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Λίνος (Linos)

Linos

Linus

G3044 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The name Linos refers to a specific individual mentioned only once in the New Testament, in Paul’s final letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:21). In this brief greeting, Paul identifies him as a fellow Christian who is with the apostle at the end of his life. The sources indicate that early tradition held Linus to be the first bishop of Rome after the apostles, though the biblical text itself offers no such title or office.

While the name appears in classical literature as the figure of a mythical minstrel or a mournful song, its usage here is strictly personal. It serves as a simple identifier for a companion in ministry, grounding the theological weight of Paul’s closing words in the reality of human fellowship and shared faith.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Linus appears in only one verse of Scripture, tucked into Paul’s final letter to Timothy. In 2 Timothy 4:21, Paul sends greetings from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers. This brief mention grounds the apostle’s urgent warnings about his impending death in the reality of human fellowship. It reminds us that faith is not lived in isolation but within a community of believers who stand together.

While early church tradition later identified Linus as the first bishop of Rome, the biblical text itself offers no such title or office. The Scripture simply presents him as a companion in ministry, a fellow Christian sharing in the work of the gospel. This humble reference highlights the value of every believer who supports others in their journey.

For your faith, this word invites you to appreciate the quiet presence of those who walk alongside you. Whether you know them by name or not, these fellow believers are part of the same body as you. Their support strengthens the church and reflects God’s love in tangible ways.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Linus1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Λίνος1×

Key Verses

  • II Timothy 4:21
    Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

    This occurrence matters because it lists Linus among Paul's close companions, showing that even at the end of his life, the apostle valued human connection and shared ministry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Linus in the Bible?

Linus is a specific individual mentioned only once in the New Testament. He appears in 2 Timothy 4:21, where Paul sends greetings from him along with other companions like Eubulus and Claudia.

Was Linus the first bishop of Rome?

Early church tradition later held that Linus was the first bishop of Rome after the apostles. However, the biblical text itself does not assign him this title or office; it simply identifies him as a fellow Christian and companion of Paul.

What does the name Linus mean?

The name Linus is of Greek origin and may relate to linen or a type of flax. In classical literature, it was sometimes associated with a mythical minstrel, but in the Bible, it serves only as a personal identifier for a believer.

Why is Linus important to understand?

Linus reminds us that Christian faith is lived out in community. His mention shows that even apostles like Paul relied on and valued the support of other believers, highlighting the importance of fellowship in the church.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

II Timothy 1 verse
II Timothy 4:21

Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.