noting that she and her household belong to him. While the text does not detail her specific role, historical context suggests she may have been connected to the imperial household, either as a slave or a freedwoman, given the prominence of the Julia family in that sphere.
This single mention highlights the diverse social makeup of the early church, where individuals from various backgrounds united in faith. The inclusion of her name serves as a reminder of the personal connections Paul maintained with believers across the Roman Empire, extending beyond his well-known correspondence to include these individual members of the community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read Romans 16, we often focus on the apostolic authority of Paul or the theological depth of his letter to Rome. Yet in verse 15, he simply greets Philologus and Julia, along with Nereus, his sister, and Olympas. This brief mention reminds us that the early church was not a monolith of elites, but a gathering of ordinary people from many walks of life.
Julia’s name connects her to the prominent Roman family of the Julii, suggesting she may have had ties to the imperial household or at least moved in circles where such connections mattered. Her presence shows that faith crossed social boundaries, uniting slaves, freedpeople, and those with status in one body.
For you, this is a comfort. Your name matters to God just as much as any famous figure’s. The gospel does not require a high social standing or a grand title; it welcomes everyone who belongs to Christ. In your daily life, you are part of this same diverse family, valued for who you are in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Julia,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰουλίαν,1×
Key Verses
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Romans 16:15
Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
This verse lists Julia among those greeting the Roman believers, highlighting her inclusion in Paul’s personal network and the diverse social makeup of the early church.