Κρίσπος (Krispos)
Krispos
Crispus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Krispos means "curled," likely referring to curly hair. In the New Testament, it identifies a specific historical figure: Crispus, the ruler of the Jewish synagogue in Corinth. He appears in only two verses, both highlighting his conversion under the ministry of the Apostle Paul.
Acts 18:8 records that Crispus believed in the Lord along with his entire household, marking him as a prominent early convert in the city. Later, in 1 Corinthians 1:14, Paul mentions having baptized Crispus, distinguishing this personal act from the broader preaching mission. The brevity of these references underscores the significance of his role as an initial leader to embrace the Christian message in Corinth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Crispus means "curled," likely describing his hair, but his story in Scripture is about something far deeper than appearance. He was the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth, a position of significant influence and respect within the Jewish community. When Paul arrived in the city to preach, it was this leader who first opened his heart to the gospel.
Acts 18:8 tells us that Crispus believed in the Lord along with his entire household. This moment marks a turning point for the early church in Corinth. It shows how the message of Jesus can cross social and religious boundaries, reaching those in positions of authority. His conversion likely encouraged others to listen as well.
Later, Paul mentions him in 1 Corinthians 1:14, noting that he personally baptized Crispus. This small detail highlights the personal nature of early Christian ministry. It reminds us that faith is not just a public declaration but involves real relationships and individual steps of trust. We can find hope in knowing that God uses ordinary people to start new movements.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Crispus2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Κρίσπος1×
- Κρίσπον1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 18:8
Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized.
This verse highlights Crispus's role as a prominent synagogue leader whose belief, along with his household, marked a significant early breakthrough for the gospel in Corinth.
-
I Corinthians 1:14
I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
Paul specifically mentions baptizing Crispus to emphasize that his ministry focused on Christ rather than the identity of the human leader who performed the baptism.